By this time they have all completed
the moult. The cocks should be singing and the hen's beak
will be turning black, indicating they are ready to breed.
Gouldians in the wild nest in various places including hollows in trees.
So they like privacy and darkness, that is why they have such bright
nodules.
I prefer and have success with wooden nest
boxes that are closed with a round entrance hole
measuring two inches in diameter.
The boxes
I use vary from 5 inches square to 5 inches by 10-14 inches
long. The lids are hinged to allow viewing access. Since I
had problems during 2001 with some wet mouldy nest boxes I
have decided to drill several small holes in the sides and
bottom to improve air circulation.
I place a preformed nest of swamp grass
on the bottom of the nest box. I use my fist or a tennis
ball to form a small hollow. The cock will complete the
rest building a canopy from swamp grass left about the
outside section of the aviary.
Generally they are excellent nest builders. You will be
surprised how the male will finish the rest with a thick
canopy and long tunnel into the sitting area.
Even though the nest boxes are in a small area, there are
very few arguments among the Gouldians, as long as the
entrance holes face away from each other. Another excellent
idea is to place guards over the entrance holes to inhibit
peering by the other Gouldians.
The nest boxes
are all in the indoor section and will remain until
July/August depending on what is happening in the
aviary.
Gouldians are very curious by nature and will quickly investigate anything
new in their surroundings. Before I can get out of the aviary the Gouldians
are inquisitively looking into the nest boxes.
All in all, it
is always a time of great anticipation!