Where did the eggs go??

[haunthoneybee]

My zebra finches were laying eggs like crazy. I had 4 nests with eggs. I checked on them today and only 1 nest still has eggs. Where on earth did all the eggs go?! I only found one shell on the ground so that leaves about 6 eggs unaccounted for. Did the parents eat their eggs? Why would they do that?

Also, the nest that still has eggs isn't being incubated yet and it has been about a week since the last egg was laid. Should I remove the eggs and let them start again?

Why could my zebras be having such a hard time with this?

[christie99]

Yes, they probably ate the eggs. If eggs are infertile, one way to regain the calcium and protein lost is to eat the eggs. How many pairs are you trying to breed? Seperate the pairs into different cages, place one nest in each cage and try again, after giving them a break of 4-6 months. Get them on a high protein and calcium diet to replace what the hens lost.

Also, if the birds are under 2 years old, they will be inexpierenced and have problems incubating eggs.

[rainefeather19128]

to me, it doesn't matter if the eggs are fertile or not,they will eat them both.(i have had pairs that had bloody egg pieces strewn on the floor of the cage.)
i would place a culttlefish bone in the cage along with a good supply of food and water.
(they may kill the eggs if their food supply is short and if their calcium levels are low.)
separate the pairs so they are not fighting.breeding pairs will fight to the death to protect their nest.(the hens may also kill the eggs to protect them.)

[cherublace]

yikes!!!! i too have wondered about some of my eggs that have disappeared without any trace. thanks for the info.

[ncummins]

I have had the same issue come up. I provide cuttle bone and crushed shell, and they also pick at the calcium sand that is in the aviary for the button quail bath. My bet, since they never run out of food, is either protein deficiency or territorial dispute. This "where did it go" problem has also happened to some of their day old chicks. Best of luck on their next clutch.

[poohbear]

Save hens eggshells and microwave on high for a minute...crush them and mix with grated cuttlefish bone (cheesegrater) and oystershell from your pet supplier.You will be surprised how much healthy finches will consume,always supply plenty during breeding.
Grit is not needed for finches and can be harmful in some cases.