My zebbies' nest problem

[David]

Hi everyone, I recently posted forum on board for my sibling zebra finches breed accidentally and had some babies, which still in nest now and the ( parents ) feeding them by take turn. I want to check the nest, but since I offered 2 in this cage: 1 of the nest looks like this one-
http://www.petsmart.com/product/index.j ... lInUS%2FNo

And 2nd one I was just putting there for fun, indeed they had a clutch of babies inside of this, see pic below:/

So I want to see how the babies doing inside, but I don't want put my hand inside hurt them without seeing from outside of this folding-box. The thing is I really don't want there will be a surprise 2nd clutch coming up after this one; what can I do now? I cannot move it to the canary nest ( like the link above ) since the parents may abandon the babies in your situation what are you going to do? I heard babies begging and saw parents fed them from the outside of the box hole, but only part of parents' head and I regret did this long-hallway-like box for them
Since they loved playing inside and outside of it but now...first clutch babies inside, I guess more than 2-3 because from what I heard when feeding time from parents. please give me some suggestions? I really appreciated and thanks in advance.

[breeze]

I'm a newbee here, but if it was me, I would just leave it alone and let them be. Like you said, there is a chance the parents will abandon the babies. I wouldn't want that to happen.

[cindy]

I suggest not putting your hand in the box or disturbing them. If you hear begging inside after the parents eat and go up to feed and the begging is louder day by day it means the clutch is growing up well. Chance of you loosing some of the very young is always a possibility but zebras generally feed their young well. Once all the young fledge, remove ALL nest boxes, nest since the parents are siblings.

Any eggs that they lay under the 1st clutch you will have to decide if you will let them raise them...personally I would not since your parents are sister brother.

[David]

Hi Cindy!
Good to see your reply, I was just worrying because in case if anything bad happen and I cannot touch it. For example if one of the babies died and inside which will make the air poisoned and also pass it to the other babies/parents as well I didn't touch it at all, just heard little louder begging sounds these days I hope they are doing well til fledgling. By the way do you think (I assume if there are more eggs inside -2nd clutch) the eggs will hatch before the first clutch (current babies) get into fledge stage? Because I REALLY don't want more to be born since they are siblings thanks in advance!

[fhgwgads]

David I agree with cindy about removing all the nests. Zebra finches are prolific breeders and seem to have babies any chance they get anywhere, anyhow. I had an accidental clutch by leaving a nest too long and ended up with an additional four babies after a single one had fledged. They do not need nests to sleep, and if the are actively in and out of the nest usually they are planning on breeding. Even without a nest they might try to. My birds are currently laying eggs in their food bowls (one of them has even made several attempts to build a nest in the water bowl) or on the bottom of the cage and will try to use anything and everything for nesting material. It's best to not offer it. Siblings should also be separated by sex to prevent breeding. Any babies born of siblings should not be breed either to prevent issues.

[fhgwgads]

David also I would suggest leaving them be for now until the babies fledge. If one of the babies dies in the nest the parents will likely toss it. It shouldn't cause any problems with the other babies. I have had babies die in the nest before and it didn't kill the others. I am fairly sure they will be ok on their own and it's best not to intervene unless it's a situation where the babies have been abandoned or are being abused.

[David]

Ashley,
Thanks for your reply, I will try not provide nest for my fiches. I made mistake since I had the few clutches from original parents(not siblings) by provided then nests. Even the babies after they fledged that's why I think the hens lay too many eggs, all of them are separated from the males since don't want them inbreed. Just an incidents for this 2 sibling finches I will make sure to take out all the nest materials after the babies fledge this time, I hope no more babies born after these fledgling. Will keep you updated here.