First Clutch

bonnies_gouldians · Post by **bonnies_gouldians** » Thu Dec 18, 2008 9:57 pm

My green backed lady gouldian finches laid their first egg on Dec 3rd but didnt really start incubating until the 12th or so. At least one of the three eggs appears to be swelling, is this normal? We have not seen the male leave the nest in days. I see mom out and about only a few times during the day and they both sleep in the nest box at night. When should I pull the eggs if they don't hatch? I am concerned that trying to mess with the eggs will cause them to abandon the nest and my societies are settling into a new, bigger cage so I dont think they will take over care duties at this point.

Trying to decide if I should pull the eggs or give them another week or so. I think the pair get the idea of sitting on the clutch so if the eggs were bad I am sure they would start a new clutch soon, its just that one egg that seems to be getting bigger that is making me have hope. I know that in reptiles if the eggs dont swell they are bad or infertile, is it the same in birds? Are they supposed to grow bigger before the hatchlings pop out?

GOULDYGIRL · Post by **GOULDYGIRL** » Thu Dec 18, 2008 10:07 pm

I say first of all, lucky you, lol and although I've only had zebra's breed years ago, you seem off to a good start and I'd leave them alone for a bit. Sounds like something is definetly going on and the parents are spending a lot of time in the nest so I would hold off and wait and see before making any rash decisions. Sounds like at least one egg is fertile and I would wait a bit to remove the other two and just let nature take it's course, plus I'd be afraid to remove to soon and scare them from taking care of the one that could be fertile.

Renee

L in Ontario · Post by **L in Ontario** » Fri Dec 19, 2008 9:14 am

Hi, Congrats on the eggs and birds sitting on them! That's a big first step. Like Renee, I too would leave them for another week. And while bird eggs don't get bigger they do change colour a little so perhaps that might make them appear a little bigger. Good luck.

bonnies_gouldians · Post by **bonnies_gouldians** » Fri Dec 19, 2008 10:25 am

Thanks Renee and Liz, I will give it until after christmas, maybe I will have the best gift of all

FeatherHarp · Post by **FeatherHarp** » Sun Dec 21, 2008 4:39 pm

How exciting for you! Here's hoping you will have a nice surprise after Christmas!