Gouldians Question

[Mez]

Hi guys, i've got 2 pair of gouldians in a largeish flight cage, a purple breasted male, a purple breasted yellow female who has a red head, a red headed yellow female and a red headed yellow male. The red headed male and the purple breasted hen seem to have formed a pair, and are always in the nestbox, and the male chases the other two away from the area, this is where I found out how vital a decent sized cage is! Anyway, I've never seen them mating, ever, but I'm sure I have seen the male trying it on in the nest.
The nest was initially built (well it's a wicker nest but they stuffed it full of material) by the purple breasted male but then the red headed male took more interest in it, and now the other male couldn't care less.
What are the chances of baby gouldians? Do gouldians build and go into nests without the intentions of breeding, as it seems a pair of my zebras do that!
Cheers
James

[lovemyfinch]

As a rule gouldians mate in the nest
So I would say that yes your possibilites are pretty good for babies. The one thing however that I am a little worried about is the space that you are providing for 2 pairs. If one of the pairs do lay eggs and hatch out, I would be worried about them tossing. Gouldians love their privacy, and if they do not have enough are known to toss young ones, for fear of interference....that includes us.

[Mez]

Would you reccomend seperating the other pair away from then then?I do have spare cages if need be.

[lovemyfinch]

If you are able to, I personally would separate the 2 pairs. This would give each pair the privacy and calm environment that they will need to reproduce.

[GOULDYGIRL]

I agree with Janine, if you have the space and you would like to have a better chance at some babies.

Good luck!
Renee