Newest Cuban Melodious Chicks - about 5 days old!!

[L in Ontario]

I managed to get a short clip of the two chicks - a tricky manouver as the nest entrance faces the back of the cage.

I had to use a mirror and a flashlight (to get light into the nest) while holding the camera.

The chicks are safely separated on one side of the breeding cage with mom while dad is on the other side of the divider in the same cage. This way the hen will not spend the day calling and searching for her mate and can spend her time feeding and brooding the chicks while the cock does not have access to the chicks. I put the divider in on the day before I guesstimated the eggs to hatch. This works for me every time.

Enjoy!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SJdd0BuZKr8

[dfcauley]

Wow... congrats Liz!!!! That clip is adorable.
Just curious....why do you have to seperate them from the dad?

[L in Ontario]

Thanks Donna.

The cock has tossed, plucked and killed some previous chicks of a few clutches. I'm not willing to take that chance any more since I have to be out at work 5 days a week. I have few or no issues when I put the divider in the day before I calculate the eggs to hatch.

[Queen_Bee]

That's a great video!

[MLaRue]

They are so big already I'm trying to remember a 5 day old Gouldian and they seem so helpless compared to these babies

They are so cute!

[6finchfriends]

Great video! Thanks for sharing! I've never seen one before. Now I have to look up a photo! They sure do look strong for 5 days old!

[lovemyfinch]

What a beautiful sight Liz

I need to know, what kind of mirror are you using? Mine have built a nest, but there is no way of seeing what is inside

[bugaboo5]

Congratulations on the babies!! Is it normal for the cock to be so aggressive? That's very unfortunate that he wants to pull and toss babies. Hopefully that characteristic does not pass on to the babies.

[dfcauley]

Thanks Donna.

The cock has tossed, plucked and killed some previous chicks of a few clutches. I'm not willing to take that chance any more since I have to be out at work 5 days a week. I have few or no issues when I put the divider in the day before I calculate the eggs to hatch.

oh... well that make sense!! Good save!!!

[L in Ontario]

What a beautiful sight Liz

I need to know, what kind of mirror are you using? Mine have built a nest, but there is no way of seeing what is inside

I would not recommend disturbing the Cubans whatsoever if they have not had several clutches with you as yet. Mine have had more than 5 clutches since I got them and they "know" me as well as they can. This is the first time I've ever attempted to get a photo and video of the chicks. The hen was still upset at my disturbance which is why the video is less than 30 seconds.

I used a mirror measuring about 7"wide by 3" high. It just fit in over top of the breeding cage (it's the lower of a double-stacked cage set). I laid the flashlight on the cage top aimed at the mirror. Then held the mirror (facing me) angled down towards the nest entrance. Holding the camera in the other hand I took the video.

[L in Ontario]

Congratulations on the babies!! Is it normal for the cock to be so aggressive? That's very unfortunate that he wants to pull and toss babies. Hopefully that characteristic does not pass on to the babies.

It is not unusual for the Cuban cock to pluck (or kill) male offspring at or near fledging (any competition in their minds is to be dealt with quickly) - it happened several times with my male but I'm not sure why he got rid of some of the chicks before they were even feathered out.

[lovemyfinch]

Ok then, I`ll be patient and wait and wait and wait

[Ursula]

The video is too cute!!!

[G8love4finches]

Great video!....Ingenious method of getting it!....Can't wait to see the little ones as they grow!

[L in Ontario]

Great video!....Ingenious method of getting it!....Can't wait to see the little ones as they grow!

Thank you! However I won't be trying to get any more pics or vids until after they fledge. I feel fortunate to have this video.