Aussie Finch Forum

Okay. This is bizarre. And I searched thoroughly and find nothing about this. The clutch had two babies born. A few days later, one disappeared! I didn't go searching the nest because there was still one baby they were feeding so I left them alone. Today I peeked in and the nest is EMPTY!! EMPTY!! I searched the ground and all around - NO BABY! I searched the nest pretty thoroughly but I didn't tear it apart.

So question is: do parents EAT their babies if they die to clean out the nest? The parents have begun to breed again and are trying to use other nests but I've closed off the other nests wanting to force them to take care of that single baby left. Now no baby! We are all SHOCKED what could have happened?!!?

That is sad news Jess, but no they do not eat their chicks.
Cock birds have been know to pull chicks from thier nest, not usually thier own, and they will take out dead chicks at times.
Not usually far and drop them on the ground.
I would remove the nest and you may find the dead chicks tangled in the base of the nest.
Predation can happen with rats, mice, snakes, lizards and geckoes, but that seems unlikely in your house.

Replace the nesting material with some fresh stuff and they should go back to nest quickly

Brett

Thank you, Brett. That chick was looking really bad last I checked it so daddy must have pushed it out or something. I'll remove the nest tomorrow. Poor little baby! Good to know they don't eat them! That was kinda grossing me out!

Sadly tiny ones can die and disappear into the nesting material, or flooring of the cage.
Not every nesting will be successful, but as long as they are fit and healthy can try again.
Good luck.

Pulled the nest out - no dead babies. Checked the floor and cage floor - no dead babies. Dad said that, if the daddy threw the dead babies out of the nest then ... the dogs probably ate them. GROSS TO THE MAX!

Oh well - Yes, cats and dogs would say yum. Unfortunately.

I LOVE your sense of humor, finchbreeder!!

I have been informed my children that I am seriously warped.