Help with CFW nestlings

[vienneparis]

Thanks Ginene. The 2 fledglings have been very noisy, constantly begging for food. Poor foster mom is busy eating & feeding the kids. I'm concerned that the 2 fledglings will get all her attention & she won't have any energy left for the 2 nestlings. I'm keeping a close eyes on the smaller 2.

On another note, ever since the fledglings came out of the nest, the foster mom has been chasing the foster dad away from the chicks, even though he hasn't shown any aggression toward them. Is it typical for the mom to be chasing the dad away from the chicks?

[afinch]

Oh yes I remember those two! It'll be great watching the little ones color up.

[Ginene]

vienneparis...honestly, I am a bit surprised that she is chasing dad away. Hopefully that is temporary. Is she allowing him near any juvies (nestlings or fledglings)? I think it's great that you're keeping such a close eye on these guys. They sure are keeping you on your toes! Lol! Can you imagine if you left them outside in the aviary??? YEESH...you would be running in and out like a crazy person .

[afinch]

On another note, ever since the fledglings came out of the nest, the foster mom has been chasing the foster dad away from the chicks, even though he hasn't shown any aggression toward them. Is it typical for the mom to be chasing the dad away from the chicks?

My female did the same thing when the first baby came out: http://www.finchforum.com/viewtopic.php ... 21#p345421

[Ginene]

afinch...I'm only surprised because these fosters are societies...Nothing Zebras do surprises me ;)

[vienneparis]

Ginene, I wonder if the f. mom sees the f. dad as potential danger to the fledglings. She's still chasing him away, even though he's trying to feed the fledglings. Strange behavior when they both had cooperated in feeding the chicks when they were in the nest.

My 2 remaining nestlings are doing fine. The smallest one looked like it didn't get much attention from f. mom, so I hand fed him. While I was doing that, the other nestling wanted to eat so I fed him too. They're looking healthy and adorable.

[Ginene]

OMG, vienneparis! They are so precious that I am giggling @ them with tears of joy in my eyes!!! You are doing an extraordinary job with all 4 babies and the fosters . I am still holding out hope that mom will allow dad to commence his feeding duties once again...but I truly have no idea if she will. I guess if you feel she is spending more time chasing dad away then tending to the babies, you might try removing him from the cage. You could also let mom continue feeding the fledges and put dad and the 2 nestlings into a different cage. But this would mean you tending to ANOTHER CAGE !!! Lol!!! Whoever thought 4 teenie tiny babies would cause so much worry and work ;) ??? They are absolutely worth it

[vienneparis]

Ginene
I agree they're well worth the troubles, especially when they're doing well.
The f. mom has settled down a bit and allowed the f. dad to feed the fledglings a couple of times, not often though. She's keeping busy feeding all 4 chicks and doing an awesome job. I really lucked out with her. It's amazing how mother nature weaves in nurturing instincts in these birds

[Ginene]

vienneparis
She is a super mom!!! You must give that little lady an awesome name! She has definitely earned one

[vienneparis]

Ginene
Her name is Momo. Originally, I thought she was a male and so named her after a character in the "Avater, Last Airbender" show. I realized later that she's actually a female, after I saw her mating with a male. I'm so used to thinking of her as Momo so I kept the name. She's been an excellent f mom

[vienneparis]

We have another fledge today. Fledgling no. 3 looks pretty healthy if a bit confused about her surroundings

Hopefully, the parents won't forget about the runt of the clutch still back in the nest.

[Ginene]

LOVE the fledge and Mom's name too . Fingers crossed baby #4 will be joining its siblings soon. They are such adorable, fluffy babies

[vienneparis]

The last chick got lonely in the nest and decided to join her siblings. Here's Fledgling no. 4 exploring her new surroundings

The foster parents have done a wonderful job so far in raising these chicks. I hope they won't get too tired feeding 4 fledglings. I wonder how long it typically take before fledglings become completely independent?

[Ginene]

vienneparis...the Finch Info Center says zebra babies wean around 4 weeks old. You will notice them become curious about millet spray, greens and soft foods. Just be sure they have easy and obvious access to all those goodies and fresh shallow water too.

[vienneparis]

Ginene
They do have easy access to soft food, greens & water. So far, all of the 4 fledglings are being fed by f. mom & f. dad. At least the f. parents have stopped chasing each other away from the chicks.