Has anyone ever had this happen?

Michael · Post by **Michael** » Sat Jun 30, 2007 9:13 am

Bought a pair of Gouldians, my first, a few months ago. Hes been trying to impress her by doing his best with the nest building and the usual courtship thing. Up until now she hasnt seemed interested in him.

Today I noticed the male was starting to sit tight in the nest all morning. I thought wow, this is unexpected, maybe they worked things out. Then just now he comes out and starts chasing the hen around the cage trying to drive her into the nest. He chases and fights with her relentlessly but she wont go to the nest. I can see that theres an egg in the nest. Finally he gives up and returns to sit on the egg.

Any thoughts or advice. Im new with Gouldians. Had lots of luck with shafttails but Im about ready to try introducing another female.

tammieb · Post by **tammieb** » Sat Jun 30, 2007 10:17 am

I have not tried to breed my Goulds, but from what I've read it sounds like your male is more interested in breeding than the hen. Perhaps she is too young?

They do mate inside the nestbox, so he could be either trying to get her to come in for that or to relieve him from incubation duty.

Either way, apparently, she ain't having it. I think I would pair that male with another hen.

Michael · Post by **Michael** » Sat Jun 30, 2007 2:58 pm

I think youre right. This hen just doesnt seem to have any interest in breeding. He keeps trying to drive her back to the nest but like you said, shes not having any of it. Im sure the egg in the nest now is infertile. Ill give it a bit and candle it. If not Ill get rid of it so he wont keep wasting his time.

Agree I think its time to try another hen. Am going to swap to a better nesting box. One more reccomended for Gouldians. Then Ill bring in another female. Do you think I could keep the three of them in one cage or should I separate the existing hen once I get the new one?

Post by **Sally** » Sat Jun 30, 2007 11:03 pm

Most finch species don't do well in threesomes, especially with mixed sexes. A breeder told me he puts several pairs of Gouldians in each breeding cage and has no problems. So I tried it--nothing but squabbles, and they were too busy with their little spats to even think about building nests! I think with an aviary, depending on its size, you can get away with a lot more mixing. With cages, you have to be more careful about the occupants--there is nowhere to get away or hide if there is a bully in the cage.

How much time have you given them to settle in and get in the breeding mode? It takes a while, some longer than others, and some birds really like to get acquainted first. Whenever I change cages with my birds, they are unsettled for a while, have to get used to new perches, etc. When I put a nest in the cage, they may spend days or weeks checking it out and deciding if it is acceptable. Also, is your female young? She may not be quite mature enough yet. She has laid one egg, many finches won't sit tight till the 3rd egg has been laid.

Oops, I just reread your first post, and you have had them for several months, so they are certainly settled in. You could wait to see if she lays any more eggs and might then start sitting tight after the 3rd. Otherwise, I guess it is time to try another hen.