Not Taking No for ans Answer

Michael · Post by **Michael** » Sat Jun 16, 2007 2:16 pm

Set up a new Gouldian pair a few months ago. He has been singing and dancing for her, but she doesnt seem interested in mating with him. Today he seems to have taken a new approach chasing her around the cage. Reminds me of my old shafttail male who use to chase the female back to the nest once the chicks had fledged. Ill give them a bit more time but looks as though I may have to try pairing him up with another. She simply doesnt seem interested. A female friend of mine suggested some wine in the drinking cup. lol

tammieb · Post by **tammieb** » Sat Jun 16, 2007 3:26 pm

The hen apparently doesn't care for you choice of a mate. Can you allow her to choose her own?

Michael · Post by **Michael** » Sat Jun 16, 2007 4:20 pm

These are my only two Gouldians at the moment. Was really hoping that in time things would work out but it doesnt look like it. Its a shame as the male has very nice coloring and is obviously very willing to breed. I wonder if she will change her mind in time or should I just cut my losses and get him another female. Sad part is, I could end up in the same position with two hens.

tammieb · Post by **tammieb** » Sat Jun 16, 2007 4:30 pm

Even though he seems interested, it could be the wrong time of year for breeding. What is the weather like where you are located? Is the hen moulting, or perhaps past her prime? Maybe his inexperienced nest building has turned her off. Give them more time. She may change her mind if he is the only male available to her.

Sorry if you have already provided this info elsewhere. I was lazy and didn't go look for the answers.

Michael · Post by **Michael** » Sat Jun 16, 2007 7:14 pm

Its late spring here. Weather has been quite warm lately. She finished a molt a few weeks back. As for his inexperience nest building, well thats obvious. Before he started this strategy of chasing her around the cage, she was regularly checking his progress on the nest. She doesnt seem the least bit impressed by his latest tactics and tension seems high in the cage.

I just added some more coco fibre into the nest box for him to work with. Hes been back since rearranging things. Interestingly, she still seems to stop by now and then to check on his progress. The minute she goes in, he scurries right in after her and she exits in a flash. She obviously has no interest in being in the nesting box with him.

Michael · Post by **Michael** » Sun Jun 17, 2007 10:51 am

Well this is definately the worst nest building male ever. He has taken out all the enw fibre I gave hime, spent most of the morning working inside the nest, theres hardly any fiblre left inside, and what there is looks pathetic.

tammieb · Post by **tammieb** » Sun Jun 17, 2007 11:43 am

Well he's certainly getting lots of practice. Sooner or later he'll make it right, or at least to the hen's satisfaction. Then hopefully they start up housekeeping.

Michael · Post by **Michael** » Sun Jun 17, 2007 12:18 pm

I'll give them some more time as you suggested. Such a switch from the shafttails I use to breed. That male just couldnt get enough material into the nesting box. He literally would take the fibre right out of my hands when I offerred it to him. He was quite the engineer. This guy just tossess the material around inside the box leaving it no better looking for his efforts. Shes checking on his progress while hes inside the nest but obviously isnt impressed either.