Feeding only in the nest.

[Ricardo Ronsini]

Hi all.

I have an odd issue with my society pair over here, they have been fostering three gouldian chicks, and were doing a great job, until now.

The problem is, once the chicks fledge the societies won't feed them outside the nest, only when in it.

I'm placing them back, and one has already figured out how to return by itself.

So, i think everything will be ok, but i would like to understand what is happening.

Might it be because i colony breed and there are fledglings from other pairs? May they not be recognizing their own (adoptive) children?

I appreciate the attention.

[lovezebs]

Ricardo Ronsini

That is an odd one...

Now I know that some Socies will try to wean earlier than others, but to not feed brand new fledges is very strange.

I hope they don't altogether abandon them once they don't return to the nest.

[a_gouldian]

We have had the same thing happen with our pair of Societies. Initially, when the fostered chicks fledged some were in and out of the nest box and those got the fed the most. I was concerned but after a few days it got sorted out and they all started getting fed more outside the nest then in, until it was all outside the nest.

[Ricardo Ronsini]

lovezebs a_gouldian

Thanks for the reply.

Today i saw the female feeding a fledgling outside the nest, after lots and lots of loud begging

I hope the male will follow her lead soon.

[Icearstorm]

Ricardo Ronsini
My four societies did the same thing with their only chick. The fledgling had to go back in the nest to be fed at first, but the adults started feeding it normally after a few days.

[Ricardo Ronsini]

Icearstorm

Good to know, i have never had this problem with zebras, gouldians, or any other species.