I am puzzled as to why . . .

[jamtjoy]

I think our lovebirds killed one of their own babies. The baby was born back in May. They had eggs in the nesting box and I'm wondering if they will kill even their own as a protective measure when new babies are about to be born?

A week ago Friday we found the adolescent lovie that was born back in May dead in the cage with it's parents. Three days later a new baby hatched.

Is this a coincidence OR will they kill even their own to protect the babies?

I am so upset with myself. I wish I knew if this is what happened that this may be a problem. The poor baby died needlessly and I hate that I had to learn this the hard way.

[Monica]

It is possible for birds to kill their own chicks, though it is also possible that the chick died from other reasons.

[jamtjoy]

Originally Posted by Monica

It is possible for birds to kill their own chicks, though it is also possible that the chick died from other reasons.

I really appreciate your quick response!

[Mr Five]

Hello and sorry to hear of the loss. It is more than likely that the hen killed the older chick. The reason for this is that the hen does not want the other bird in the nest with the new chicks. You should never leave the chick with the parents after the first egg is laid from the new clutch. You should also put the hen to rest after this clutch of eggs has hatched then the chicks have been weaned.

Once again sorry to hear about the loss.

[Nasal_Tufts]

I agree with Mr. Five. Lovebirds are very aggressive birds. After their babies are weaned they should be removed. They wont think twice of killing another bird. Also even when trying to pair them they could fight and kill a potential mate. Also has he said after this clutch remove the nestbox for 4-5 months at least.

[jamtjoy]

For the condolences and advice. I did not know they would kill even their own, but now we do.

Please tell me why I need to remove the nesting box? We did this the last time the egg hatched but she kept laying eggs anyway. Will she not sit on them if the box isn't in there? Or, how does that work?

Again, Thank you!

[CrazyBirdLady]

Removing the nesting box after the clutch of chicks are weaned can help to prevent the hen from laying again. Usually by 4-5 weeks, the hen is already thinking about laying again. If you remove the box and any nesting/shredding materials, it can help to dissuade her from laying again. One or two clutches of eggs is ideal for a hen per year. Laying, though it seems very easy on the little hens, is very rough on their little bodies and they need a resting period. Chronic egg layers are susceptible to egg binding, low calcium levels which can cause seizures, liver problems and ultimately death. Also, the health of the chicks that hatch may be poor.
You may very well have to remove the hen before the chicks are fully weaned, but at 4-5 weeks old, Dad lovebird is feeding them, so she can go into another cage, away from the nestbox. We have had to do this with several hens to delay laying.

[jamtjoy]

Originally Posted by CrazyBirdLady

Removing the nesting box after the clutch of chicks are weaned can help to prevent the hen from laying again. Usually by 4-5 weeks, the hen is already thinking about laying again. If you remove the box and any nesting/shredding materials, it can help to dissuade her from laying again. One or two clutches of eggs is ideal for a hen per year. Laying, though it seems very easy on the little hens, is very rough on their little bodies and they need a resting period. Chronic egg layers are susceptible to egg binding, low calcium levels which can cause seizures, liver problems and ultimately death. Also, the health of the chicks that hatch may be poor.
You may very well have to remove the hen before the chicks are fully weaned, but at 4-5 weeks old, Dad lovebird is feeding them, so she can go into another cage, away from the nestbox. We have had to do this with several hens to delay laying.

You know we did this after the last clutch but she still kept laying them anyway. That is why I ended up putting the box back into the cage. I guess everything is fairly normal with them though . . .she lays eggs about twice a year so that sounds about right.

The bird we lost was 6 mos old so I don't think the latter part of your statement applies to our situation. That bird should have been weaned by then.

Thank you very very much!

[Mr Five]

Originally Posted by jamtjoy

The bird we lost was 6 mos old so I don't think the latter part of your statement applies to our situation. That bird should have been weaned by then.

Thank you very very much!

Lovebirds are known to kill other lovebirds. It doesn't matter if they are their own chicks weened or not. Lovebirds are very protective and will kill anything (I know we have one that will chase a cat) just to defend what it thinks is its own.

Once again sorry for the loss.

Mr. Five

[Nasal_Tufts]

You know we did this after the last clutch but she still kept laying them anyway

This time put the hen and cock in different cages in different rooms and see if that stops the nesting.