How to get specific pairs to breed in an aviary setup?

[cranberry]

I have 2 yellowback Gouldian cocks which I hope to pair up with 2 yellowback hens (if and when I find them). My question is, how can I ensure the yellowbacks pair up if I mix them together with normal Gouldians in an aviary? Is there a method that can be used prior to the breeding season to make them feel attracted to each other once the breeding season commences?

[spanna]

my thought would be to place them in a cage or cabinet in the pairs you want so they can form a bond before releasing them into the aviary. you would need to leave them in there until the male starts singing to her and she seems receptive though, which may be after the breeding season has started.

[jusdeb]

what spanna said or even take the birds you dont want to breed out so the breeders can go through the motions undisturbed.

[Diane]

This year I started off with two pair of RH in the main aviary, once they had sorted themselves out and paired up, I added an all ready paired up pair of YHs (they had already had one clutch in another aviary). At the moment I have a nest due to fledge soon of YHs and another of RH due to fledge in a couple of weeks.

[ray_223]

There is no 100% safe way - bonded pairs can split up and "accidents" can happen.
It all depends on how important your pairings are.

[FinchFan]

When i first started with my aviary, i paired my colours up by buying pairs. RH and RH, BH and BH, YH and YH. Was simple for me, its just the way it worked out for me. But i suggest pairing up in a cabinet or simular?

I havnt had any nesting activity since mid year, just after i introduced my yellow back pair. I am seeing others with fledglings, eggs, etc. Hopefully, breeding season comes around and its a hive of activity

[flap]

We have been talking about the same thing, and looking at getting some breeding cabinets organised and get the birds to bond. ATM we have two YH male and female (though they may be related), one RH hen and two RH males so need to get her paired to one of them. Haven't separated them yet as i was worried about setting off breeding before moult over. But am also worried about the "wrong" head colours bonding if we don't separate them.

[mr.fox]

Unless you have no interest in maintaining seperate head colours or mutations, then mixing the different types should be avoided. Like they say "accidents do happen". And don't discount polygamy in gouldians either.

[gomer]

I have mostly single prs oer aviary.And my males always seem to court the hens next door.Years ago I moved them to suit who they were courting.They did the same again.So now I choose the pairing not them.So i think now sometimes they will be monogamous and sometimes they wont.The only way to be sure is only have the prs you want together,If you cant them cross your fingers,And try pre pairing them before the go into the aviary.

[Diane]

Always wanting what they cant have