2 Hens & 1 Cock

[AussieParrots]

I was chatting to a breeder the other day and he told me that he has a number of cocks that will cover 2 hens at once both producing succesful clutches.

Is this normal for IRNs? I know the male doesn't have a whole lot to do with the incubating and caring for young, but is it common for a male to service two females together?

Curious!!

[julie]

yeah its possible and can happen . But the thing is that poor cock bird is trying to feed two hens with chicks each, he still has to eat and try to keep them going too.

[bec]

also there can be problems with the hens as they can be very territorial about both their cages & their mates
& can be very vicious about defending both i personay lost a hen through this once

[AussieParrots]

Thanks for your replies.

I thought there may be territorial issues with the females. I guess it's the type of situation you'd need a big aviary for to even attempt it.