They abandoned the first clutch. Now what?

[StephOnIt]

Hey guys so I had mentioned before that my pair of zebras laid 3 perfect little eggs, and then seemingly out of nowhere abandoned them. I left them in there as per your instructions and it has been a little over a week. The behavior didn't change though. They continued to leave the nest all day and come back only at night, this is in contrast to how they were in the beginning where they were always sitting in there.

Today however I noticed the male taking nesting material into the nest again, and they were spending more time in the nest than before. It looked like to me like they may be getting ready to try again. I took out the eggs today for the first time and candled them. From the pictures I've seen on the internet, it looked like one of the eggs wasn't fertilized at all, and the other two had tiny specks of red but no veins.

Do you guys think I should just leave the nest in there (eggless) or take it out altogether and make them wait? I mean other than the whole abandonment thing they've been great. They eat and drink and bathe regularly. Attack the grit and cuttlebone and boiled egg with gusto. I've even started to realize why zebras have the reputation they have. I give them free flight and the male comes to fight with me about every 30 minutes, buzzing near my head.

Things that Possibly Went Wrong

So maybe they just decided to leave that first clutch out of the blue. But I've been wondering if maybe they being in my room disturbed them? I mean they seem to be very focused on getting me out of "their" space when they have free flight. Also I was away over Christmas (before this they had been sitting tight) and when I came back I realized it had gotten pretty cold as the heat was off, and I did give them a fright when I went to change their food.

Do you think they (and by extension me) would be better off on the clutch issues if I put them in their own room? I have really enjoyed watching their antics but I'm not sure if I'm disturbing them too much as they seem to like to antagonize me .

I appreciate any advice!

[Spreckles]

WOW considering zebra's are the "rabbits" of the finch kingdom I have no idea! Toss the duds and let them go again yo will have lots of zebra babies. If you like them with you maybe just get them used to you more? I don't know how I would feel having an attack bird coming after me. I was delighted to see you post! sorry it is with trouble. I am sure the experts will weigh in soon. Happy New Year!

[lovezebs]

StephOnIt

Happy New Year!

Sorry to hear that your first clutch didn't work out .

This was their first clutch, so look at it as a practice run. I always say, better for them to abandon the eggs, rather than the hatchlings (which I find much more disturbing).

If you want them to try again, then clean out the nest, and hang it up again (offering nesting materials).

If you decide not to breed, then take the nest out (it's as simple as that).

I really have my doubts that they abandoned their eggs because they are in your room. Zebras, really don't care if they are in a room with people or not. (My guys, are in a busy kitchen, with constant comings and goings), and they would breed like jack rabbits, if I offered them nests.

If I were you, and I wanted them to breed, I wouldn't offer free flight while they are on eggs. Being in the cage, then being let out, then back in the cage, can serve as a big distraction. I think that it confuses them, not knowing if they need to protect the nest, the cage, the whole room.... Do you see what I mean?

This is just my opinion

[StephOnIt]

lovezebs Spreckles


Thanks so much for your advice! I agree with you, I think giving them the free flight might have spoiled it! I'll have to hold back on wanting to spoil them.

As far as cleaning the nest out, is that absolutely necessary? I only ask because she seems to be laying in it already and I'm not sure if that would disrupt the process as it took them a while to build it in the first place.

Thanks!


And Happy New Year to both of you!!! Hope you guys have a fabulous year

[lovezebs]

StephOnIt

If your girl is already laying eggs, than definitely no nest cleaning !

Good luck with clutch # 2

[StephOnIt]

Thank you so much Elana. I'm going to keep my fingers crossed. I haven't noticed any breeding lately, but maybe they'll get to it soon.

It's gonna be a rough go of it next several weeks with no free flight haha, they've gotten quite demanding about their time out.

[Spreckles]

We warned you they have strong personalities! they are really cute birds. They will be alright. Get them used to you they are new to the home and to you. It is all new. If you read some other threads about Zebras mating and raising young you will laugh. i read tonight someone said they would lay eggs in your pockets if you stood still long enough. I think Elana is right about the distractions. You haven't had your birds very long at all. My new hens are just now becoming more accepting of my presence, my hand in the cage etc...at least they aren't in sheer terror at the sight of me. They are more docile birds but the male chasing you in attack mode spoke to me. Reducing their territory is a great idea. They are a territorial bird. You ought to have babies in short order! Then what are you going to do? Are you keeping them finding homes? Separating your girls and boys? So many questions right? I am asking the same thing. If my eggs are fertile and we actually make it to living breathing feathered baby birdies I am keeping them ALL!!!!! WHOOP WHOOP

[StephOnIt]

Spreckles

Yes, you know they really do like making a nuisance of themselves It always seemed to me like he was doing it to put on a show for his girl, it's so cute to see how much they have bonded. She preens his face daily and follows him around like a love sick girl, and in the beginning it was him chasing her around. I guess thats life

I was sooo disappointed about the first three eggs. They are sooo cute and perfect looking. I haven't even thrown them out yet, I kind of want to show them to my mom before I do, I'm so proud of them. I fear I'm becoming quite the looney toon.

Well starting tonight they will be under confinement and just have to deal. As far as what I'm going to do with any babies, provided I get to be a grandma, the original plan was to place them with friends or even sell them to a really big breeder near me. But honestly, initially my mom was not pleased at all I brought them home, but the old girl has come around (as I knew she would) and finds my antics with them just as entertaining as I find them. My dad is quite handy and we have tons of space in the backyard with fruit trees etc. I wonder if I can make persuade him to build me an aviary since it's warm here year round.

Guess I'll just have to wait and see!

[lovezebs]

StephOnIt

[erine]

StephOnIt I'm always so jealous of you southern people who have nice enough weather for outdoor birds. Good luck. I'm sure you'll be a Grandma soon!