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From: ulmer@plains.NoDak.edu (Saltine Cracker)
Newsgroups: rec.birds
Subject: INDOOR: Breeding cockatiels
Summary: Dying chicks
Keywords: indoor, breeding, cockatiels, chicks
Message-ID: <5731@plains.NoDak.edu>
Date: 31 Aug 90 15:25:57 GMT
Organization: University of North Dakota, Grand Forks.
Lines: 10

I have 2 cockatiels and last spring they had 2 chicks in a standard breeding
box with nesting hair for parakeets which the pet store lady recommended.
however I had read elsewhere to supply nothing except the bare bottom. They
laid eggs about 2 weeks later and 2 of the 4 eggs ever hatched. The first
chick died after seven days and the second after only 2. I observed the
female abusing the older chick once or twice. The birds never laid eggs
again. Whats the scoop? do they only breed during the spring or just when
they're not moulting? I'm planning to hand raise the next set of chicks
myself with exception of one to see if shes the problem or if they're just
sickly type eggs. suggestions anyone?