Cordon Blues pair for life?

[Nessy]

Have a pair of red cheeked Cordon Blues, lost the female. After several weeks managed to buy new female.
How long does it generally take for them to pair up, or is it a case of they should be paired up from when they are young.
Do they tend to pair for life?
Probably sounds dumb to some of you, but if I don't ask I don't learn.
Thanks in advance for any advice offered.

[finches247]

Red Cheeks will take new partners easier than say Blue Cap cordons needing a new partner.I have noticed in my 4 pairs of Red Cheeks 2 pairs have a very tight bond all year round then the other 2 pair only become tight bonded pairs during breeding season.

[Nessy]

Thanks Finches, information appreciated.

[SamDavis]

I agree with finches247. Shouldn't be an issue they generally accept a new mate pretty easily - but each bird is different. I've lost one, wacked in a new partner a day or two later and they've continued breeding as if nothing happened.

[Nessy]

Thanks Sam, was out there checking them this morning and they seem to be a bit more amiable towards each other, so fingers crossed there's hope yet.

[Pete Sara]

Nessy , there is never a dumb question around here, keep asking all the questions you need, if we have an answer already to it we can show where to find it. I am always learning something new all the time... pete

[Nessy]

Thanks Poitta, you're right. I've always believed that the only dumb question is the one that goes unasked. Sure as eggs there's someone else that wants to know as well and doesn't have to confidence to say so.
Shaz

[finchbreeder]

Having spent many years volanteering in the education system, it became obvious that many people would not ask a question for fear of appearing ignorant. So i began to take it on myself to every so often ask a question or two that I already knew the answer to. This had the effect of letting people see that an experienced person can ask a "dumb question" without having to appear ignorant. It has always worked. People experienced and less experienced then start swapping oppinions and expanding the question. And much is learnt. So go for it, ignorance is the path to enlightenment, not something to cower from.
LML

[Nessy]

Finchbreeder, I thoroughly agree with you. Through teaching experience I've found that students really appreciated the honesty if you say well I don't know the answer to that so lets find out & learn together. It breaks down a lot of barriers.
When it comes to birds, I don't mind admitting I certainly DO NOT know much.

[loz]

When Nessy & I were doing a lot of guest speaking, I used to state that NO question was a dumb question, as there would be a lot of people thinking the same thing, but too scared to ask. This came about, when we were trying to pack up the laptop, projector etc. people came up to us, asking their stupid ( in their minds ) questions. After a 1 hour presentation, it was getting a bit old hat repeating the same answers half a dozen times, so by informing them at the start of questions, it was so much easier.