White Breasted males not performing!!!

22 Apr 2013, 13:10

I have two pairs of WB goulds - one in a mixed aviary and one in a suspended. Although the girls have been practically throwing themselves at the males, they seem disinterested. Someone told me to swap the males around which I did yesterday. How long do I give them before I take some drastic action? I am so tempted to put a normal male in with them even though I don't like the idea of mixing. I really would like to add some Viagra to the little buggers drinking water!!!! They are being fed very well and the girls are desperate!! Advice appreciated!!!

22 Apr 2013, 16:04

How long do I give them before I take some drastic action?

Sometimes it can take up to a week and then in some instances courtship will happen immediately. Just be patient, especially if you've just swapped pairs around.

22 Apr 2013, 17:22

Look at it from the guys point of view.

You were just starting to warm up to the first hen in the first cage, then you were whisked into another cage with yet another female throwing herself at you. Its gonna take a bit a time to check the surroundings make sure everything is cool and put on a show for the current lady.

22 Apr 2013, 17:42

Years ago when I was breeding Goulds in Mackay....I found putting male in cage/aviary by himself before breeding season then introducing hens I got much more boistorous males....And just as a difference I used to put hen Crimsons in aviary first before introducing males so she could find all the hiding places....

22 Apr 2013, 17:57

Maureen,you didn't state wether they have started or built a nest,most gouldians mate in the nest box after they have completed the nest building.You will very rarely see gouldians mating on the perch.Maybe you are being too anxious,give them a bit more time and put that cock bird back with its original mate. Craig

22 Apr 2013, 18:05

Diane - I would have thought that having found their own lady totally boring and then being put in with totally sexy beauties, they would have jumped at the chance!!! But I will try not to glare at them too much and be patient!!

22 Apr 2013, 18:08

vettepilot_6 - The little blighters will be with only other males after the breeding season until their tongues are hanging out in desperation!!!

22 Apr 2013, 18:19

Craig - They certainly haven't built a nest!! I have done half of it for them!!! I would have expected them to show even slight interest after several weeks together but they really don't seem to like them - definitely no attempt at courting whatsoever. The girls like the boys alright but the boys ignore them. My other gould males at least try to court even though they are mostly ignored. If they're not happier soon I will put them back

24 Apr 2013, 11:50

It's all about syncronised fertility, and all we can do to try and achieve that is give them lots of greens and cross our fingers.
LML

24 Apr 2013, 11:57

finchbreeder - they are sooo damned fussy about what greens they will eat!!!! They like green seeding grasses, will have a bit of a peck at sprouted seed and are keen on endive but don't seem keen on anything else!! Any ideas on what else to try? They ignore bok choy but might eat some of the baby spinach which I disguise in the endive.