Year


2002 2003 2004 2005 2006 2007 2008 2009 Total


Pairs Set*


2 2 6 8


10 8 9 7


Average chicks per nest: 2.85


Clutch sizes, chicks reared to maturity:


2002 2003 2004 2005 2006 2007 2008 2009


1, 1, 5 1, 5


1, 1, 4, 4, 4, 6 2, 2, 3, 3, 5, 5


1,1,1,2,2,3,4,4,4 1,2,3,3,3,4,5 1,1,1,1,3,3,4,7 1,2,2,2,4,4,5


*The pairs that failed to rear in ’02 and ’03 due to bacterial load in the egg are excluded.


1) The total figures for cocks and hens rather question the theory of a high ratio of cocks to hens.


2) It will be noted that, out of eight breeding seasons, three produced excess cocks, three excess hens and two equal numbers.


3) The problem is still the average 18 BIRD SCENE


chicks per nest, which remains stubbornly low. I regard 3+ as quite acceptable but the 1s and 2s pull down the average. Next year I plan to hold back some ’09 young until ’11 to see if older first breeding makes any difference. I have no reason to think it will, but “try anything”


Conclusion:Madagascars are delightful, quiet, inoffensive little birds. I have found their reputation regarding temperament and breeding to be undeserved if you are prepared to give them a bit of time and effort.


Appendix: I have experimented quite a bit with soft and dry mixes. The notes overleaf are the current regime which seems to have high acceptability and I have no plans to vary for the coming season.


Pairs rearing to maturity


2 2 5 6 8 7 8 4


Rounds


3 2 6 6 9 7 8 7


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