Breeding
I start the birds breeding , in
April depending on weather, when the days have started to get sufficiently
long. I do this by introducing the nest box to the aviary or cage. My nest
boxes are constructed of good quality 0.5 inch ply-wood. They measure 10 x 8 x
12 inch, with a 2 inch hole.
The base of the nest box needs
to be filled with some damp material in order to increase humidity, which
benefits the hatching of the eggs. Pine shavings, course saw-dust or old log
chippings. Just make sure it is clean before using. After having some chicks
dead-in-shell, I no longer use peat as it clings to the eggs, preventing them
from 'breathing'.
I hang the nest box as high as
possible in the aviary. Within my breeding cage the nest box is hung on the
outside at the top, providing a high entrance hole.
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Breeding
age........................8 to 12 months (better to be
older)
Number of
eggs....................on average 4 white eggs (can be
up to 6)
Minimum incubation
period....18 days (from the day the hen starts sitting,
this may not be until the third egg is laid.
.............. ............................Eggs are laid
on alternate days. Do not be in a hurry to discard eggs, they can be a week
late!
Fledging...............................4
to 5 weeks old
Independent..........................8
weeks old
Number of
broods..................2 (may do more, but I only allow
2)
Adult
plumage.......................3 to 4
months
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Normal Cock at first moult
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© Ian Sadler 2007-2008 |