Expert: Chrys Meatyard - 9/16/2007

Question
The Mother bird started pecking at one of her baby's head and took off the feathers. She did this to 2 other birds before and one died before I could intervene. I ended up taking away her babies and her nesting box. I don't know what to do? I don't know why she does this. The first batch were great but this is the third and I'm concerned.

Answer
Hi, Lea,

I'm sorry for responding late to your question(s).  I was hospitalized and trying to catch up.

If this is her 3d clutch in a short period of time, perhaps you are overbreeding her and this is why she's doing what she's doing.  Also, sometimes parent birds overpreen their babies not realizing what they are doing.  This is why we must keep an eye on what's going on and do exactly what you did and pull the babies for handfeeding, as well as protecting them when problems crop up.

I advise you to allow your pair to rest for about 6 months before allowing them to breed again.  Limit their clutches to about 2 per year for the best results.  Continue handfeeding the babies, wean them, etc., and you should have some tame young budgies.  My website can offer more general information:

www.angelfire.com/falcon/birdinfo/index.html

Chrys