Concerned about female zebra finch

jemma65 · Post by **jemma65** » Thu Apr 23, 2009 12:44 pm

Prudence is about a little over a year old. She did successfully lay eggs about six months ago. Two did hatch, none survived.

She has laid about 15 eggs in about a month. Now she's begun eating some of them. She now is missing feathers on the underside, going toward her vent. She also has a wet vent. She appears otherwise fine behaviorally, but I'm concerned. How do I prevent her from laying any more eggs? I think it's going to deplete her and I worry about eggbinding. She periodically sits on the clutch, but she and her mate throw the nesting material into their drinking water, or their bird bath.

I don't know what to think.

L in Ontario · Post by **L in Ontario** » Thu Apr 23, 2009 1:15 pm

Simple solution for you and Prudence... remove the nest!

Seriously - they don't need a nest to be happy and healthy/healthier birds.

Also - what kind of food are you offering her? Too much greens can lead to wetter feces and/or diaharrea.

Littlemissfinch · Post by **Littlemissfinch** » Thu Apr 23, 2009 11:38 pm

remove the nest and nesting material!if she is eating the eggs she may need the protein! she may be plucking her feathers for the nest, but if its that far back... it may be she is motling.keep us posted on her situation!

good luck

jemma65 · Post by **jemma65** » Tue Apr 28, 2009 10:44 am

Thank you, everyone for all of your suggestions. Prudence seems to be improving. I took out the nest and have scaled back the greens in her diet. Added egg bread. Her vent is no longer wet, thankfully.

L in Ontario · Post by **L in Ontario** » Tue Apr 28, 2009 12:52 pm

Wow - That's GREAT to hear!! Got any pics?

summert85 · Post by **summert85** » Tue Apr 28, 2009 8:16 pm

I'm glad to hear that she is doing a lot better.

post some pics soon.

FINCHforum

Concerned about female zebra finch

Concerned about female zebra finch

thanks!