Early fledging Gouldians

[Reubenvg]

Hi,
I seem to be getting chicks who want to leave the nest early, my last lot of 3 babies fledged at about 21-22 days. They were no where near ready and still didnt have a full cover of feathers.

We tried putting back in nest which works for a little while, however we cant ways be there by dusk to check.


So far two have died on floor i asssume to cold weather.

The aviary is decent size and has 3 pairs in it with 5 boxs. Currenty only this pair has a nest.

My first thought was the chicks are under devoloped for there age. Could this be the issue?

Ive tried fruit & veg and egg and biscut mix however they show very little interest in it. This is a new lot birds, previously my gouldians have loved egg & biscut.

Any suggestions / thoughs would be great, this isnt the only pair ive had this issue with. It just is so disheartening seeing chicks get all that way then die as they are rushing to leave nest!

[Norse]

This has just happened to my clutch also, 1 pair's clutch left the nest last week and are fine, but yesterday the other pairs clutch have left a good week to early and 2 of the 4 have died on the floor, i was thinking it was the cold as we had a few nights of around 5 or 6 degrees and the 2 that have survived so far where actually on the timber door tread and off the concrete
would be nice to see what others think also

cheers jason

[BOF33]

If you can time it right, I was advised to block the entry/exit hole of the nest box with a sock. Place any chicks that have jumped ship in the nest box, block the hole with a rolled up sock just on dusk (After last feed) the chicks would have enough food in their crops to last through the night. At first light remove the sock and problem solved. It is a bit of mucking around, although if you can save an early fledgling with a rolled up sock, it would definitely be a compromise I would make.

[Reubenvg]

Sounds like a plan Thanks will just have to try get home before dark!

Thanks

[wagga]

I always place some brush/branches on the ground at the back of the aviary. This provides a safe area for the birds unable to fly properly, that is off the cold floor, to concregate during the day or night.

I think you need to address Why the gouldian chicks are leaving the nest to earlier? Could be a number of things such as the location or type of nest box used, large clutch of chicks, mites ?? in the nesting materials or competition for nest sites.

or

I know some people who leave cold climates have installed a covered light globe to provide a small amount of heat for their birds. This is suspended just of the ground so the birds can move in or out of the light as needed. This is similar to what they use in the reptile and poultry industry.

[Norse]

Knowing the weather in advance would help also, we had a drop to 5 degrees from many nights of around 13, i thought ide make it but the weather decided to go against me

cheers jason

[vettepilot_6]

Are they jumping early because of nest inspections? .... I would do as Wagga suggest branches on floor in a corner...