Oct 6, 2011 7:41:27 GMT
Marianne Marlow
Administrator
George, Daisy, Iris, Billy, Peter, Chipper, Dinku, Barney, Ayla and Rocky
Posts: 28,800
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Post by Marianne Marlow on Oct 29, 2017 12:52:12 GMT
The proud parents
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Post by clt80 on Oct 30, 2017 17:22:49 GMT
Shirley and John were 'mating' this morning on a branch.
I DO NOT WANT ANOTHER CLUTCH.
I've read how breeding birds can have multiple clutches one after the other but I presumed they would start again once the current chicks (and egg) have left the nest box and can fend for themselves. My plan if they did this was to then remove the nest box to discourage anymore breeding until they can all go back outside (next spring once weather is better - they've been inside too long to acclimatise with the weather outside now until at least March).
It's too early to remove the nest box now, and John is playing a vital role in feeding Shirley and possibly the babies (he goes in the box a lot) so I am hesitant to remove him.
Any advice?
The fifth egg is still and egg......and the 4 babies all screech and squark like a harem of lunatics until Shirley feeds them.
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Post by Hezz on Oct 30, 2017 20:09:55 GMT
Mating does not necessarily have to produce an egg, skysmum might be able to help me here, but my understanding is that they will not start their second clutch until after all the eggs have hatched. This is the danger time for the chicks as it is when the parent(s) may attack and kill the chicks to make room for the new (potential) clutch.
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Post by skysmum on Oct 30, 2017 20:16:48 GMT
Wow they are keen , they don't usually start until the oldest chick is about to leave the box. Be very vigilant because mum may well start to attack the babies if she starts to lay again. The usual thing for this is to remove the hen but into another room where he can't see her, the male will continue to feed the babies. it's a tricky time and has come a bit soon for you. Fingers crossed she wont start to lay yet.
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Post by clt80 on Oct 30, 2017 20:52:54 GMT
Oh my god, I feel physically sick at the thought.
Thank you - I will keep my eyes on them.
Good god. I don't know what do if Shirley killed the chicks.
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Post by rose on Oct 31, 2017 9:18:35 GMT
Really hope this isn't going to happen ...
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Post by clt80 on Oct 31, 2017 9:27:44 GMT
Feathers are developing on the first chick who is 12 days old now. The look yellow. Maybe they will go green like Shirley. I'm keeping my eye on them as best I can. Worrying whilst I am out at work though!
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Post by Hezz on Oct 31, 2017 9:45:12 GMT
Sweet!!!
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Post by jellybean on Oct 31, 2017 9:59:34 GMT
What an absolute joy it must be to watch these little ones. Are you planning to keep them clt80.
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Post by clt80 on Oct 31, 2017 10:49:31 GMT
Yes, I couldn't give them away or sell them. I'd spend the rest of my life worrying how they would be looked after.
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Oct 6, 2011 7:41:27 GMT
Marianne Marlow
Administrator
George, Daisy, Iris, Billy, Peter, Chipper, Dinku, Barney, Ayla and Rocky
Posts: 28,800
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Post by Marianne Marlow on Oct 31, 2017 10:55:45 GMT
Wow, they are so lovely and pink, and slightly feathery
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Post by clt80 on Oct 31, 2017 13:51:14 GMT
Can you see the little young one at the front, huddled in?
Reminds me of an American football game with the players huddled together talking tactics!!!
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Post by Shirls on Oct 31, 2017 15:12:09 GMT
You would think they would suffocate wouldn't you? So sweet, feathers on the way now!!!
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Post by skysmum on Oct 31, 2017 15:43:56 GMT
That's so adorable , as you say you can see the yellow coming through already on the oldest one. You could possibly get some yellow dominant pied's with the colour's of mum and dad Yep that picture took me straight to Sunday mornings watching my grandson, in a scrum, on the rugby pitch
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Post by clt80 on Oct 31, 2017 16:09:47 GMT
Talking of a rugby scrum, the egg is usually in the middle somewhere.....!
I have a feeling it isn't going to hatch. Saying that though there has been no rhyme or reason to the others:
!st Egg laid 29 Sept - hatched 20 Oct : 22 days incubated inc.
2nd Egg laid between 2-4 Oct - hatched 24 Oct: 21-23 days incubated inc.
3rd Egg laid 6 Oct - hatched 25 Oct: 20 days incubated inc.
4th Egg laid 9 Oct - hatched 28 Oct: 20 days incubated inc.
5th Egg laid 10 Oct - ......
Hopefully the last one will hatch in the next few days. I know it's all to do with temperature and humidity, and Shirley is spending less time in the nest box now so this egg isn't getting her warmth as much as the others did. Saying that it is getting warmth from the other 4 so I'm holding some hope.
The first chick i can see the ears (well the hole) and it's opened it's eyes. They are like little red peepers. I expected them to be black. They aren't fully open, but you can see the eye for sure.
As for mutations - I really am no good at these, in fact I'm the worst! I may read up a little on it tonight, and try again for the millionth time to get my head around it.
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