It takes a village

[FLDoc]

I have three nests of Societies that fledged at the same time. Now there is a gaggle of babies in the food pan around the hopper - a dispensing base on a large mason jar. Living up to their name, several adults are taking turns feeding all the babies. Two of the nests had more than one pair sitting and several adults nesting at night. So the babies are from various pairs, being all fed as a group by various parents, proving that it takes a village of Societies to raise their children.... It's an amazing thing to watch. I know one chick is the Gouldian baby cause it is LOUD. But they all go quiet when I sneak up to look. Will have to wait for everyone to feather out to find it.

[debbie276]

Gouldian chicks have 3 florescent nodules on each side of their beak, very easy to tell them from others.

[monotwine]

got to love societies.

[delray]

FLDoc Awesome! Societies are the best. Always working together.

Brian

[FLDoc]

Gouldian chicks have 3 florescent nodules on each side of their beak, very easy to tell them from others.

Debbie, that was helpful when everyone was in the nest feeding and bald. However, now it doesn't. Most have one spot by the corners of their beaks/mouths. One has nothing and may be the Gouldian. Everyone is feathering up. Now, when they are begging and I come to look, everyone shuts up. In the nest, they wanted to be fed and guess they thought I was just as good as anyone else to give them a meal.

[debbie276]

Gouldians retain their nodules even after feathering up. About the time they are weaned there will be 2 instead of 3 on each side. Then slowly they disappear. The nodules are clearly visable even when they are not begging.