When to stop breeding?

[flap]

Hi all, we have 3 pairs of RH who have just started sitting on their 3rd round of eggs.We got 10 chicks the first time, and 14 the second. I have been meaning to take nests out but always wait too long as the fledglings seem to roost in the nest the first few days.. By the time i get to check again, they have eggs in there again. So at what point do we stop them? When is the right time to take the nests out? what happens if we let them do their own thing? will they know when to stop themselves (for example when it gets too cold), or will they be at risk of getting sick? This is our first season breeding so it is all a steep learning curve (as always!).

[Romanus]

I use this link by Mike Fidler as a guide. Hope it helps.

http://www.savethegouldian.org/articles ... ticle.html" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

[Brett]

Thats a great link

Brett

[flap]

Thanks for that link, that is great. In two minds about segregating the sexes though I realise it is common practice. so based on that it looks like we have time for one more clutch before we stop them.

[Glenbary]

Yes the Fidler site above provides excellent information on the Gouldian breeding cycle.
I live in Brisbane and start the cycle earlier - Nov.Dec. I also complete the breeding cycle by April/May (with usually 100+ fledglings).
My reasons:
-the fledglings are able to fully colour by the next November at the latest - many have coloured up already (May/June)
- the fledglings are well advanced/robust by the onset of winter.
Cheers