Gouldians First Clutch Question

[Dbearden]

My pair are young and have their first clutch! How much nest time sitting is expected? Do they take turns sitting? It doesn't seem like they are in the nest that much. What is the expected time to hatch? I'm feeding high quality finch seed, millet, live meal worms, broccoli/carrot/apple and homemade egg birdie bread (recipe from Finch Forum, and they LOVE it) I also supple charcoal and clean water daily. Anything else I should give for healthy babies???

I appreciate any advice!! I had 2 clutches of Gold-Breasted that were tossed and then dad pecked and killed so I don't want anything to go wrong if I can prevent.

[paul-inAZ]

She won't start sitting tight until she's finished laying eggs. Up to 6 eggs most times. Then she'll sit tight with some help from him.
Hatch in 14-16 days.
Then she or both will sit for several days to keep the kids warm until the chicks are big enough to maintain body temperature on their own.

The diet looks deluxe BUT don't forget to give them calcium. Laying eggs uses up a huge amount of her body's calcium. Crushed chicken egg shells are my go-to source supplemented with ground up close to powdered oyster shell.

[ac12]

Do NOT disturb the cage.
With gouldians, it can be a real challenge to have them NOT abandon the nest (eggs or chicks) or toss hatchlings.
Do your best and cross your fingers.

gud luk