First Clutch Hatching Soon!

[missylynn]

One of my pairs of GCCs is sitting on eggs, and this will be my first clutch!! I'm expecting them to start hatching in about a week and a half. Thus far mom and dad have been fine with me taking a daily peek with no aggression (mom just hunches down and keeps an eye on me while dad guards the entrance). I've done loads of research and having things ready and waiting for them, but if anyone has last minute pointers, they would be appreciated since this is my first clutch.

Some people say it's okay to pull babies 2 at a time when they are 2 to 3 weeks old, while others say pull the whole clutch at once. Suggestions on this?

And then banding... This momma almost never leaves the nest (which is good), but if I happen to come in the room while she is taking a break, she immediately dives back in and dad resumes his guard position. I'm not sure how I'm supposed to pull babies one at a time for banding and then replace them without causing mayhem. And does banding happen exactly at 2 weeks old? Or can I band two on the same day?

Anyway, thanks in advance to all those willing to help out a beginner.

 

[roxynoodle]

Unfortunately I can't help, but I want to congratulate you on your babies!

 

[Amber]

I've never bred birds, so I can't help, but I wanted to say congrats on your clutch! Is that the parents in your picture? They are beautiful! They will have gorgeous chicks!

 

[Mitchell]

If you plan on breeding and in America, join the AFA (American Federation of Aviculture) they can help you with banding and record keeping. They can provide you with bands from canary size to macaw size. Good luck and congrats!!

 

[MikeyTN]

I used to keep a record book years ago when I bred. Pulling time is really up to you! I pull them as individually as each one turns 2 weeks old. But I've done the whole clutch too when the youngest one turned 2 weeks. BUT you always have to be prepared that you might have to pull from day one which I've done that before. Just be prepared cause anything can happen!!!!