Confused Gouldians?

[FruitFly705]

So my gouldians finally decided it was time for the pitter patter of little feet. I've tried to do as much reading as possible, so I'll be prepared for what's going to happen. I was thrilled on tuesday when I snuck a peek in their nest box and found an egg. So I checked wednesday morning and found a second egg. But when I checked this morning, there was no third egg :-/ They are first time parents, so I understand they're not going to lay a massive clutch. It is a little disheartening, though. So anyway, I've been watching them since the first egg was laid. I read that they usually take turns sitting during the day and that the female usually sits at night. But so far, I see my female go in the nest for short periods of time, while the male pretty much lives in there. I also read that they start sitting tight after the third egg is laid, which should have been today. So where is my female? Chilling out on a perch while the male is being super dad and sitting in the nest on the eggs. Are they eventaully gonna figure out that it's supposed to be a partnership kind of thing, or is my female going to continue being lazy and letting the male do all the work?

[jimleasure]

what is the head coloring of each?

[FruitFly705]

Well before I answer your question, here's a quick update... I checked the nest this morning and there's a third egg. Is it strange that she skipped a day or does this happen occasionally? Anyway, the male is still being super dad while the female is being lazy. I just started watching them for the day, though, so I don't know if they've been taking turns or not. I'm just going by what I'm seeing right now.

So, to answer your question, the male is red headed and the female is orange headed. And yes, I did read the study about different head colors laying smaller clutches of eggs than same head color pairs. :p

[FruitFly705]

I figure I'll keep giving updates... in case anyone stumbles across this and wants to give some advice. I've been watching them for a few hours now. The male just came out of the nest and it looks like the female is in there. Usually when the male came out the female stayed out, too. And if she did go in, it was only for a few minutes. So far the male is eating and drinking and stretching his wings and it seems like the female is hanging out in the nest. I'm still gonna keep an eye on them, though. But maybe they're starting to get the hang of things :clap:

[FruitFly705]

i am SO glad i signed up for this forum... it's been ever so helpful :rolleyes:

[gouldgoon]

whats the update on your Gouldians? I am in the same boat, my first nest is under way now, the hen has been sitting for three nights now and both are doing it "text book" taking turns during the day and the female sits at night. my male is a RH WB YB and the Female is a BH WB NB hoping the eggs are fertile.

[raebhoop]

Head colour makes no difference to clutch size.I first bred gouldians 50 years ago and have raised hundreds.The most important thing with gouldians is privacy...plenty of fir branches or similar round the nesting area...and don't keep looking.:) A deeper than usual box is best as some have the habit of chick tossing...depth discourages this habit.

[IBN2IT]

Hi I am new to this site..hopeing to learn and share what I have learned.
My Split Blue male and female have chicks in the box screeming for food parents are doing a fine job feeding them.. my male started to hang his wings low?? is he just tired..cage not over crowded and kept indoors and very clean good diet.? sos?

[IBN2IT]

whats the update on your Gouldians? I am in the same boat, my first nest is under way now, the hen has been sitting for three nights now and both are doing it "text book" taking turns during the day and the female sits at night. my male is a RH WB YB and the Female is a BH WB NB hoping the eggs are fertile.
Congrats!!! its always a fun time when they are sitting..put a mark on the calendar..16 days...:beerchug:

[Shirley]

Head colour makes no difference to clutch size.I first bred gouldians 50 years ago and have raised hundreds.The most important thing with gouldians is privacy...plenty of fir branches or similar round the nesting area...and don't keep looking.:) A deeper than usual box is best as some have the habit of chick tossing...depth discourages this habit.

PRIVACY - even if you are the primary care-taker - is essential! Thanks for posting - all this is excellent and accurate information.