Snapper Posted May 6, 2006 Report Posted May 6, 2006 I've had a dovecote and 3 pairs of lovely garden fantails (young birds from a reliable breeder) since last Summer. They didn't breed last year and this year have been laying eggs but without successfully hatching. The birds seem either to lose interest in their eggs or the eggs roll-out from under the sitting bird and get cold or fall out of the nest. The birds are eating well and appear settled, healthy and happy. They are certainly not afraid of amorous encounters! But I'm at a loss to know what (if anything) I should do to encourage successful breeding. Any ideas?
Peckedhen Posted May 6, 2006 Report Posted May 6, 2006 Do you have some nesting material in the dovecote? I have wood shavings with straw on top. I pushed a piece of turf in once the eggs were laid to hold them up in the back of the compartment. They hatched no problem. Do you have separate compartments for each pair of birds?
Snapper Posted May 6, 2006 Author Report Posted May 6, 2006 Hi PeckedHen. Yes, I put some straw in each compartment and they added other nesting material themselves. It's a large cote and more than enough compartments for the birds. Thanks for the turf tip - I'll try that.
Peckedhen Posted May 7, 2006 Report Posted May 7, 2006 Okay. Some cheaper dovecotes are just one big hollow inside, I wondered if that was the problem. I can't really think of anything else - maybe some of the more experienced members can help. Oh, one thought - you don't keep cleaning out do you? I know it gets very messy inside but, once mine laid, I left them to it till the squabs were two weeks old. After all, the ferals don't get cleaned out and they seem to manage fine!! ;D
bewted Posted May 7, 2006 Report Posted May 7, 2006 snapper,,,pm me your tel number and i will ring you about your fantails,i will try and help if i can,,,ted
bewted Posted May 7, 2006 Report Posted May 7, 2006 have rung snapper,hopefully should be ok now,wait and see all results,,,,ted
Snapper Posted May 7, 2006 Author Report Posted May 7, 2006 Thanks Ted for some really helpful tips. It's over to the birds now...!
Snapper Posted May 29, 2006 Author Report Posted May 29, 2006 Success! 1 healthy squab doing very well. Thanks to everyone for advice.
bewted Posted May 29, 2006 Report Posted May 29, 2006 well done snapper,if you get too many,i can home some,good luck,,,,ted
THE FIFER Posted May 29, 2006 Report Posted May 29, 2006 THEY ARE NOT GETTING TROUBLED WITH CATS AT NIGHT.OR OTHER BIRDS SUCH AS CROWS GOING IN DURING THE DAY, OR MAGPIES IF U HAVE THEM.
Snapper Posted May 29, 2006 Author Report Posted May 29, 2006 Hi Fifer. We do have quite a few Magpies but I've not seen any trying to get into the cote. Thankfully, no cats or foxes either. But thanks for the tip - I'll keep an eye on it. I think maybe they were just a bit slow starting this season!
Peckedhen Posted May 30, 2006 Report Posted May 30, 2006 Snapper, I, too, was getting impatient wanting my birds to breed but, once they start there's no stopping them!! ;D
Snapper Posted July 7, 2006 Author Report Posted July 7, 2006 Quick update: now have 3 newly hatched squabs doing well. Looks like they were just a bit slow to start! Thanks everyone.
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