Do societies just "know" how to foster? or is there training

[WrenNAustinTX]

I know this sounds super silly, but if I got a few societies, how would I know that they would foster things? Do they need some trial runs first? Fake eggs? Do you pick the societies that seem all broody and like nests? What about the ones that are always out playing?

Is there like a...DVD I need to play for them? A handbook?

Just was thinking of getting some as permanent residents in the 5ft flight cage (with my Bourke and Splendid), just in case a baby zebra gets chucked out of the nest multiple times, or god forbid the parents get sick or something.

Do societies foster babies at any age, or do they need to hatch under them? So many questions, I really would like to thank you all in advance.

(I have been reading this page: http://www.birdsnways.com/articles/spenser1.htm Would y'all say its pretty spot on?)

[wilkifam]

Depends on the birds, either set up a pair or trio to nest at the same time your other birds are starting to nest, then you have to decide if you are going to replace their eggs with fakes or let them hatch their own, or if you use all males, add a fake egg per day and they should start sitting.

I have societies that will take babies of all/any age or type without having a nest full of their own, but they have fostered several times.

[WrenNAustinTX]

wilkifam I was thinking about getting a trio of males or females, so that sounds good Thanks for the advice!

[Chrismurdoch3]

I agree with lori. From experience I would suggest going with the trio of males they seem easier to persuade to nest. With the females you have to worrie about their eggs possibly mixing in with the eggs you want them to foster out.