FINCHforum

I was so sad yesterday when I got home.
I had three shaftails that were ready to fledge. I had just taken them out this past weekend to band them.
When I got home they had come out, but one was dead on the floor right below the nest.
I have an open aviary and the nest was about 5 feet from the floor. I always worry about them coming out from this distance, but I know they do this in the wild so.....
I have no idea what happened.
On the other hand the other two were fluttering around begging food from everyone in there. And they were adorable. These were my first shaftails to raise (I though it had happend before until they turned out to be zebra babies that they had raised... go figure!)
They had the perfect little black circles under their neck.
So once again the heartache of breeding birds. And the joys.

Aww I feel for you and the baby Shafttail and yet at the same time I'm so happy for the other two! Nature's way...?

You're right - the ups and downs of breeding. It happens with ALL animals I'm sure. It certainly makes us appreciate the survivors! Congratulations.

thanks, but I still have to wonder if it could have been from the fall from the nest. Does anyone else who has an open aviary have this concern for them when the nest is up high or am I just worrying over something that isn't necessary?

Can you put a towel or somthing soft under the nest to break the fall?

I do cage breeding, so don't know for sure, but lots of people do breeding in aviaries, many of the nests must be high off the ground, and I've never read of that being the cause of fledgling deaths. Perhaps that one was a bit younger and not quite ready. We rarely know what happens when we lose one, but it doesn't make it any easier. Sorry for your loss, but glad you have two survivors.