FEATURE
Due to enforced inactivity (knee op) I was very late in getting all my birds’ flights ready for the breeding season. The Glossy’s nest box was not put in until early May and not as high up as usual, normally near the roof at an angle some 7’ up. It did not make any difference, they began adding to the nesting material and after about 14 days I knew the Hen was laying green/blue eggs, this time three. In the past, when obviously younger, the pair would have four or even five eggs and rear them all. However as they age three seems to be the norm. After about 14 days the eggs hatch and both parents will feed the young with mini- mealworms, waxworms and crickets which seem to be the mainstay for the fledglings. The general diet for adults and their youngsters is softbill food, Bevo, Beaphar, Bogena, Softbill Pellets both fruit type and insect varieties. They also like plenty of fresh fruit, almost any is acceptable – they are not fussy feeders.
Not too long after the youngsters fledged the parents started to take in new nesting material and restart the breeding cycle again, whilst continuing to feed the first round youngsters. Not so clear thinking on my part and lack of aviary space caused the second round to fail when, given better management, they should have survived. The first round youngsters
I retained some youngsters from breeding four years ago and this is the first time they have attempted to breed. Strangely only one egg but this was successfully hatched and reared.
remained in the flight (my mistake!). The nest box should have been replaced or, at least thoroughly cleaned out, before signs of nesting again began (mistake).
I did refresh the nest box when the second round young were about 7 days old but it was a messy job. Although two of the young grew and feathered well and even fledged, they were not healthy and nor did they leave the nest box when they should have. I believe a combination of the aforementioned and the nest box being slightly too small, i.e. 7½“ x 7½“ x 13” and not at a great enough angle were also a contributory factor (mistake). So after what should have been six youngsters only the first round survived to be good healthy birds. Better news from another of my three pairs of Blue Eared Glossys. I retained some youngsters from breeding four years ago and this is the first time they have attempted to breed. Strangely only one egg but this was successfully hatched and reared. This youngster being an ‘only child’ so to speak is a really strong and healthy individual. So
BIRD SCENE 17
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