My cockatiels have been great parents. They are both older than a year, have been very attentive to the eggs, but this morning I found both of them sitting on their favorite perch, preening eachother! I opened the nestbox (the parents are accustomed to me doing this and it has not bothered them) to see if the eggs were still whole and not smashed and they were fine. Daddy came in after that and he is brooding now. The eggs are two weeks old now and I am wondering if I should buy an incubator and pull them. This is their first clutch, as well as mine, so any suggestions or tips will be much appreciated! Thanks!
2007-03-17 06:23:50 · 5 answers · asked by Ariadne 3 in Pets ➔ Birds
To answer your questions: I have homes for all the chicks already, I know hand feeding will take up all my time-I have a friend who is willing to do a "joint custody" thing and help, I have candled the eggs and all six are fertile, I do not have the food or the incubator yet because, as I stated in my origanal question, I wasn't sure if this was necessary, plus the eggs are only 2 weeks old. I work at an animal shelter and I see the repercussions of irresponsable breeding every day. So this was a thought out and planned thing. I even had homes set up for the chicks before I put the nest box up. So yes, I am being responsible! And thank you so much for all of your willingness to help me! I really do appreciate it! Wish me and my birdy family luck and health and happiness!
2007-03-17 08:22:58 · update #1
Of course. The eggs will not cool enough to do any damage.
2007-03-18 03:51:49 · answer #1 · answered by Rev. Two Bears 6 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Perfectly normal. Have you candled the eggs to see if they are developing? Do not pull the eggs unless you plan on hand feeding from day one. This is extremely difficult and will take ALL of your time, day and night.
Have you learned to properly handfeed yet? If not, please go to a vet ASAP with the intent of learning.
Do you have formula and pippets available for emergency feeding?
Do you have a brooder set up and ready to go if it is needed?
What will you do with the chicks when they are weaned?
I have bred cockatiels and you can email me with any questions.
Additional Information:
I'm very glad to hear that you have done your research! I hope for all the best for you and your birds!!!
The last thing you might want to invest in, if you already haven't done so, is a gram scale. The digital kitchen ones work great for weighing birds. I kept a record of my chick's weight to make sure that the parents were feeding correctly. She started out at 4 oz. and gained 2 oz. a day for the first week. I don't have my records any more, but it really helps you know how well they are eating. :)
2007-03-17 14:05:19 · answer #2 · answered by Christie D 5 · 2⤊ 0⤋
Yes it is normal. They have to strech and eat and deficate. Besides the eggs will generally hold heat for about an hour or so until the chicks are developed enough inside them to generate their own heat.
2007-03-18 02:50:28 · answer #3 · answered by wraith w 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋
You don't have to get an incubator, this is totaly normal behaviour. Its just relaxing.
2007-03-17 14:27:33 · answer #4 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
It is tottaly normal. They get outside of the box to relax.
2007-03-17 13:30:39 · answer #5 · answered by SimplyLinh 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋