ulmer@plains.NoDak.edu (Saltine Cracker) (08/31/90)
I have 2 cockatiels and last spring they had 2 chicks in a standard breeding box with nesting hair for parakeets which the pet store lady recommended. however I had read elsewhere to supply nothing except the bare bottom. They laid eggs about 2 weeks later and 2 of the 4 eggs ever hatched. The first chick died after seven days and the second after only 2. I observed the female abusing the older chick once or twice. The birds never laid eggs again. Whats the scoop? do they only breed during the spring or just when they're not moulting? I'm planning to hand raise the next set of chicks myself with exception of one to see if shes the problem or if they're just sickly type eggs. suggestions anyone?
ooblick@intercon.com (Mikki Barry) (09/01/90)
Your plan to hand raise the next batch seems to be a good one. Sometimes a first breeding with an inexperienced hen may lead to some chick abuse. Often, the first clutch contains many infertile eggs, which may account for the fact that only two of four hatched. The hen may be too young and inexperienced to properly care for the clutch. OR, the chicks may have been defective in some way, causing her to actively kill them, or just let them die by lack of care. If they were "meant to die", you will find out by hand raising, since your efforts will have been in vain. If not, and its inexperience, you should have some healthy chicks. Mikki Barry