Gouldian breeding question

[Reubenvg]

Hi,
Well as suggested in another post I put some nesting boxes in for my Gouldians to see if they would breed before "the molt" as I have only had them for 3-4 months.

After a week in 2 pairs laid 5 eggs each (both started on same day)

One pair (orange heads) built a huge nest in the nesting box and the other pair (red heads) did nothing but both boxes already were fairly snug with coconut husk / feathers.

today was the 14 day mark so I checked the eggs, unfortunately the 5 eggs from the pair of red heads are all infertile. I tried to check the other pair (orange heads with big nest) but she wouldn't get off the nest and kinda hissed at me and I thought she was going to bite me so I just left it.

I was thinking if the orange pair end up with 4-5 fertile eggs should I try and foster a few to the red head pair ? Both pairs have been sitting 24/7 with either Male or Female in nest at all times.

Or should I remove the infertile eggs and let them try again?
To me it looks like the male red head has started to molt cause he's looking pretty dodgy with missing feathers ect (he was perfect couple weeks ago)

Thanks.

[Matt]

It's too late now to let them try another clutch. Don't foster the eggs out to the other pair. Let them molt first and give them another go in Feb.

[chrischris]

Yes if he has started a molt that it's likely that he will stop breeding anyways and you won't get another clutch from them. Very likely that they are a young pair and that is why the clutch was all infertile. With time they will learn.

Chris

[Reubenvg]

Ok thanks