Condition for breeding began at the start of October with condition seed, calcium added to water, panicum millet and eggshells. Bird where pretty fit anyway so soon became ready
Birds were separated into their breeding pairs at the start of November, nest boxes and coconut fibre added a few days later,
Some birds became active with a few days with the cocks displaying and nest building
First pair to “go down” was a red headed, white breasted in yellow paired to white breasted blue hen, they had four eggs within a week of which two hatched
Two chicks came out of the nest box just over three weeks later and were well feed by the parents until they were able to feed themselves
Another eight pairs were put to nest of which three currently have chick
One pair did everything according to plan until the chich were three days when they were tossed, the cock, an orange headed white breasted green, did the same last year but successfully reared a second nest of four so I will give him another chance.
As of this morning (November 8th) another chich has emerged from one of the other nest boxes
I do not “interfere” with the nesting birds but if chicks are not heard after they have been sitting for three weeks, I check the nest boxes for infertile eggs.
Some of the pairs have made no attempt to breed while others have built nest but have obviously not got eggs.
I breed only as a hobby and only allow the bird to have two broods
The most satisfying sound is hearing chicks begging for food when you enter your birdroom