Aussie Finch Forum

This is my first year with red siskins, so a bit excited this morning. I knew both my red siskin hens had nests but it was difficult to view inside. Anyway this morning I managed to sneak a look and both nests have 4 eggs. First should be due in a few days - I know, don't count your....

Just had to share with someone who cares (my dearly beloved just dosen't get it - i.e. "that's nice dear" without even looking up).

Very exciting, Sam.
I'll cross my fingers with you.

Beautiful birds, but I don't think that they'd like our winter.

I have wondered if they are the reason why red factor canaries are such poor sitters....

got to celebrate those success stories!

Thanks MM and BB. Hopefully they'll fledge a few young.

From my limited experience they seem to be pretty tough - were never bothered by winter cold here. At present they're both sitting very tight on the eggs and the cock really hounds them back to the nest whenever they leave. One nest is right against the front mesh of the aviary and she never leaves the nest when I'm close by. I understand they often don't brood the chicks once they're 5 days or so old, so I guess that'll be the danger period (assuming some hatch).

Good luck Sam, as you know I lost my three hatchlings I'm trying to stop her going down again, 38/39 deg here just to hot for her (I don't think she agrees though)

Good luck Sam fingers crossed

Thanks Buzz and west.
The second nest now has 5 eggs. They take up the whole nest, so I've no idea how that's going to work if they all hatch.

5 is a great clutch for Reds. The main problem I've encountered with young making it through is at the 9 day old mark when the hen stops brooding. At this point there isn't normally a problem if there are at least 3 young in the nest (for body warmth) or if night temps don't drop a few degrees cooler than either side of the 9 day mark. Excellent feeders though.

Good luck n keep us posted

Sam did I hear (read correctly) 9 eggs from the 2 hens. Thats 1 great little cock bird you have there. I hope all goes well and the weather is kind.

Just had to share with someone who cares (my dearly beloved just dosen't get it - i.e. "that's nice dear" without even looking up)

I know what you mean my wife gives the blank look too.