advice re fledging and male agression

[tuffers]

Hi everyone

I have 3 chicks aged 38, 36 and 34 days old. The oldest only came out of the nest yesterday which seems late and the other two don't seem too interested in coming out, is it normal for them to take this long?

The chick that is now out, has eaten a little by himself but I haven't seen either parent feeding him. My concern is that the cock, whilst coming to groom him occasionally, keeps standing on his back whenever the little guy tries to move around the cage floor or get onto a low perch. Should I take the cock out? I am thinking I should, but he is still feeding the two chicks that are still in the nest. Will it be ok to remove him? The hen is in there feeding too.

Thanks for any advice

Jo

[Gaile]

sounds like dad is showing the chick that he is boss! All the chicks are old enough to be out of the nest box. you could leave them with mum!!! Do you have a chick hide in the cage!!!

[tuffers]

Yes and the chick does goes in there. In the last hour I have seen Dad feeding the chick so I feel a bit better that he still feels some paternal instinct!

I will keep an eye on them today and sort out a cage for Dad tomorrow.

Thanks for your help