Returning fostered babies to stock loft.

Peckedhen · June 18, 2006

I floated two eggs under my fantails in the dovecote. The youngsters are now 18 days old and I've moved them back into the stock loft BUT I don't think that they are being fed! Their crops were empty last night and still this morning. I've dipped their beaks in water but they didn't drink. There is only one other youngster in there but it is almost self feeding now. Any suggestions what I should do? I'm leery of returning them to the dovecote in case then have problems getting them to stay on the loft. :-/

Henrik · June 18, 2006

They are just a bit too young to fend for themselves. Could you not move the hen that was feeding them into the loft for a week or so and she should feed them.

bewted · June 18, 2006

try moving hen as already suggested,probably the best idea,,,,ted

Peckedhen · June 18, 2006

She has laid again though but is on plastic eggs? - Will give that a try. Thanks.

jimmy white · June 19, 2006

just wondered how you got on with ybs good advice above, but its amazing how they might go hungry day or two, but theyll soon eat especialy if they see another bird eating, hope things are going well.

Peckedhen · June 19, 2006

Putting hen in caused chaos Jimmy! I am now ferrying youngsters back and forth - they stay in loft and I put them in dovecote for a feed 3x a day!! Hopefully just a few days and they will be feeding themselves!