Platy Birthing Time

[drewchap]

Hi folks, new user here. I have an orange platy that has just given birth in a nursery box. She had 20 babies. I don't see any more coming, but I am wondering how I will know for sure that she has given birth to all the babies inside her. As soon as she's done, I would like to take her out of the nursery! Also, how big do the babies need to be before I swish the box up and down to clean the gunk out that has collected at the bottom? Thanks!

 

[Akasha72]

Hi drewchap. The birthing process can go on for several hours (the average for mine is about 4-5 hours) and mine will normally have around 20-30 fry in one go.

If you can get a good look at her you may be able to see a white blob around her anal area. This is the birthing tube. It generally starts to close once she's done. If it's disappearing I'd say she's done.

As for the fry, don't worry too much about the debris in the bottom - you could use a turkey baster to suck it up if you have one but the other option would be to try and move the fry to a clean pot or jug, wash out the nursery and put them back. They will be fine.

Good luck with them