Gouldian Nesting Box Suggestions

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Michael
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Gouldian Nesting Box Suggestions

Post by Michael » Sun Jun 17, 2007 7:15 pm

Have been watching my new male struggle with building a nest inside the nesting box I provided. I have given them a nesting box I have used successfully with shafttails in the past but am wondering if this might have been a poor choice. The box Im using is one of the white plastic boxes with a 4.5 inch by 4.5 in by 4.5 inch main area and a dished bottom. The female seems to be unimpressed with his efforts to date and am wondering if maybe its my fault. Maybe I should try offerring them a different nesting box. Any thoughts? This is my first time with Gouldians

Thanks

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Sally
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Post by Sally » Sun Jun 17, 2007 11:37 pm

Does the nest box have a round hole in the front, or is it one of the more open-fronted type? My Gouldians preferred the open-fronted type, also would have nothing to do with the wicker nests. I have read that Gouldians like the kind of nest box that has a so-called 'porch'. It is a long, rectangular box, with the opening near one end and then a second chamber, or room, at the other end. Supposed to give them a lot more privacy. I am going to try this type when mine are ready to breed again.

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KNG5
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Post by KNG5 » Mon Jun 18, 2007 7:44 am

Well, my Gouldians currently have eggs in a wicker basket. I've heard this type of nest is probably too small though, and that the gouldians prefer boxes...

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tammieb
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Post by tammieb » Mon Jun 18, 2007 12:15 pm

If I ever attempt to breed my Goulds, I would try to find a nestbox like one of these.

Image

Image

They are supposedly prefered by Gouldians.
TammieB.

Use the talents you possess - for the woods would be a very silent place if no birds sang except for the best. ~Henry Van Dyke~

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Post by zookeeper » Mon Jun 18, 2007 8:01 pm

My gouldians preferred a potted plant. Lunatics.

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Michael
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Post by Michael » Mon Jun 18, 2007 8:53 pm

I think Ill try one of the wooden boxes with the veranda and private entrance. What have I got to loose other than a few dollars. Thanks for the suggestions. Hopefully theyll like it better.

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Hope
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Post by Hope » Mon Jun 18, 2007 9:09 pm

Zookeeper, your picture is to cute :lol:

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KNG5
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Post by KNG5 » Mon Jun 18, 2007 9:32 pm

Aw that's so cute, zookeeper. I hope my goulds turn out to be good parents like yours!

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tammieb
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Post by tammieb » Mon Jun 18, 2007 9:51 pm

If only we could all have eager Goulds like yours Zookeeper. :D
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Use the talents you possess - for the woods would be a very silent place if no birds sang except for the best. ~Henry Van Dyke~

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Hilary
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Post by Hilary » Tue Jun 19, 2007 12:03 am

I've heard that the boxes with the porches are also great in that they have to work pretty hard to toss a chick. It can't be a "what's that - get it out of here" flick. They have to haul the kid up and out.
Hilary

Michael
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First Egg

Post by Michael » Wed Jun 20, 2007 8:32 pm

Well, Heres the latest update. Had a glimmer of hope yesterday when I got up and saw the hen was sitting in the nesting box. After work, took a quick peak and saw that there was no egg in the nest. Today though, I noticed an egg on the floor of the cage. Not sure if it was the right thing to do or not but decided to place the egg in the nest and see what happens. Hoping it might encourage them. After all I dont think I have anything to lose. Life was so much easier with my shafttails.

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Post by Hoji » Thu Jun 21, 2007 7:52 am

Hey Michael - Good luck! Let us know how things go!

Michael
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Post by Michael » Thu Jun 21, 2007 6:01 pm

Well, Not sure how they managed it, but the eggs been removed from the nest and is back on the floor of the cage intact. How in the heck do they manage to pick up an egg and throw it out of the nest. Its 2 inches from the bottom of the nest to the bottom of the opening.

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