Reptile & Amphibian Forums

Hello,

This past January we acquired a breeding pair of cockatiels through a friend whose elderly owners were moving and wanted to find the pair a home. We set the pair up with a nest box and the hen laid 5 eggs last month that just began to hatch.

Last night our second cockatiel chick hatched and as with the first was found dead in the nest box the very next morning. I'm not quite sure why this is occuring since the birds are experienced, the box is clean, and both parents have been very involved sitting on the eggs and brooding the chicks. With 3 eggs left, I'm concerned I will lose the entire clutch.

The parents are approximately 4 years old and have had several clutches over the years (our friend has one of their chicks). I am unable to contact the previous owners for advice. this is my first time breeding birds.

Thank you for any help!

Rob

I don't breed birds so may not be of much help. Do you know if you are using the same type of nest box and nesting material as was used in the past? Are you feeding the same types of foods and offering some good healthy softer foods for them to eat as well? Also some birds when reset up in a new home with new supplies will lose their first one to two clutches before getting back "into the hang of things" Sorry I'm not more help.