Sometimes. Osprey eggs are laid a few days apart from each other, and the oldest eggs hatch first. The chicks grow quickly, meaning that the youngest chick can weigh 25 to 30 percent less than the oldest chick by the time it hatches. When food is scarce, the older chicks may peck at or push the younger chicks to get the food they need to survive. Although this may seem harsh to humans, it makes it possible for the Ospreys to have one or two strong offspring rather than three or four weak offspring that may not survive. When food is abundant, this competition is not necessary, and the Ospreys may raise up to four healthy chicks.