Moving the nest

[Gouldian lover]

Hello: I have three wonderful new Gouldies (first babies we've had). Two eggs did not hatch and I have not disturbed everyone to check the two unhatched eggs. The babies have grown quickly and I saw one stretching his wing yesterday. I believe the oldest is 12 days. The nest is high in the cage and my husband suggested moving it lower so that when they do come out, it's not so far to fall. I have no ideas if that's what happens but I would be horrified! Does this sound like a good idea? Thank you for always responding and sharing your knowledge. Karen

[Barbara]

When my society babies were ready to come out of the nest I put a perch close to the opening but societies do not mind you looking and getting close to there babies I don't own any gouldians so not sure if this would bother them I know some people have put bubble wrap or bunch up some paper towels just under nest in case they fall I wouldn't move the nest on any babies,hopefully some one else will give some more advice,but wanted to give you something tonight in case you good luck with your little ones

[Sally]

I wouldn't move the nest lower, the parents might abandon. When babies leave the nest or fledge, they are quite capable of flying, even if somewhat clumsily at first. Think about the birds in the wild that leave the nest that is perched high in one of our native trees! If you are worried about babies falling out of the nest before they are ready, then many members do put something soft like a small dishtowel or even hay on the bottom of the cage under the nest.

[OAvila1986]

I wouldn't recommend you moving the nest. I don't own Lady Gouldian, but I know they are pretty hard to breed. Moving the nest might trigger the parents to abandon the babies. I'll say you have til 12 day old finch is 25-28 days old before it chooses to leave the nest on its own. And they should be fine. They should stand on the entry hole for hours scouting the cage to see where to land. When ready it will come out and land. Good luck. Keep us posted! Congrats on your G babies!

[ac12]

Do NOT move the nest !!!

Gouldian WILL abandon their nest. So you don't want to give them an excuse to abandon their nest and the chicks.

While you could put a folded large towel on the bottom of the cage, under the nest. That might be a big enough change to the cage environment that the parents may abandon the nest. And as Sally said, the birds in the wild don't have someone to put padding on the ground under the nest.

So just leave things alone.