Bourke Hen stopped Roosting

[rick]

Over a month ago now, my Bourke hen became egg bound and luckily passed the egg on the floor. After this I placed the egg in the nesting box and some more were laid, 5-6 are in there. I left her in peace for what seemed like a long time and barely ever saw her come out.

The past week I have been feeding some sprouted seeds and this morning she came out and has been out all day, seemingly given up on the nest box.

Has she realised that the eggs aren't going to hatch? If so, should I leave them be or remove the clutch and clean/reattach a fresh box?

[avinet]

Oct 28, 2013 15:43:25 GMT 10 rick said:

Over a month ago now, my Bourke hen became egg bound and luckily passed the egg on the floor. After this I placed the egg in the nesting box and some more were laid, 5-6 are in there. I left her in peace for what seemed like a long time and barely ever saw her come out.

The past week I have been feeding some sprouted seeds and this morning she came out and has been out all day, seemingly given up on the nest box.

Has she realised that the eggs aren't going to hatch? If so, should I leave them be or remove the clutch and clean/reattach a fresh box?

she has abandoned them - realizing they are not fertile.  Is she with a male - I can't remember from earlier posts if she does?  Take the nest box down, throw the eggs, and give it a clean - give her a month without the box then replace it if she has a mate.  If she doesn't have a mate then I wouldn't worry about a box - it would only encourage her to lay more.

cheers

Mike