Red Parrot Finch

[lyn2233]

I have 2 pairs of Red Parrot Finches 1 pair had two clutches in 2008 have not bred since have made nests but desert them. Second pair are young and layed their 1st lot of eggs a couple of weeks ago 1 baby hatch and they have been feeding it for a week. To-day I found the baby dead in the nest, the nest was a log and it did not have much nesting material in it (I have provided plenty). I think it got to cold, someone told me it's a bit late in the year for them to be breeding. Anyone know if it's to late for Red parrot finches to breed now. They are in a outside aviary with 8 other finches.

[Pete Sara]

well where shall i start, dont expect to much from a first nest .first clutches can be small and lost from inexpieriance i have found that they can desert a nest pretty quick at times and loose bubs on the way out. a big problem u ,may be having is that there could be a bit of agro between birds as in the reds, the best way is to have three pair in one aviary or five pair even better just one pair. having an odd number helps with less aggression between the bird so there is no one on one so to speak. mine breed better in winter than they do summer but i try to stop the buggers form breeding when its to cold as the young like gouldians dont have down feathers . mine build there own nest or even nest in the wicker type baskets, also they have bred in a gouldian nest box.....pete

[lyn2233]

Thanks for the advice Pete. This aviary has 2 pairs of Stars, 1pr Orange Waxbills, 1 pr Cordons and the 2 prs of Red parrot finches One pair of Stars have had a few clutches I kepted 1 pr of the babies as the Stars are red faced but had some Yellow faced babies.I have had no luck with my Orange Waxbills or Cordons they both make nests have young but desert them. My other aviary I only have 3 pr of Painted Finches and they are breeding great I have some lovely birds from them. I thought maybe the others don't breed well because of the mix of birds The aviary is 2 x 2.5 mts maybe I have two many birds in it. A total of 12 birds I have lots of greenery and branches etc.I will think about getting another pair of Red Parrot finches and maybe move the Stars in with the Painted Finches as that aviary is the same size.