FINCHforum

Hi all.

Its our first time in breeding blue-faced parrot finches. On Thursday one of the six eggs laid hatched. The nestling was being kept warm by both patents. However Saturday coming into the room to check up on the birds we noticed that the baby was not in the nest. We thought perhaps the parents had thrown the baby out of the nest but we couldnt find him in the cage or on the floor. All we found was a bit of rib cage and a head!! I'm shocked! There's no evidence of rodent droppings. Does this mean the parrot finches have killed and eaten the nestling? Will they do it again? Any advice will be gratefully received. Thanks

Red_Panda

This does sound like cannibalism; if not caused by nutrient deficiency or stress, it could be a habit. I have a society finch that once ate several eggs and hatchlings; she was getting enough protein, calcium, etc, so I'm unsure why she did it. Later I had to put her in with some society finches with nestlings (too risky for my liking), and she helped raise them. So just because your birds eat babies once doesn't mean they always will.

Where is the nest located? If it is outdoors, a skink could have gotten it; however, reptlies tend to eat almost all of their prey. Mice and rats may not leave droppings if they only stay shortly.

So thanks for your reply. It's an indoor aviary. We will try again and keep a closer eye on them. We're just a little in shock!

Red_Panda

I would make double sure to offer as much protein as possible.

Hard boiled eggs, mixed with crushed freeze dried mealworms, and live food, such as mealworms and flightless fruitflies.

In many cases you will see this behavior when there is a lack of protein in the diet.

Sorry this happened to your baby

lovezebs Thank you so much for the advice. Will definitely up the protein. Thank you once again.

Red_Panda

You are most welcome.

My Red head PF, loves, LOVES egg food and mealworms.

Is there any other bird in the aviary with them?

Ricardo Ronsini No there are only two blue faced parrots in the cage. One female and one male.

It probably was the parents then.

The problem is when this behavior becomes a habit.

Also one other thing to consider. If only 1 of the 6 eggs hatched, then it could also be the cock bird stimulating the hen to breed again. They will sometimes abandon a nest with only one young in the nest. Granted mine usually just abandon to start a new nest, but if you only had one nest up perhaps they threw the baby out to rebuild?

The cannibalism is a problem though as others have mentioned. If it happens again, then maybe remove the male after the babies hatch and see if the hen can continue to raise the young alone.