upatsix.com - Your Source For Pet Bird Information

Wow, I was feeling like a complete failure, my suns, which I suspect are just about 1.5 - 2 yrs old just had their first clutch and all three died, at hatch or right after. Im glad I found this website/forum and could read the thread that Willow started just a few days ago. viewtopic.php?t=11490

I feel better about my first time experience and the complete loss. I love animals and for a long time, have had nothing but fish because I know the commitment they take.

I bought them last April from a dubious vendor at a flea market. They were agressive, nippy and scared. Today they are possessive of me and loud and seem very happy. Both have accepted me and don't bite me but the male has been holding a grudge against my roommate and promptly attacks him when in site.

I should have saved the chicks and had a vet tell me what the issue was but considering they were first time parents, I suspect the one that made it from the egg completely was not fed.

This experience has prompted a call to an avian vet for a complete check up as I stand by with baby bird food, probiotics, an incubator and an eye on a brooder for the next clutch.

I am looking for advice on nesting materials (I was using shredded tee-shirts, momma seemed to like it best), more indestructable nest boxes (the current plywood one won't last another clutch, its been shredded to the point the upper door falls out at this point) and overall advice on diets, etc... They now get seed/fruit diet and egg meal I sprinkle over the seed mix. I also do daily vitimins in the water and have probiotic I sprinkle over the fresh fruits they get daily or every other day. (Grapes, Cantoulope, apples, pears, berries, cherries, fresh corn)

I can't seem to get them to eat any green leafy vegetable. They love pasta and meats like beef and chicken which I give in very small quantities. They also get fresh juices when I make strawberry, pineapple or cantoulope juice (blender with a bit of water and a little suger)

Thanks for being here!!