Gouldians building a nest in a tree fern trunk

[kcfd55]

A set of Gouldians are digging what looks like a nest in the top of a tree fern trunk that I left lying against the side of the aviary. I picture isn't great, but the dark hole to the left in the picture is where they are digging.

Mike

[Fraza]

kcfd55 that will be amazing if they do nest and bring up chicks there I’d leave it be and see what happens

[kcfd55]

Fraza:

that will be amazing if they do nest and bring up chicks there I’d leave it be and see what happens

That was my plan once I saw what they were up to. I had intended placing the trunk up higher in the aviary, but hadn't thought of a good place. Now I won't mess with hit.

I have another piece of tree fern fastened to the side of the aviary, and I noticed that another Gouldian was on top tearing at it (the trunk is hollow). I would have thought it was too tough, but the bird didn't seem to mind.

I will have to see if I can find more tree fern trunks to place around the aviary now.

Mike

[Sally]

kcfd55 Gouldians in the wild are cavity nesters, so maybe this made them think they had found a proper cavity. It will be interesting to see if they raise babies there.

[Fraza]

kcfd55 fingers crossed for future

[kcfd55]

Sally:

Gouldians in the wild are cavity nesters, so maybe this made them think they had found a proper cavity. It will be interesting to see if they raise babies there.

I have seen pictures of the cavities that the Gouldians nest in, but I didn't know that they'd dig their own. The cracking sound they make pulling pieces out of the cavity startled me for a bit.

Mike

[kcfd55]

Fraza:

fingers crossed for future

Thanks. I'll keep everyone posted.

Mike

[lovezebs]

kcfd55

Instinct comes into play, lol.

In the wild, they will usually use hollow trees that had been excivated by something else, but in captivity it looks like they will make their own.