SHOULD I REMOVE EGGS?

DU5TY · Snr Member Joined: Jun 26, 2006 Posts: 32

Me again with yet another query.

Our pair r doing fine. Having laid 7 eggs, we had our 1st chick hatch on the 26/27th of september. The second hatched between the 30th sept and 1st oct. The two chicks we have have been left undisturbed and we hear them calling for feeds etc so assume they r doing well. Dad is in and out of nest box and mum pops out for a bath every now and then. Just hope everything goes ok for them. Pray

However, since the second hatching there's been no sign of any of the others hatching.
In my last post, i was informed (by steptoe i think) that though laying goes on for a week or so, hatching occurs within a few days. I know it's only been just over a week but at what point (if any) should I remove other eggs that haven't hatched.
I obviously don't wish to discard any eggs that could have been chicks but at the same time wonder if the chicks we have would be better cared for if she didn't have eggs to think about too (especially if they are not viable).

Advice please. :)

Cattscapes · Foundation Member Joined: Feb 12, 2005 Posts: 113

Hi Dusty i would leave them in for now. I have found if their are only one or two babies and you pull the eggs they can develop sprayed legs. I have found if eggs are left they seem to act as support for young babies trying to find they feet. I pull left over eggs at about three weeks just in case. Some off your eggs may still hatch. Cheers Kev

DU5TY · Snr Member Joined: Jun 26, 2006 Posts: 32

Thankyou for the advice. I will leave the eggs till the end of the month before removing completely. Angel