What is the best ratio of males to females to have in an aviary? I still want to continue to breed in aviary if possible.

 

Also is it better to have females paired off with a male before putting into aviary to stop one male having two females which can cause stress and jealousy.

 

Thanks

If you are going to colony breed in an aviary, it's best not to have too many males in there to fight over females. Yes, it's best to pair them up first as they will most likely will stay together as a pair once in the aviary. However, there will usually be a dominant male that thinks he can have all the girls. Some have two or three girls on the go at one time. You must closely monitor your birds in a colony situation for any of this to work. To know their quirky ways and to intervene when things get silly. Just as you have had to do already. Others will tell you and they are right...that there is no real way to be sure "X Dad budgie" is really the father to "x baby budgie" as there can and will be surprises re parentage when you breed this way. If you are going to keep your baby budgies for the future, it good to know their parentage so interbreeding doesnt take place, making weaker birds. Nesting boxes must be twice as many as you think you need for choice and so fighting over them doesnt take place. They must be all at the same height as some birds prefer the highest nest over others and will fight over possession of it. You must try and keep at least 2 feet between nesting boxes for territorial disputes. Have nesting box entry holes in a secluded area not in full sunlight or in a "major thoroughfare" area.....i.e. turn the boxes with entry to the side or something.

In short, for this all to work....watch your birds interact and be prepared for surprises, both good and bad. Be prepared that some birds wont be suited to this situation and some will be fine with it. Good luck Cheers Karen

I have more boys than girls and find that they're happy to share the girls around and if there's a girl shortage they'll pick a male buddy and cuddle up to them all the time. :(Laughing out loud): Girls tend to be the cows who fight over males.