New birds

[chrisspain]

Hi all

I have now got my two fantails installed in the dove cote (they have been in for 3 weeks) I have been told they are male and female and only one has been displaying etc but only inside the cote and not when they are out in the homing gage, this same bird has also shown agression to me if i try to put my hand within the dovecote however ther are a couple of things you guys may be able to help with.

Both birds appear to be moulting, is this the right time of year ( I live in southern Spain) also how long can i expect to wait for them to go down on eggs,  and how long do I keep them confined before I release them.

Chris

[Guest]

Chris

 

I'm not sure about the moult in Spain, but moulting is a stressful time for the birds and they may not come down on eggs until the moult is completed.  I personally would wait to let them out until they are sitting eggs, or tinyy babies

 

Good luck

[Guest]

Where about in South Spain ?We might go to Costa Del Sol, near Malaga in October.

 

[Peckedhen]

How old are your fantails?  If they are 3-4 months old then three weeks should be long enough  to keep them in the homing cage.  Don't remove the cage completely, just open it so that the birds can get in and out.  

[chrisspain]

I live near Murcia, further north than Malaga, not sure how old they are but suspect them to be 5/6 months old.

[Peckedhen]

I have some fantails this age - the wattles are still pinkish compared to the parents.  

[pigeonpete]

Chris did you get your pm mate? please get in touch ta