How long do you think a new nest takes to be built?
The answer is 30 days (on an average).
From "Swiftlets of Borneo" ( my reference book), the author observed the followings:
"For the white nest swiftlet, it takes 30 days on the average from the first deposition of nest cement at the start of the breeding season until the nest reaches a sufficient size to hold the eggs.
From this point, another 7-10 days may be needed before the first egg is laid. If the nest is removed before the lay, the birds immediately begin rebuilding a replacement nest on the same spot.
If it is taken when eggs or young are present, there is a delay of 10-14 days before fresh saliva is deposited again.
The rate of deposition of replacement nests is faily uniform within a colony, but the delay before a new clutch is laid varies greatly."
For those who are having their own birdhouse, the good news is that immediately after you harvest, new nests will be build by your tenant (swiftlets).
The best recommendation is to tag the birdnest with colored sticker. U should target those that are without the babies. Those with eggs or babies should not be removed.
Main advantage is that U allow the birds to breed to the maximum. As such the number of birds will multiply at a greater speed. This will eventually allow your birdhouse to be fully occupied and at the same time U harvest only those nests that are not occupied.
U must also be aware that the bird will normally built a new nest on the same spot immediately after U harvest the used nests. During harvesting try to leave some birdnest marking so that the bird can locate where they will start rebuilding a new one.
If U do not harvest the used nests, the birds will recyle and lay a new clutch of eggs.
Please refer to my next article on what happenned when I harvest the birdnests in my birdhouse !!!!
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