I'm New!!

13 Sep 2011, 21:51

Thanx for your help, they seem to be building a nest but still not sitting on them can i check if they are fertile?

Is it a good idea to place branches in front of finch breeding nests/boxes so they have some cover? My zebras chase the other finches away on one perch.

14 Sep 2011, 12:06

Quail are erratic things, no of eggs varies wildly. And sometimes they make a nest then change their minds. So just wait and see. Zebs are a little bossy, so have some nests and perches that are further away from their chosen site. And Welcome to the Forum.
LML

15 Sep 2011, 22:24

Welcome to the Forum....an avairy that size with that many birds I would think the only ones that will breed will be the Zebras....but stranger things have happened...make sure you have twice as many nests or boxes (cane or otherwise) as there is pairs of birds....

15 Sep 2011, 22:29

hello and welcome

16 Sep 2011, 10:38

Thanks for your advice i wasnt sure how many to get at first, so i just bought what i liked.

I think my star finches are sitting on eggs atm as well but as for the cordons and ruddies they havent really done much. I only have 5 nesting sites currentlly. Why do you suggest more to giv them choice?

My quails have built the nest and the female has been sitting on the eggs but seems to get off them a fair bit is that usual?

cheers

16 Sep 2011, 11:19

Every woman deserves a choice of bed/nest regardless of if she is human or finch. Realisticly, that is half the reason, the other is a wide range of nest types, sizes, locations prevents "nest stealing" and makes sure they all can find one to their liking. And means less arguing over the best nest/site. Quail will sit just as much or little as they deam necessary, if she is a first timer this may be too little but she will learn.
LML

16 Sep 2011, 11:42

So do you think that having 5 pairs in a 2 by 1 metre aviary is to much and will not breed?
Because i would like them to breed but have i over crowded?

Could i put certain specices into breeding boxes for the breeding season?

16 Sep 2011, 12:48

nick88 wrote:So do you think that having 5 pairs in a 2 by 1 metre aviary is to much and will not breed?
Because i would like them to breed but have i over crowded?

Could i put certain specices into breeding boxes for the breeding season?

Welcome Nick. In answer to your questions: Yes, Yes, and you'll need another bigger aviary for all but the zebs.
The zebs will probably manage to breed in your small aviary but I very much doubt you'll be successful with any of the others. All aviaries are different, but as a general rule 2 square metres per pair is reasonable. I have 5 or 6 pairs in aviaries measuring 4m by 4m (16 square metres). Consider visiting some local finchos so you can see how they do it and maybe join a local club - Hawkesbury branch of the FSA would be close to you at Penrith.

16 Sep 2011, 14:49

Hi Nick - if your king quail chicks do hatch, you'll find that they are really tiny and might be able to walk through your wire if it goes down to ground level. If so, it would be a good idea to put some fine mesh or a solid barrier in the way before they arrive.

19 Sep 2011, 08:54

Hi my aviary has no wire at the bottom of the cage so should be fine there.

I have heard baby quail also can drown really easy, i have heard put marbles in the water so they cant get in it. Whats best to do?

By the way she is sitting on the eggs most of the time know.