new egg dilemma....

adiekaty · Post by **adiekaty** » Wed Dec 10, 2008 2:28 pm

Thanks for all the comments about the crested society...
I have decided to wait until the atrium is completed and the weather is warmer here.

Next question... While cleaning the cage a few minutes ago, I noticed a new egg....

The Zeb's have two babies that fledged 2 weeks this Sunday...

Mom, dad and 2 babies are together...What do I do?

Will these current babies be ready for new homes by the time the new babies hatch? Will these babies zap mom of energy needed to care for the new ones? Oh My... This is crazy....Can the babies stay with parents til the others hatch?
I was trying to wait til after the holidays... Guess papa bird had other plans...
Thanks for helping a newbie,
adiekaty

franny · Post by **franny** » Wed Dec 10, 2008 3:54 pm

It isn't uncommon for folks here to let their birds have 2 clutches in a row. It will still be awhile before they start sitting (usually when there are 3 eggs), so you could decide to just toss the eggs and remove the nest.

But if you want to go ahead and let them raise more, I think it would be OK. The babies should be weaned or pretty close to it, by the time these new ones will hatch.

I took the easy route with my GBs.

Just didn't want to be dealing with finding homes for more babies just yet, and didn't want to over work the parents. She had laid 2 eggs after the 4 babies fledged and I tossed them.

L in Ontario · Post by **L in Ontario** » Wed Dec 10, 2008 7:25 pm

Yes it depends on whether you want them (and you) to have more babies. As the first babies have fledged 2 weeks ago - they should be weaned in about another 7 days or so. Even now they do not need the nest to be happy. You can discard the egg and remove the nest if you don't want any more babies. Having said that - it will not tax the hen to have this second clutch.