Strawberry Cock Moulting already :(

[Strawblady2000]

Well, good news is I found a mate for my spare hen.
.
I noticed, though, that my male from the pair that just raised their first clutch is molting into eclpise plumage.

Youngsters have been removed and I was hoping they would go to nest again, but they are just playing with the sisal/coco fiber and grass. I had to put clean nests in thir flight and they've not touched them yet.

Pooh.

I know that a male doesnt have to be in color to breed...but I didnt think the season was over already. Of course, they did start early (Late December).

He looks kinda cool all speckled, though.

Something I did try...I change the lighting a bit...with the thought that the increased intensity will further reflect any coloring (as most birds sex via UV reflections) Of course, Im sure my hen knows she's got a beau with her, lol. Maybe the lighting change will peak her interest as well.

Well, its worth a try, no??

[Waxbillman]

generally speaking when they are going into the eclipse, they are going into eclipse.

though i know that someone in Auastralia did experiements with them, and if keep in constantly very hot conditions the male repeatedly moults into the nuptual plumage, and gets more intense red.

Matthew

[Strawblady2000]

Thanks Matthew! Sorry it took me so long to reply.

I've not had males long enough to see them go into eclipse. Quite pretty. He's about half done now.

I managed to find a mate for my lone hen a few weeks ago. Yay!

He's in molt too. Not sure if he's going in or out, though, lol. He's not very old. When I got him, he was in the middle of molt (no tail feathers and speckled). Now, his tail is nice and full, lots of speckles. His breast is still speckled a bit...lots of pin feathers around his beak.

Oddly, none of them are singing, except one of my hens. She's showing them up!! Been a while since I've heard any singing from the males.

[Waxbillman]

hello Nikki, if hes a young bird then he will so go into eclipse like you say, when they are in the eclipse, generally speaking they are out of breeding condition therefore he won't sing as much

Matthew

[Strawblady2000]

Thanks Matthew!

I so wish mine were going IN to season, lol, like yours are. Our weather has been so odd...95 degrees today.

But, looks like I'll have to wait till the fall, I'm guessing. I miss the babie berries...wish I'd kept them.

:(

But, the money paid for the food for the rest of the year for the flock. I guess if I can cover the expenses and cost of having then it means less out of pocket, right?

:(

[Waxbillman]

yep definately, i try to hold back a few of my young, as a safe guard, the adults don't have a very long breeding period

Matthew