Separating genders

[flap]

Thank you for the responses, it is good to hear both perspectives. We are inclined to keep them together and see how we go...

[monotwine]

I've only ever had the one aviary, until recently, and keep all the finches together. I usually remove nests over winter, reduce live food and protein in the diet and they stop breeding. The cold wet weather usually helps too. I've had a Firefinch or two decide to breed over winter on an austerity diet and building their own nest, but that was their choice and usually only one would fledge.

This year I've hit a glitch in my routine. I introduced Gouldians which have a different breeding pattern and needed the additional protein egg food avail for young. The weather is milder and I left some nests in for the Gouldians. Everyone is breeding, so I've had to seperated out a few pairs who I fear will kill themselves trying to constantly breed and the Gouldians will be seperated too once they finish off their last clutch - I cannot seem to stop them breeding. Then all nests will go and everyone will have a 3 month break before Spring and the breeding season starts for my usual finches.
I'll have to make a plan to house the Gouldians alone or get them to breed in spring and summer with the rest of the flock. Might just be easier to cabinet breed 3 pairs of Gouldians than change everything around to suit them.

[dano_68]

Hi Flap,

I agree in most part with Tiaris. It depends on the species if it is ok to separate or not.

I now control breeding with diet mostly.

I do remove nesting material and boxes etc however I have a planted aviary so if they want to breed they will!

However, soon my birds will be going on their austerity diet. They have all finished breeding now for the most part, so I am starting to gradually reduce live food.

I start the austerity diet about 6 weeks before Spring. It is also the time I put them all through my 40 day quarantine program.

So by the time Spring comes they are all in top breeding condition again (because I introduce live food again around day 30).

My austerity diet is very simple - 50% Red Pannicum + 50% White French Millet. They also get the usual Polly's Calcium Mix and charcoal.

This also helps the birds lose weight and gives the hens a well earned rest.

[flap]

Thanks Dano. Your posts brings me to a question about the austerity diet, so will start a topic on that under the Diet section.