HELP two of my lovebird babies have died??

[vlc134]

My female lovebird laid eggs and 6 days ago the first one hatched followed by another 2 days later and a third the day after this. However im pretty new to this and this is the first time my lovebirds have laid eggs. Despite my research and best efforts i noticed one had died this morning and another this evening. I removed the dead ones and apart from them looking a bit dehydrated there wasn't any signs of injury. Im really worried im doing something wrong and would appreciate any advice. I have seen the mum feeding the babies before they died so i dont think its neglect and ive provided the parents with a good diet and a proper nest box with carefresh bedding etc. Another baby hatched this evening and dont want anymore to suffer the same fate....HELP!

[birdlady49]

A necropsy might be able to tell you why they died. However, if it's this pair's first time at raising babies, unfortunately that is what may happen. Try not to look in the nestbox too often. A bird's first line of defense when it thinks it's threatened is to remove anything that might slow its escape. Even if your lovies are friendly with you, it's a whole new ballgame when they have babies.

You say you're providing good food, a safe environment, etc. Please give us more details and perhaps we can help you understand what may have gone wrong.

So sorry for your loss.....

[Joel]

Originally Posted by vlc134

My female lovebird laid eggs and 6 days ago the first one hatched followed by another 2 days later and a third the day after this. However im pretty new to this and this is the first time my lovebirds have laid eggs. Despite my research and best efforts i noticed one had died this morning and another this evening. I removed the dead ones and apart from them looking a bit dehydrated there wasn't any signs of injury. Im really worried im doing something wrong and would appreciate any advice. I have seen the mum feeding the babies before they died so i dont think its neglect and ive provided the parents with a good diet and a proper nest box with carefresh bedding etc. Another baby hatched this evening and dont want anymore to suffer the same fate....HELP!

Yes, a lot more info. would be needed by some of us to even try and determine the cause of the deaths. Pics would help very much also, of the birds, cage set-up & location, nestbox, exact diet, etc. etc..... Please for the babies sake, try and find an experienced breeder in your area to assist you - ASAP. Check with pet shops for that info. (the Ma & Pa types may be able to also help you with hands on assistance) and maybe even a vet or two who may have a heart to put you in contact with a nearby local breeder - they know most of them but then that would be taking money out of their own pockets and IME they don't like to do that.

Where might you be located?

[vlc134]

thankyou for your advice, i will try to find a good avian vet or the help of a breeder asap, i'll try and post some pics in the morning as i dont want to disturb them anymore tonight, i just hope that the little lovie thats alive now is still alive tomorow, they are first time parents and i guess the first time is a learning experiance for all of us. wish me luck, i'l keep you posted xx

[Macaaaw]

In a nest-box when they have babies especially, try not to look in from above, as from above is the direction predators come from in the wild. Some breeders suggest you get into a routine of seldom opening the nest box, and when you do, do it the same time each day, and lightly knock on the box before you open it, that way your bird parents will expect you to peek in and they will not be so startled.

The very act of looking could be what inadvertintly did in the chicks. Birds want to do it on their own. They also learn by instincts and habits taught by their parents, habits taught by other birds and habits taught by you.

If you get into the habit of removing the babies, this is what the bird will come to expect and they will not care for their young, you will be doing it. All of it.

So try to set everything up, and do not bother the nest box much (if at all) till feathered little heads come out to great you.

This advice comes from reading and not expirence. Get books, and get a bird breeder friend to help out setting things up.

[BigBird]

Im sad this morning too, my first time parents, an olive rainbow lorrikeet and a normal had two chicks a couple of weeks ago and they have both died over the last day or so. They look pecked at. :o( No idea what went wrong hope its better next time around.