in the box

[micko and jack]

CHAIRDE FRIENDS

on Friday jack and I paired the fantails we have them 1 pair to 1 box we don't want them picking their own partners we are trying to breed certain types colours they have nest bowl food grit water tobacco stalks how long should I keep them locked up for I was thinking until they lay their first round of eggs i dont want some cock treeding his hen from last year the hens and cocks were split for a few months before being paired what do you think as for feeding in the nest box im feeding wheat one day barley next day and mixed pigeon corn on the 3rd day

thoughts please

[pjc]

What I do with all my pairs is as you have done shut them all in then on day 2 start to let one pair out at a time, 1 pair in the morning and a different pair in the afternoon etc . This way each pair gets excercise out of the box to prevent stiffness and they get to know where there boxes are. This way by the time they lay you know the eggs are from the pairs you want and then when you let all the pairs out together the birds will go to there own boxes and reduce the chance of the wrong bird going into the wrong box and smashing other eggs!

 

Phil

[Merlin]

As above states is possibly the safest system,to encourage harmony amongst the birds,but if you want to guarantee parentage 100% you may keep them confined in box until eggs have been laid but my choice would be to go with the way pjc has described,it would prove less stressful in the long run,also would feed a decent young bird mix,with pigeon pelets added,when youngster hatch.

[pjc]

my post does guarantee 100% parentage for the first round as only one pair have freedom at any one time. As we all know when they are all free any cock will tread any hen given the chance.