Painted nest destroyed??
Posted: 16 Oct 2012, 16:49
Hi all,
Several weeks ago, I noticed a large bundle of grass accumulating on top of the feeding cage. Eventually the painteds showed themselves to be the builders, laid several eggs and incubated just fine.
Recently the chicks hatched, and I could see their heads bobbing up and down in there when I was feeding the birds in the morning. The only strange thing I noticed was they were silent - never made a sound, whereas the Gouldian babies are really noisy!
Anyway, went away this weekend and came back to find the whole front and top of the nest gone, and one of the babies on the floor of the flight, about a meter from the nest. No sign of the other chicks (at least 1), and no signs of rodents or other predators. Parents seem unconcerned, and the baby I found seemed in good condition with a full crop.
While I was away nothing had changed in their care, same amount of termites/greens/soaked seed daily.
Any idea why the chicks died and the nest was dismantled?
Thanks
J
Several weeks ago, I noticed a large bundle of grass accumulating on top of the feeding cage. Eventually the painteds showed themselves to be the builders, laid several eggs and incubated just fine.
Recently the chicks hatched, and I could see their heads bobbing up and down in there when I was feeding the birds in the morning. The only strange thing I noticed was they were silent - never made a sound, whereas the Gouldian babies are really noisy!
Anyway, went away this weekend and came back to find the whole front and top of the nest gone, and one of the babies on the floor of the flight, about a meter from the nest. No sign of the other chicks (at least 1), and no signs of rodents or other predators. Parents seem unconcerned, and the baby I found seemed in good condition with a full crop.
While I was away nothing had changed in their care, same amount of termites/greens/soaked seed daily.
Any idea why the chicks died and the nest was dismantled?
Thanks
J