The babysitter

[Redwing]

My Painteds have built a new nest and appear to have been sitting on eggs for about 10 days. Yesterday I noticed both parents out of the nest for a while, which they sometimes do if it's particularly hot, which it wasn't. Then noticed young adult female from their first clutch was in the nest. Her and her brother have shown a keen interest in the whole nest building process and as the parents didn't seem to mind I left them to it. This morning I was even more surprised to see both Mum and young female in the nest together. All still very relaxed. Has anyone else ever had this happen? Should I leave them be and see what happens? Is this how the young adults learn about parenting and nesting sometimes?

[Buzzard-1]

Common with siblings of some species.Not always a good Idea father will sometimes try to push daughter to nest,and then there's the risk of broken eggs when they all try to camp together.But it has happened before with no consequence's.

[shox]

yes have had that happen. as buzzard said all depends on the cock, not much you can really do, just cross your fingers, most of the time they will survive. Always good to take the young out after they are independent and put in the holding aviary.

[Redwing]

Thanks for that both of you. The young one is certainly not being harassed or pressured by the male in any way. So will let them be for now. Don't have a holding aviary. Will have to think a bit more seriously about selling the 2 young adults soon though I guess. Wish I had about 2 more aviaries instead of just the one.....

[shox]

Not sure of your space requirements the holding aviary only needs to be about half a metre wide, all your putting in is feed, water some perches. That way you can see the beeter quality young you can keep for next seasons breeding time.

[Redwing]

Might have to put that in the 5 yr plan. At this stage I've just been over the moon to have them breeding, but would like to start and keep the best to breed with. Didn't realize how addictive it would become.

[finchbreeder]

The little darlings are very addictive. Just look at the growth in people using the forum. And we don't need to hide our addiction like the smokers and drinkers. Hmm Finchers Anonamous? Motto - I promise to attempt to get more people addicted to the keeping of finches.
LML