Expert: Chrys Meatyard - 5/13/2007

Question
Well, you know the other expert Riley. I just need to ask a question that has been answered. I didn't write it.

QUESTION: Hi again Riley, Thanks for your previous answer. However, i have another question, i notice for over a week now one of my female is always setting in the mating position but the male is doing nothing. Do you think that they will eventually mate. She is still going into the nest box and the male is still feeding her. What do you think. Please give me your advice. Thanks. Cheryl

(I WROTE) i have the same question as Cheryl. The hen is always going into her nesting box. When the male tries to mate her in all sorts of ways. She always complains. Will mating the hen and cock work?

Answer
Hi, Demy.

I'm REALLY confused as to what the question is and who's asking who what here.

For the first question about the male doing nothing, are you sure this bird is a male?  How old is this bird...he may not be old enough to know what to do?  Perhaps this pair just isn't ready to mate right now.  Be patient!

Same for the second question...perhaps the female isn't ready to mate yet.  A female's cere should be crusty, dark brown for her to be in breeding condition.  Be patient!

Just because someone puts 2 birds together, this doesn't mean the birds will pair-bond and produce offspring.  Sometimes the pairings we put together don't work and we need to "repair" birds.  Also, a pair of birds have to be pair-bonded before they will mate and lay eggs.

I have no idea if I've answered the right questions here.  I would also need more detailed information in order to respond with good information.  The little bit of information above isn't really enough details.

Chrys