WHEN 3 IS NOT A CROWD

[gouldianpaul]

Hi All,

In one of my avairies i had set up 2 pairs of Gouldians...unfortunately I lost 1 of the hens about 6 weeks ago before either pair had bonded. I decided to allow nature to decide which Cock would pair up with the Hen, and remove the spare Cock when the time was right. I had noticed both Cock birds paying her attention, but no agression within the avairy, so I decided to leave all 3 of them together.

During the past few weeks I have noticed all 3 birds have been sitting on the eggs (separately). On the weekend I noticed there were 3 or 4 young, and this morning I noticed all 3 birds in the nest box....I have never had this happen to me and was wonding if this has happened to any one else...cheers, Paul

[mackstaa]

So ur saying soon u will have 2 and a half men? If the eggs hatch?

Havent heard of this one before, only seen the females feed others young when they r hungry now and again.
Another lesson teaching us there are no hard and fast rules in this game

[gouldianpaul]

Thanks Mackstaa...eggs have hatched and young seem to be well looked after...and no I wont be paying them $3M per episode (or per egg)...but might consider the beach house in Malabu next season

[finchbreeder]

Have not come accross this with Gouldians, but some birds, particularly if the same sex birds are sibs. do seem to be less agressive and this would be more likely to occur then. Very common with Bengos. and to a lesser extent with Zebs and quail. But usually it is sisters that share not brothers.
LML