How long after a molt?

H2015 · Post by **H2015** » Thu Feb 21, 2008 3:22 am

Two of my male Gouldians are at the end of their molt and are doing the court dance to practically anything, a few times to each other, so it seems to me they're in breeding condition but I'm not sure how long should they rest after a molt?

I'm also getting two females this week from a breeder (yes finally found one around here!!!!!) and according to him they're both in breeding condition and one of them successfully raised a clutch before so I was wondering if it would be ok to pair them after the females are out of quarantine or must wait first?

Thanks

williep · Post by **williep** » Thu Feb 21, 2008 3:47 am

Personally I never breed a bird in molt as this is a very stressful and energy sapping time for the bird. If they are displaying courtship gestures I'll still give them a bit of time.

How long do you quarantine birds? I usually do 6 weeks or so, so by that time the molt should be over and you could pair them.

H2015 · Post by **H2015** » Thu Feb 21, 2008 5:44 am

I've seen the birds at this breeder's place and they're all very healthy and in a very clean environment. I will treat with SCATT the moment they get here and then with WormAway to make sure they're free from any mites/worms just to be safe and will see how they do during the first two weeks, if no problems occur then I'll add them to my flight.

So I guess waiting for a month would be good? They're almost done from molting btw, just a few pin feathers left.

williep · Post by **williep** » Thu Feb 21, 2008 7:07 am

I think you should be fine. The new birds also have to adjust to their new environment and chances are that they will not breed immediately anyway. So you can add them as soon as you are happy.

Good luck and keep us posted on any progress and "marriages"

H2015 · Post by **H2015** » Thu Feb 21, 2008 8:04 am

Thanks a lot and I'll surely update if anything happens

chrischris · Post by **chrischris** » Fri Feb 22, 2008 6:29 pm

My birds have never been interested when they are in a molt to breed. They'll breed when they are ready.

Chris

H2015 · Post by **H2015** » Sat Feb 23, 2008 8:13 pm

Actually the yellow pretty much completed his molt by now, he started late November so it's been 4 months.

My other male also almost done, he had a very heavy molt (bald patches all over, looked like Freddy Kreuger) but it only took him a month so his molt was harder but much quicker.

Anyway the yellow today was trying to mount the female ON the perch several times but they loose balance and fly off. I don't have a nest in there and not planning to breed until the new females are out of quarantine.

FeatherHarp · Post by **FeatherHarp** » Sat Feb 23, 2008 10:57 pm

I wonder when my Finches will molt....haven't seen a feather fly yet.

Now having said that...I suppose they will start molting tomorrow.