Need advice, runt gouldian baby

[finchman]

Ok, I have a set of four societies with 6 gouldian eggs that are fertile and about to hatch. The thing is, the eggs were under the original parents for the first few days of incubation. They began incubating at night when there were 4 eggs. So, eggs 5 and 6 will be behind the others and I know that means they will be smaller and less likely to make it. I do have another pair of societies that I have had 4 fake eggs under for just under a week. Should I move the last 2 eggs to the other pair to give them a better chance? Will the societies notice the eggs are hatching too early? Or should I just leave them with the 4 societies and take my chances?

[debbie276]

Society's wean earlier then gouldians so you may run into a problem when they try to wean the older ones early. The younger ones may be way to young for weaning. How much time is between the eggs? If it was 4 began incubation and 5 and 6 were added (one a day) there may not be such an issue as a week or two behind the first ones.

Hopefully your gouldians get it together for the next go round so you don't have to foster
good luck

[finchman]

Just 2 days from 1st egg to last I'm guessing

[paul-inAZ]

the word "runt" implies smaller and weaker than it's litter mates.
Just being last born but of normal newborn size and vigor may make it temporarily smaller but they catch up amazingly quickly.
Maybe with a very large clutch the last born may not get as much food and fail to thrive but in most cases there is no problem.
I'd bet it will do just fine if momma nature is left to take her course.

[debbie276]

2 days is not a big deal, they do catch up fast.
I would let it ride out.
Good luck, keep us posted