Cabinet breeding

[flap]

We have just bought a double breeding cabinet to use with our gouldians. For now we have 2 pairs of RH, still trying to source mates for the YH. I have noticed one of the hens getting close to a male when he sings, so thinking of paring them off which leaves the other RH a default pair. However we know nothing about cabinet breeding, not sure at what point do we put them in there, how long for, etc.
I would appreciate any insights into this. Thanks.

[Buzzard-1]

I'm not sure if this is the right way but it worked for me.I kept hens and cocks separate until hens beaks coloured. then paired them in boxes. uped green seed heads and vege's gave them a box and nesting material an away they went.In saying all that I achieved better results as a colony.

[flap]

Thanks Buzz. I would prefer colony except we have two head colours (RH and YH) and the general view seems to be keeping head colours pure. So the hens beak has to be fully coloured, right? and when do you take them out?

[jusdeb]

Only thing I can add is to make sure they get some sunshine every day ... They are a mob breeder but people have had success in cabinets also ...good luck .

[Misso]

hi flab, have done alittle bit of cabinet breeding with my gouldians. will the cabinets be outside? mine are outside under a boat shed where they still have some access to sun. and normal outside temperatures so when moving young or the adults back into the aviaries its an easier transition.

for a double breeding cabinet i would only have 1 pair in it, they can still fly a little and if successful, young can be kept in it with the parents for awhile without over crowding,

i have my hens a cocks separate in aviaries prior to breeding, then once in breeding condition place the cock bird in the cage/cabinet then followed by the hen.

i find a nest box on the outside of the breeding cabinet is alot better then inside because they have more room and you can do nest checks easily.

theres no real big differnces i do with cabinet breeding gouldians compared with my gouldians in my avaires, good diet etc and the rest is up to them.

jarryd

[Buzzard-1]

Depends on your set up.off breeding season all together then I split head colours to different aviary's to breed. as for when to stop them I let them decide. The hens beak douse not need to be fully coloured but needs to be turning. If they won't be exposed to early morning sunlight a vitamin D supplement will need to be considered.(powdered sea weed is good)

[flap]

Yes they would be outside (hoping to have cabinet in the aviary actually for protection from butcher birds etc. Too exposed otherwise... Mind you that would restrict room in aviary. Will have to think this one through. Thanks for tip re sunshine. Will keep that in mind.

[flap]

By the way what is the reason for separating sexes prior to breeding season? (not an option for us, not enough room)

[Buzzard-1]

I don't actually have a scientific answer just worked better to bring on breeding.I guess absence makes the heart grow fonder.( Or makes them horny )

[flap]