|
Post by starlingqueen on Sept 22, 2013 11:00:41 GMT
I need some advice. My hen is coming back into breeding condition and her mate has already started to chase off the other cocks so I need to move her to the breeding cage. But the cock has failed to mate with her twice now and we have had infertile eggs. She doesn't interact with any of the other cocks. Should I give her mate another go or choose a different cock? I was going to use my new cock but he is very reserved and keeps away from all the others. Will phoebe consider another cock if she doesn't interact with any of them?
|
|
Jan 12, 2012 22:54:32 GMT
Nicola
Senior Spangle
Poppi, Digger, Daisy, Mawson, Cleo, Casper, Romeo, Georgia, Melmen, Rosalie, Willow, Alice and Finn
Posts: 1,148
|
Post by Nicola on Sept 22, 2013 11:15:35 GMT
I would chose a new cock for the sake of a good clutch while she is in breeding condition, unless you really wanted to use the previous cock for a reason. As she is already paired up with a male, that would probably be why she isn't interacting with any others. They are much like us. While our partners are around we are loyal to them, but when they 'leave' we eventually get on with our lives and find someone new. In short, while her mate is around she will only be focused on him. However, if you separated Phoebe and a cock of your choice into a breeding cage she will quickly let onto what is happening and accept him. There is the occasional hen that doesn't like the chosen cock, but with her breeding hormones running high with her being in condition I would think that she would be happy with anyone who gets the job done Hope this isn't too confusing...got myself a little confused for a minute lol Good luck and don't forget to keep us posted Nicola
|
|
|
Post by starlingqueen on Sept 22, 2013 11:24:03 GMT
Thank you for your fast reply Nicola. can I pick your brain a bit more please? When I remove the pair would it be OK if the hen can see her mate or will she ignore the new cock? The reason is, the breeding cage will be next to the aviary and they will be able to see each other. would it be better to block the view in some way?
|
|
Jan 12, 2012 22:54:32 GMT
Nicola
Senior Spangle
Poppi, Digger, Daisy, Mawson, Cleo, Casper, Romeo, Georgia, Melmen, Rosalie, Willow, Alice and Finn
Posts: 1,148
|
Post by Nicola on Sept 22, 2013 11:35:27 GMT
Your welcome starlingqueen Just as a preference, I would start by making a barrier just so she doesn't get distracted by him calling and looking at her. I have seen a cock fly onto the outside of a breeding cage where his mate is with a new cock and call to her. She then obviously gets distracted by him because she remembers him and turns her attention to him instead. Phoebe might decide to get it going with the new cock straight away and forget the previous cock anyway though. Instead of me rambling, it might help if I ask you how far the breeding cage is away from the aviary? Nicola
|
|
Jan 12, 2012 22:54:32 GMT
Nicola
Senior Spangle
Poppi, Digger, Daisy, Mawson, Cleo, Casper, Romeo, Georgia, Melmen, Rosalie, Willow, Alice and Finn
Posts: 1,148
|
Post by Nicola on Sept 22, 2013 11:37:10 GMT
Edit- Forgot to add that if she cant see him, it should be alright. But if she can see him and he can see her, I would put a barrier up
|
|
|
Post by starlingqueen on Sept 22, 2013 11:52:54 GMT
The breeding cage is right next to the aviary. They can interact through the bars. I have an indoor aviary with a UVB light attached so I position the breeding cage so the pair can still benefit from the light. I will put up a screen between the cage and aviary. Am I right in thinking I need to put the pair in the cage before adding the nest box, so they can get acquainted? How long should I give them before adding the box? Also the only male that is in breeding condition is her mate. Is that a problem? I assume it's in response to phoebes condition. Will the new male take long to respond and come in to breeding condition?
|
|
Jan 12, 2012 22:54:32 GMT
Nicola
Senior Spangle
Poppi, Digger, Daisy, Mawson, Cleo, Casper, Romeo, Georgia, Melmen, Rosalie, Willow, Alice and Finn
Posts: 1,148
|
Post by Nicola on Sept 23, 2013 2:00:06 GMT
In that case, yes put up a screen Again, I think it is preference. I know many people put the nest box in straight away so they get in the mood sooner. If both are in breeding condition they should be ready to breed and will be waiting for a chance to anyway. If you want to get the new male pumped up for breeding then perhaps you put them in a breeding cage and add the nest box later after he is in condition, but then Phoebe could be out of condition then so its really up to you. Its just trial and error. If you don't want to risk Phoebe coming out of breeding condition as the new male comes in, maybe go back to the original cock and take the chance while its there? They could surprise you! Nicola
|
|
|
Post by starlingqueen on Sept 23, 2013 9:14:53 GMT
I noticed yesterday that 2 other males were showing an interest and ceres are looking nice and dark now. I have to decide who get the privilege of being husband to my only hen.
|
|
Jan 12, 2012 22:54:32 GMT
Nicola
Senior Spangle
Poppi, Digger, Daisy, Mawson, Cleo, Casper, Romeo, Georgia, Melmen, Rosalie, Willow, Alice and Finn
Posts: 1,148
|
Post by Nicola on Sept 23, 2013 9:24:36 GMT
Lol, good luck
|
|
|
Post by BudgiesBuddy on Sept 23, 2013 11:28:32 GMT
When faced with unwanted budgies couples who paired in flight, most breeders separate the cocks and hens in different cages and feed them high energy breeding diets. After four weeks, they are placed in breeding cages and introduced to new mates. The success rate is over 90%, which is very good.
|
|
|
Post by starlingqueen on Sept 23, 2013 11:46:30 GMT
That's good info BB. I only have one hen, would it be a good idea to separate her from the boys for a while?
|
|
|
Post by BudgiesBuddy on Sept 24, 2013 9:41:26 GMT
That's good info BB. I only have one hen, would it be a good idea to separate her from the boys for a while? If she has paired with unwanted cock, this is the way to break the bond. But it sounds a little harsh to keep her alone for a month or so. Also budgies can keep bond with their voice too, even if they are separated. Breeders have different setups for such issues.
|
|
|
Post by starlingqueen on Sept 24, 2013 11:33:50 GMT
She seems to solicit food from any cock that is passing so she's not fussed. I think it's more the cock that has bonded with her than the other way. He chases any others away from her, particularly when she's in breeding condition. I don't think she would mind another cock at all and they all seem willing to feed her given a chance.
|
|