The pair spent from spring through summer carrying, building and being territorial. The hen sat for a while in June, though it seemed to be an empty nest. In August when they were moved to a satellite aviary, they made their most serious attempt. They definitely had three eggs which looked dark and fertile. Just after the expected hatch date the nest and contents disappeared. It may well have been interference from field mice or perhaps the nest which was built by Laughing Thrushes was just not substantial enough. They remain a very attractive a pair of birds to keep, though a little frustrating to try and breed.

Following last year's small breeding success, I had high hopes for the pair. It was relatively easy to get them to build a nest and lay the eggs, but caring for their young was the biggest hurdle. One attempt saw the young tossed from the nest at a couple of days old. The last attempt they were virtually quarantined, their aviary boundary a 'no go' area and just the food quietly changed a couple of times a day. They were offer ample live food as well. This attempt ended with the discovery of a dead baby in pin feather, his head bruised as if the parents had decided to kill it.
Their behavior when nesting was quite notable. Tremendously noisy while establishing their territory, quiet to the extreme when incubating, even the non sitting parent remaining in hiding. Eager hunters when chicks are evident.

An early clutch of eggs were the final ones laid by hen. She was found dead in the nest box after laying them.
The male bird was loaned to Bristol Zoo who also bred this species in 2004.

An egg in a then lined out nest below in preparation for breeding was an encouraging start.
Ultimately, they were disappointing in making no further attempt.

They seemed to lay several eggs, but were not to sure about the chore of incubation.

An open fronted nest site obviously suited them as they built a substantial nest, spent a lot of time sitting, though I didn't actually witness any eggs.

The Broad Eyed Zostertops were seen to carry nesting material and at one stage displaying. Whilst I am sure they are a true pair , no eggs were produced.

The Rheas in their second year of egg producing, still didn't produce any young, but their breeding attempt was still fascinating to watch. The male sat for over six weeks but no babies were hatched.

Eggs only produced.

These were bred successfully.

These produced three babies.

These were bred successfully.

These were easily bred.

These produced eggs.

Eggs only.

These also bred, but waited for warmer weather.

These were outside flying free and using the dovecote. Many pairs bred.

Rather than collect and incubate the eggs, they were  allowed the freedom of the 'Finch House', and whilst I could have bred scores by collecting the eggs, I just let them make their own nests and sit. Unfortunately, they are not the best parents, and the net result was just one pied baby. Hopefully, by retaining this youngster, a strain of 'parent reared' can be established.

The Muscovy produced nearly 50 young, by hiding their nests and surprising me clutch after clutch.

Eggs but none hatched.

Sweet chicks were produced.