Different size squabs

[Donal2308]

I have a pair of youngsters about a week old. One has grown normally but the other is less than half its siblings size. For the last couple of days, I've been checking their croups and the bigger one always seems to have a full one, but the other is almost empty. The stronger one is now overshadowing its sibling in getting food. I'm afraid the runt won't make it. Any suggestions?

 

[sourland]

Sometimes taking the stronger squab away, feeding the parents so that they have the urge to feed the weaker squab and returning the stronger helps. Sometimes the weaker just fades away.

 

[biophiliac]

If you have the time and desire, you could take the runt and handraise it til weaning or until it's strong enough to return and compete with its nest mate.

 

[Donal2308]

Thanks for your replies. I tried taking the stronger one out for a couple of hours each day, but I think the runt was too far gone. It died. The parents aren't great, the second one isn't very well developed either. I'm keeping an eye on him and might remove him and feed him by hand. Thanks again.

 

[biophiliac]

Thanks for your replies. I tried taking the stronger one out for a couple of hours each day, but I think the runt was too far gone. It died. The parents aren't great, the second one isn't very well developed either. I'm keeping an eye on him and might remove him and feed him by hand. Thanks again.

Certainly removing him to finish by hand raising is a sensible choice. Or You can give him a nutritional boost by giving him a feed daily or as needed while still leaving him with his parents. Frozen green peas, thawed in hot water and fed lukewarm are easiest. Place 1-3 peas in the birds mouth and close beak. Feed 20 - 30 peas or til crop is full. Also start offering him water and seeds. Best of luck with him.