how long will it be before i get some eggs?

zigzag · Snr Member Joined: Sep 06, 2006 Posts: 65

hey guys,

i was wondering how long it takes for a pair to to lay there first egg, after they have shown intrest in a nest box. And does the male normally chose the site first or the hen what sort of breeding behaviour should i encounter.

I think i might be close to breeding kakarikis for the first time, my cinamon pair (cinni and oscar). I cant wait for my first egg!!!!. I am also currently designing a new avairy to house all my new arrivals.

thanks
james

zigzag · Snr Member Joined: Sep 06, 2006 Posts: 65

Hi everyone.

Cini and Oscar have finally laid their first egg happy^

.They dont seem to mind me checking the nest as i expected them to go crazy when i go near the box.
I guess it is because my avairy is right out my front door. i noticed the egg to have the nesting material stuck around the egg. is this normal or should i brush it off. also she has laid the egg in the box the cock bird (oscar) was roosting in even though i had givin them three boxes to chose from.

P.S i will take some photos and post them shortly, i just hope the eggs a fertile.

Tatters · Snr Member Joined: Mar 08, 2006 Posts: 62

hi zigzag personally i would leave them alone if you keep checking they may become spooked and destroy the eggs, also i read that you should try to keep the nesting box not to high off the floor because when the youngsters leave the box if it is too far to the floor they may break there legs.

zigzag · Snr Member Joined: Sep 06, 2006 Posts: 65

hi

i have noticed that some water had got into the nest box, i am quite shaw that the eggs got wet. i have now closed the side off that i think the weather was coming in on. will their be any damage to the two eggs which are in the box. at what hight is the nest box dangerous when the young leave the nest.

thanks

Steptoe · Site Admin Joined: Oct 06, 2004 Posts: 4550

With well designed nesting box, the chicks will come out at the right time, with at least the ability to flap and land soft, and able to fly within and hr.
A nesting box that is too shallow. they are able to climb out before time and possbly damage themselves.
We have had the odd adventerus chick deside to take the jump early buy a few days to a week. never had a problem with damage at nearly 2m height. Weleave them out for the day and put them back at dusk, or if the parents are agitated.

A little water in (damp) in the nesting box is ok, if a mix of wood shavings, forrest floor debris is used...this along with the droppings in the nest causes heat and incubation...as happens in nature.