Dave_McMinn

Hi everyone, I was once an admin on here, but I have been away for a long time. I took a break from breeding but I am going to start up again soon. I just wanted to touch base again with some people. I have kept in touch with Karen and Libby but only through Facebook. Time to get back in touch with my inner budgie - LOL Dave

I was going to say that those young are a real mixed bag but when I see Mum and Dad I can see why - LOL!!

Coaching Rugby League outside of school has this year put me behind schedule, but 17 pairs are finally down to breed, and it has been a good start. I will take pics later, but so far, there are quite a few eggs, with all hens save 1 checking out nesting boxes or pairs mating. Only one egg layed off a perch, and it was an experienced hen so that was even more annoying than anything else!!! Hopefully I can get some photos later today and I will tell you what birds are paired together.

What is your aviary set up like? Post some pics so we can see. That will help us offer advice. Some general questions: - what is the floor like? - have you worked out how they are getting in? - what size wire is on the aviary? - what have you attempted to stop them?

The 2012 October BRASEA auction was held last Sunday (yesterday) and it was wonderful to see Kaz and Fran come in from WA, and to also meet Matt Welchman. There were some great birds, with quite a few heading interstate, and some coming home to me. I will try to post some pics soon but hopefully anyone who was at that auction and bought birds can put some pics up. Birds were good but meeting old friends and making new ones is always better.

I didn't even notice that with the tail - this why I said pics are deceiving

Well done. Now just add budgies and .................

If the scaly mites has cleared up, can you post some full body pics of your birds?

I think it would be dangerous for the birds to ingest due to the toxic nature for them. I think it is cruel to subject animals to drugs for just a laugh or even for testing.

Always hard to tell in a photo. The hens wings look like they hang down a bit for my liking, but you never know from a photo. It can be how she was sitting and moving when the camera snapped. Only you can tell us how good they are. Remember, be critical of your own birds. Thanks for sharing the pics.

Mine like and get Spinach, Corn, Beetroot and Broccoli. Just not too much beetroot, and remember the staining - it can shock you the first time you see it if you forget you gave them beetroot

Do not pick at the "crusty bits" as skin will come off with them, causing the bird to bleed. It will scab and fall off over the next two weeks or so, depending on how bad it is. If there has been no improvement after two weeks, give another drop of ivermectin to the back of the head.

Can we get pics of the newbies? What are you doing regarding quarantining?

I may be wrong here and people feel free to correct me if I am, but the easiest way to tell the difference between grey budgies and mauve budgie if you do nto know the parents are the cheek patches. Your birds have blue cheek patches, so they are mauve. Your big mature grey (you can see him just in one picture) has grey cheek patches, so he is grey, not mauve. I agree with the you on the others.

Like was said earlier, you need to take it slow and steady with her. She will preen you, she might bite you at different times, but keep in mind she is learning. Quick movements will frighten her and will set back any training you are doing. If you are training her and she does bite, try not to react swiftly.