Q&A:
NEW CHICK IN FLOCK
Answers by Dr.
Dwight Schwartz, DVM, MS
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Q&A:
NEW CHICK IN FLOCK |
Question:
Last year I had written because our only female had 5 chicks - they are fine and
healthy. Well - a few days ago the oldest female hatched out a peachick - only
one and all the other birds act like they're going to hurt the chick - and the
mother gets nervous, chases them off, tries to eat some corn, and chases them
off, clucks a lot, and tries to get her baby to go under her. My husband and I
separated the mother and baby from all the rest, now I'm worried that when we
let them go back together, the other birds will hurt the baby. Do they kill
peachicks or are they just being curious? Boy! We've learned so much about these
birds but we sure don't want to lose a baby by being ignorant. H E L P!! The
mother has also ignored the rest of her eggs - should we just take them out of
the nest? Thanks for any help you can pass along!!
Carole A.
Answer:
Carole, I was forwarded your questions concerning your peafowl chicks. This
response is to some of your questions and concerns. After a chick is a few weeks
old, release hen and chick with flock. Watch to see that both are accepted. Do
what is necessary to protect both. Perhaps a daily release, extending the time
each day until both are accepted. The question about removing eggs from the
nest: Remove the eggs from the nest. Incubate and after two weeks candle to see
if they are infertile (clear) or embryo is alive.
Dr. Schwartz
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| This
Q&A originally appeared in the August 1999 Issue of The
UPA Newsletter. Reproduction elsewhere in any form without prior consent
from the UPA is strictly
prohibited. © 1999 The United Peafowl Association. All rights reserved.
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