FINCHforum

We have two terrific zebras that recently hatched a clutch. The fledglings have just started eating on their own and sleeping outside the nest box, so I went to remove the nest and found that there is a new egg in there. They have been given no new nesting material and they are still feeding their babies when they beg loudly enough. It's way too soon for another clutch and I don't want more zebras. Also, I was about to pull the mother out and put her in my all girl aviary. If I take out her nest before she lays a complete clutch, could she become egg bound? She's also begun chasing her babies around and acting territorial about the nest. Your advice is appreciated. Thanks!

Since you don't want more babies right now, I'd take out the nest and toss the egg. If she has been getting a varied diet with lots of calcium, you shouldn't have to worry about egg binding. Just in case, I always keep a small bottle of liquid calcium on hand.

Welcome to the forum! There's lots of good reading at www.finchinfo.com, where you will find many articles on finch care and nutrition. If you put your general location in your profile, it makes it easier to answer locale-specific questions later on.

Thank you for the quick reply. She has been fed a steady diet of egg food since she laid her clutch. She's such a good mommy. I hate to toss her eggs (there are two now) but its too soon for a new clutch. Appreciate your advice!

I ALWAYS remove the nest right after the chick fledge.

No nest, no 2nd clutch for the parents to get distracted with. So their only care is the fledged chicks.