FINCHforum

I had to take Pepper out of the cage that he shared with Salt and the new littles ones, Sugar and Spice. He was plucking and pecking at Salt and plucking the babies. When I cleaned up after them' I could have made another baby bird. Once I separated them, there was chaos in the cages. Pepper clung to the side of the cage and the babies chirped and chirped.

He was getting so agressive and I was afraid he might injure or kill the babies.


Very sad day for them and for me.

Lyn

Lyn I know how you feel. I had to do the same thing with mine. The father was plucking his hen. Then he started plucking his chicks. I think he wants to start a new clutch and he's telling his mate...now's the time. I always wonder why they then go after the chicks...as if to use them as collateral. They'll calm down eventually but it may take a bit of time. After they're completely weaned, you could put him back with his mate and the juveniles in their own cage, provided you don't have another provision for them. If you don't want to start another clutch you can let her lay a few eggs and replace them with duds, plastic eggs. She'll just sit on them and think they're the real thing.

No worries Lyn...as long as the babies are being fed, you are in GREAT shape! I had mom AND dad both attacking their Green Singer baby right after fledging and had to hand feed him until he was fully weaned. It could definitely be much worse. Just enjoy watching your babies grow, and know that mom & dad will be back together again once the babies are weaned and safe

Seems like daddy finch wanted to breed again! This usually happens when the chicks are fledglings and he wants to say good riddance to his chicks! Harsh world for them Good luck with them anyway!