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Major Mitchell's and a nice surprise

Posted: 02 Oct 2012, 13:48
by spanna
Some probably know already, but I have had a MM cock of unknown age for a number of years now (at least 10) and a couple of years ago got him a mate from my neighbours. She was only 2 at the time, now 4, and I never really held much hope for them successfully breeding, due to her being so young and him possibly being very old!

They have always had a rather average nest log, which they spend a lot of time chewing, but last month I found an egg smashed on the floor out in the open section of the aviary! I thought they must not like the log, so was preparing to set up another I have, just haven't had the time to find a top or bottom for it. In the mean time, they laid another egg, this one landed in a clump of grass, so was whole and undamaged! Initially I pulled it out and was going to blow it, but I decided to place it in the net box to see what would happen...

A few days later I came home from work and noticed the hen missing from their usual roosting place!! My first thought was that the fabled aggressiveness of a MM cock in breeding season had occurred and she was dead in a corner, but as it was just on dark I couldn't well check. So I went out early next morning to check only to find the cock missing! He heard me coming and came flying out of the back corner, which is odd, as these 2 are pretty much inseparable usually. On the off chance I had a look in th nest box, and there were now 2 eggs! I quickly got out of there though, as both bird were hissing at me with wings spread, crests raised and feathers well and truly ruffled!

For the next few days I left them in peace, with one bird sitting tight all the time. I was quite pleased that they were at least happy enough to try breeding, whether it would be successful was another question! I had an opportunity a couple of days ago to have another quick peak and there were now 3 eggs! Then today, both birds were distracted with treats and out of eyeline of the nest, so I had the opportunity to actually check the next and candle the eggs, of which there are now 4!!! Of these 4, 2 look clear, while 2 have lovely spidery red veins developing quite nicely! Woot!

Re: Major Mitchell's and a nice surprise

Posted: 02 Oct 2012, 13:55
by Greg41
Good luck with the MM, hope all goes well for them.

Cheers Greg.

Re: Major Mitchell's and a nice surprise

Posted: 02 Oct 2012, 14:57
by finches247
Good Luck Hope They Hatch :thumbup: :clap:

Re: Major Mitchell's and a nice surprise

Posted: 02 Oct 2012, 14:59
by Myzomela
Well done so far Spanna.
Fingers crossed for a successful outcome.
Either way they've done well.

Re: Major Mitchell's and a nice surprise

Posted: 02 Oct 2012, 16:26
by Diane
Great stuff, hopefully babies soon.

Re: Major Mitchell's and a nice surprise

Posted: 02 Oct 2012, 16:33
by VR1Ton
Well done mate, wouldn't be too worried about the age, one of my cocks is 25+, while another is atleast as old as me, although he can't breed anymore due to his leg, he can't stay on. He tries, but falls off :lol: .

Re: Major Mitchell's and a nice surprise

Posted: 02 Oct 2012, 16:56
by garyh
Congrats ,just love those birds ,great to see in the wild, truly beautiful,garyh.

Re: Major Mitchell's and a nice surprise

Posted: 02 Oct 2012, 17:04
by spanna
Hahaha, I've seen mine (ages ago) try and have a crack, only for both of them to slip off the perch. Was more than a little amusing. As always, they're first time breeders so I hold my hopes in check with a pinch of reality!

Re: Major Mitchell's and a nice surprise

Posted: 02 Oct 2012, 17:19
by vettepilot_6
Hope all goes well for you...atleast you have handraising down pat if you need too :thumbup:

Re: Major Mitchell's and a nice surprise

Posted: 02 Oct 2012, 17:30
by maz
Yay and good luck, they are one of my favourite cockatoos :)