time frame of finch breeding

[djb78]

Hi everyone, I'm just wondering what type of time frame people give their finches that don't breed/raise clutches before you give up and realize defeat that these just simply won't breed. I'm asking this question due to having a 3 season breeding plan if they don't even lay eggs in that time frame I usually give up and try a new breed or 1 that I had success with the past. Am I giving them nit enough time or to much?

[monotwine]

You are more patient than I... 3 seasons. I get itchy for something to happen after 1 and a half.

It depends though, on what birds I'm trying to breed. Some I'm more forgiving with. Especially those types that like to pick their mates from a flock etc when I don't have a flock for them to choose from. I've not ever had birds (that had compatible partners) not attempt to breed after a season together. Longest has been 1 year before I saw at least some action even if it was not successful. But I've only been at this hobby for a short time (5yrs).

[jusdeb]

Second breeding season I want to see something happen . What happens after that I cant say .
I have one pair of birds that are looking not so good and its their second season so now Im planning swapping birds around.
Early days yet .

[Mickp]

Depending upon the species of bird that is in question there are so many variables when it comes to breeding.
What to ask first.... is the aviary set up correctly, are there other species in the aviary that may be competing for nest sites, nesting materials (types & quantity), food sources & access (seed, greens, live food).

[GregH]

The question isn't easy to answer as it depends on the species you examining and how prepared you are to change your protocols/conditions. If you can't get zebras to breed after 3 months, provided you give them food water and a nest then they are probably sterile. If that $1200 you spent on a pair of red-eared fire-tails looks to be a waste of money because after 2 years they haven't even nested it might be because they aren't a true pair or you aren't providing them with enough cover or the density of birds is too great (aviary is too small or there is too much competition from other birds in the aviary). I have kept wild-caught birds and they are notorious for being difficult to breed as they are so fighty and some species are inherently nervous so if you're housing them you need to ensure that the avairy isn't nest to the driveway, clothes line, or has mice or other animals (eg. raptors, cats) that can stop them settling in. Finches aren't long lived and as with humans their fertility declines with age so if you've kept a pair for 5 years without success it's definitely time to send them to the retirement home.

[Tiaris]

Rather than simply look to replace unproductive breeding stock after a set period of time it makes more sense to change variable factors as soon as it is obvious the status quo isn't working. This often requires extensive observation of your birds but the most obvious changeable elements which affect breeding are aviary habitat, diet and pairing choice. ie. don't just wait for the clock to tick over. If it isn't working, change variables & observe the birds' response to the changes. As previous posts have pointed out this depends entirely on the species you are dealing with but the required change could be as simple (for example) as reconfirming their sexes, providing low vegetative nest sites, altering the livefood/nesting materials,etc supplied, moving the pair to a different aviary, separating the pair for a short period & then reintroduce them, put them on a short-term austerity diet & then recommence a more varied breeding diet, removing a boisterous bird from their aviary which may be constraining them, reducing the stocking density of the aviary, or swapping partners around with unproductive pairs (compatability). Your existing formula for finch keeping may simply not suit certain species/pairs & the only way to ascertain whether this is the case is to experiment & observe.

[Slick]

Haahaha relax and enjoy the birds . Do you give them live food. greens spoil your birds at least 2 times a week make them happy . Let them be & make them fill safe don't always inspect .

[jusdeb]

Yep Slick ..I like your style .

I have Emblemas that have never raised a clutch in 3 years despite moving them , changing diet and so and so on . They still look as beautiful as the day I bought them .

However there does come a point where the non producers are teeing up aviary space and need to be moved on or split up and paired off with fresh mates .

Decisions decisions . Its can be a challenge hey ?

[VR1Ton]

Do recall an article in an early '90's edition of Birdkeeper of a bloke in America having a pair of Majors for 40years befor they breed , now thats what you call patience.

[jusdeb]

40 years yep very patient man .