Aussie Finch Forum

Thanks Flap... we were so gutted when we lost the first 2 and then when daughter named the little one I didn't know what she'd do if he didn't survive. Was a big relief to find him perched with the others today.

Yeah I do think the cold has taken it's toll on the goulds. Last week was ridiculously cold for us especially this time of year.
I think the rfpf had jsut had enought for the year. It would have been their 4th clutch. I never saw any agression between them and the goulds, and the boxes don't face each other so I don't think it was that. I did leave the lone younster from the last nest in there though so maybe he/she disturbed them??

Great news re: the runt. Once there is a good outcome it makes that extra effort worth every bit.

Had 4 stars fledge yesterday, and saw the event. Unfortunatley there are a couple of gould nests with chicks nearly ready to fledge close by. I swear, the gould hens are dead set killers if not cannibals. Have given the star babies absolute grief. Hopefully when they fledge (goulds) the aggresion around the nest area will cease. Tomorrow morning will probably tell the tale. Still have 4 star chicks, so far, but it is really so distressing to see a fledgling star being hung up and trashed around by the wing or neck and then being attacked on the ground.

I'm guessing RH gouldians? I have some nasty ones in my holding aviary, attack anything that gets too close at any time of year. One the other hand, my YH goulds which are first time breeders just fledged 6 young and I've seen even a tiny bit of aggression from them! Funny how different they are. Sarah (forget her last name, Pryke?) from the save the gouldian fund talked about the aggression from different head colours, RH being the worst by far, and actually not as prolific at breeding because of it!!!

Glad your runt is up on the perches now redwing!!

Spanna,
When I sit and look at things the RH are by far the most agressive. I have RH, BH and YH, dilutes, yellows and greens. It is just so distessing. Thanks for the insight. I think I will cut and trim the colours/numbers next year so as not to be dominated by the one species.

That would be terrible to watch the young being beaten up... as if it's not hard enough when they've just fledged. I've only got a BH Gouldian hen and she's never shown any aggression to anything. She's currently sitting on 2nd round of young that are about 5 days old so if that doesn't bring out a nasty streak guess nothing will. RH male is also very peaceful thank goodness.

Yes our RHs have been quite nasty to other gouldian fledgelings from other nests, pecking, grabbing them by the feathers on their heads and backs and dropping them down. Haven't had them follow them to the ground though, once they are far enough they are left alone until they get too close again. But it is off putting to watch (mind you nothing compared to what quail did to his own son a few months back....).

Still have 4 star chicks, one looks the bit worst for wear, feathers on the back of head gone because of the goulds attention. But they are all spritely and dont seem to be too much worried. The aggression level has dipped because I think the goulds have become used to the newcomers. Day 4 will tell because I reckon the two gould nests will fledge. If they don't, well l will have to wait but the chicks are HUGE and fully feathered. it's all looking good at this stage.

Good Luck for Day 4 or whenever...Our temperatures in Perth have taken a bit of a dip and getting some colder nights. Five of my painted young are still roosting on the floor at night time in a little pile. Went down this evening and there was an OB baby tucked up in amongst them looking very pleased with himself. Must have looked warmer than up on the perch with his sibling.

Redwing,

You are just soooooooooo lucky. When I first bred painteds I was horrified that they were on the floor, but it's natural. Good luck, and I think that next season I will forget about the RFPF and have a lash at the OB's. Live food might be an issue but will try hard.

Matcho.