need advice (help janie)

[chris631]

ok, I know once you have a biter you have to work with them, etc. My hen Rica is not getting any better. First off, she was never an overly friendly bird, just mine and she would nip at others esp. my partner. Today I had to remove the nesting box away from the cage and replace it with a tuperware bowl and a dish towel. She started going after the babies and not allowing them to go back in the nest, once i did this she settled down, but you can't go near the cage. This is my question (actually my partners and i said i would ask) is it possible to break up a pair? I hate even asking, and i am working with her but i have more holes in me then the "man in the moon". We have had several arguements about it, and in alll the years i have owned many animals dogs cats etc, i have never given one up. Guess I'm just sounding off, advice I don't know.The babies are hitting the 5 to 6 week count and shes already trying to do , how should i say , the luvbird mambo, if you know what i mean You think theres any hope? :(

[Janie]

Chris, I've sent you a PM and I want to add here and now, I have no experience with "hen" behavior! :whistle: On purpose, I might add! ;) The good news is, other members do have hens and can advise you. :D

[mangotiki]

Chris, what is it exactly that you are trying to do? I was a little confused by your post.

Are you trying to remove the box and replace it with the tupperware to prevent her from laying anymore? What is happening with the babies exactly? And what behavior are you wanting from your hen? To be more friendly?

I will try to answer your questions when I am more clear on the situation.

Traci

[LauraO]

First off, it's a hens job to attack anyone who gets near her nest or cage during nesting season so I wouldn't expect anything different from her while she's in mamma mode.

You are probably right that Rica is ready for the babies to move on so she can make more babies. I've always found one of the toughest things about letting the parents raise the birds is getting them to stop breeding once they start. My advise would be to keep dad and babies in one cage and keep Rica in another. You could always move her to another room to help throw her off the nesting track. At this point in the babies' lives daddy bird is doing the feeding and weaning so mom isn't really necessary in the rearing at this point. If you do separate them, I would let dad visit but would not let Rica have any shredeables or nesting box of any kind. Time is imperative as she may already have an egg developing and will be ready to lay.

I know I haven't addressed your biting issue, but at this point there's not a lot you can do about it because what is happening right now is nesting related and will change once she's back to normal. At that point, addressing the biting issue will be more appropriate. I mean even my tamest hens get bitey during nesting season.

Hope this helps.

[chris631]

thanks Laura, we thoght about doing that gonna see if it helps, Traci just removed the box because she seems to be protecting that and not the babies, thax for your help guys