My friend has a very large aviary with two breeding pair in it, who have recently laid 7 eggs. The nest box is at the top of the aviary, about 1.5 meters from the bottom. This is the first time she has tried breeding, and we were wondering, when the babies fledge, from what I have read, they learn to fly after they leave the nest.

 

How do they get out of the nest box, it is a long drop to the concrete floor of the aviary, if they fall and it concerns me they may get hurt.

 

Should she place some kind of perch close to the nest box, so they can climb from the nest box to this?

 

I tried searching for a similar post, but couldn't find anything.

 

Thanks,

Robyn

It is hoped that the chicks do not try and leave too early, but at 4-5 weeks when they are fully feathered. They will glide to the floor trying to use their wings. It is rare any will be hurt leaving the nest. In the nestbox prior to leaving ( fledging ) the babies start to strengthen their wings ....they flap them madly learning how to make them work IN the nestbox. Natural instincts kick in at the time they have to use them.

More concern could be watching who, in the aviary may interfere with a newly fledged baby. Some of the other adults may bother it, but again sometimes the other dads in the aviary feed the youngsters too.

Edited October 28, 200915 yr by KAZ

Maybe it is just me, but I have found that in every nest, there is always one chick that jumps out early. I cannot say anything that would help. All I can do is mirror Kaz's advice and I hope, for your sake, and the sake of the babies, that you have no losses, or even problems.

Edited October 29, 200915 yr by Dave_McMinn

Thank you to both of you, I will let my friend know.

 

There are only 3 other budgies in the aviary, and they are already watching their behaviour for any issues.

 

As usual, everyone's advice is terrific!

I agree with the other two, I also usually put some sort of platform at the opening as I usually have one or two come out early, so if they come out they can find their way back in, rather than being on the ground.

 

Kirsty

My friend has a very large aviary with two breeding pair in it, who have recently laid 7 eggs. The nest box is at the top of the aviary, about 1.5 meters from the bottom. This is the first time she has tried breeding, and we were wondering, when the babies fledge, from what I have read, they learn to fly after they leave the nest.

 

How do they get out of the nest box, it is a long drop to the concrete floor of the aviary, if they fall and it concerns me they may get hurt.

 

Should she place some kind of perch close to the nest box, so they can climb from the nest box to this?

 

I tried searching for a similar post, but couldn't find anything.

 

Thanks,

Robyn

 

Hi when I was colony breeding I used to sit the nesting box in a plastic cat litter tray with seed in it so if they fell out it would only be into the litter tray I found that worked really well

Edited October 29, 200915 yr by KAZ
fixed quote tags

Listen for those motorboat sounds coming from the nestbox!

Hey Budgie Drream, thats a great Idea,

Edited October 29, 200915 yr by KAZ

Hey Budgie Drream, thats a great Idea,

 

 

Thanks. The babies like it too.Mine would run in and out of the nest playing it was quite funny.

Hey Budgie Drream, thats a great Idea,

 

 

Thanks. The babies like it too.Mine would run in and out of the nest playing it was quite funny.

 

 

AWWW How cute