Mother Gouldian laying 2nd batch eggs

[nadinecannon]

In a large cage, 5 baby Gouldians fledged a week ago and spend nights in the nest box. But five days ago the mother Gouldian began laying eggs again in the same box.

My question is: do I have to remove the babies (who are receiving fantastic fatherly guidance and are even imitating the father) or will nature take care of this so that when the eggs begin to hatch, the five babies will start spending their nights on perches?

[dfcauley]

In a large cage, 5 baby Gouldians fledged a week ago and spend nights in the nest box. But five days ago the mother Gouldian began laying eggs again in the same box.

My question is: do I have to remove the babies (who are receiving fantastic fatherly guidance and are even imitating the father) or will nature take care of this so that when the eggs begin to hatch, the five babies will start spending their nights on perches?

I am surprised the babies are not already spending the night on the perch. Gouldian fledgings do not usually go back to roost in the nest.

I would not move the babies. This is very common for them to immediately begin another clutch if you do not get the nest down. If they have only been out a week, they still need to be with their parents. I have even had the juvies to help with feeding before. I think your going to need another cage very soon.

[nadinecannon]

Thank you so much, Donna. Pretty obviously, I'm new to breeding these beautiful fellows. I have another dividable huge cage in waiting -- empty, and I would like to use it for breeding two pairs of Gouldians. I have planned to use the present cage for all youngsters -- it's large.

When the mother Gouldian is finished laying eggs and sitting, I understand from your message I should not worry that anything will happen with the overburdened parents (two clutches) and the feeding frenzy of 2 swarms of tots.

After her second clutch has fledged, I'm concerned with the timing of removal of the nest box. Two clutches is enough now. I think one week after fledging would be appropriate. I hope I'm on the mark.

[B CAMP]

Duncan
Welcome to the forum,if you fill in your profile we will know where your from in the world ,some times its make it easier to answer questions.
I think taking the nest out 1 week after they fledge will be fine.
have you checked out the link to the left finch information center lots good reading on it about gouldians under species

[L in Ontario]

For Gouldians, I remove the nestbox the day the last chick has fledged. For example I had one fledge yesterday - he perched all night lastnight and did not go back into the nestbox at all. Two more fledged this morning - hubby phoned me to share the news! I expect the other two to fledge later this morning or tomorrow. After the last baby is out I will then remove the nestbox. Gouldian chicks do not typically go back inside once they are fledged (unless they are being fostered).

You'll know when to remove the first set of babies after they are fully weaned - the father may get agressive towards them. Good luck and keep us posted!

[dfcauley]

Liz, waiting for pictures of those new babies.

[L in Ontario]

Liz, waiting for pictures of those new babies.

Donna - Pics are in the mail! I have some of yesterday's fledgling but will have to wait until after work (shhh) until I get to see the 3 from today!

[FeatherHarp]

Still waiting for pics.....

[L in Ontario]

LOL - patience Deborah and Donna. I just got another phonecall that 2 more have fledged. That makes 4 out (2 yellow and 2 green) and 1 green left in the nest... is it time to go home yet?!?! The camera awaits!