A little advice please

[ne57]

One of my breeding pairs are sitting on 7 eggs but the male bird's cere has turned brown don't know what to do about this does it mean the eggs are infertile and the cock is now a hen! This is their first clutch this year.
Also another pair of first time breeders have hatched their chicks out but the hen is not feeding the chicks properly and have lost 3 chicks. I have transfered the last chick to a another pair and it is now doing well. The hen seems to feed them for the first 4 days and then stops! I know its her first time but do you think the second clutch will do better.Many thanks Nick

[BudgiesBuddy]

Post the picture of the cock with brown cere. Did you spot the pair mating?

Such problems are common with first timers hens. It was a little too late but at least you saved one chick

[ne57]

Thanks alot mate can't put picture up not that good on the computer. chick doing good though.

[BudgiesBuddy]

You're welcome
It's good that chick is doing fine. Did you candle the eggs of the cock with brown cere?
If you can email the pictures to [e-mail], I am sure Marianne will post it for you.

[ne57]

I did candle the eggs, and found that all 7 were infertile ! Have put pair back in aviary and will use hen with new cock in 3 or 4 days as this hen is a good mother. Do you think this is a good idea ?,also do you think the hen who is a first time breeder will feed better on her second clutch ? thanks Nick

[BudgiesBuddy]

It's worth a try if she is still in breeding condition.

Yes some first timers do better in the second clutch.