Fostering Gouldian chicks

[danaday]

Hi Everyone

So my two chicks that were born a few days ago, the parents abandon them. All the infertile eggs got tossed out. And they stopped feeding these two chicks. I think they or one of them is a first time parent? I've never foster before. I don't have societies or any other types of finches. And I believe in parent raised chicks. And I definitely don't have time or formula to hand rear. I have another pair of gouldians that have 4 just about 8 days old chick....I decided to put the two in the best with them. To my surprise I don't think they noticed and did feed the two chicks along with theirs. My main question or will be problem is...do you think it'll turn out ok? The week difference in hatching puts the two new ones so tiny compare to the other four? I'm kind of worried that they can't compete with the older four?

[debbie276]

Very difficult decision but I think it's your best option if you want to save the chicks. The smaller ones may have difficulty competing but if you can find time to supplement, when you can, with formula they will have a much better chance.

best of luck and please keep us posted

[ac12]

The difficulty will come when the larger chicks start to out compete the smaller ones to be fed. Sometimes they will climb on the smaller ones, and prevent the smaller ones from begging, or getting fed. It will depend on the parents/foster to feed the smaller ones, and not just the ones that beg most/loudest. Life can be cruel.

fingers crossed

[Babs _Owner]

danaday

On the bright side, you do have a very good gouldian pair taking care of those babies in the picture. The fact that they still feed little quieter ones, as well as the larger loud babies shows how very committed they are to rearing their young.

[GouldianGuy]

danaday

On the bright side, you do have a very good gouldian pair taking care of those babies in the picture. The fact that they still feed little quieter ones, as well as the larger loud babies shows how very committed they are to rearing their young.

Agree with the above. They sound like star parents. They should be paired together each year as it sounds like they have their act together!

[wilkifam]

Agree with Debbie, Supplement them once in a while if you can. That will help. Hopefully when the others fledge, they will keep feeding the smaller chicks.

[slwatson]

danaday

I had a similar situation but I didn't have near as many chicks. I had a pair that tossed their three and there were only two alive when I found them. I added them with a foster gouldian pair who were raising their own two, and there was at least a week different between them. They all ended up doing great! I've got my fingers crossed that it will work for you

[Sally]

danaday What good parents these two are, you can see the seed in the crops of the littlest ones. You've gotten good advice already from others, I just wanted to wish you good luck! The original parents may have given up on such a small clutch, birds will do that sometimes with clutches of only one or two.

[danaday]

Thanks everyone for the advice and kind wishes! So far they are doing great! They are tiny still compared to the older 4 but they are being fed. Which is the important thing. I guess I can consider myself lucky that this pair is parenting so well! My fingers are crossed and hoping the 2 little ones make it to fledging state! I'll be sure to keep you all posted!

[danaday]

Pics from today

[Babs _Owner]

danaday

Oh boy! The parents are doing a great job!! I am happy to see the older chicks haven't stomped down the little ones. Everyone seems to be behaving politely!! Keeping my fingers crossed!! Keep us posted.

[Sally]

danaday What great parents! Those little ones look like they are holding their own, even though they are so much smaller.

[ac12]

yay

[Babs _Owner]

danaday

Do I see 3 bluebacks as well? The little ones and the large middle guy?

[danaday]

Babs

I don't think there are any blues. Just split to blue. Unless the dad carries split to blue gene.