Boris' Slave

I have most of my birds parentage locked up in my brain. Of every budgie I've bred I know who the parents are. I once tried writing down the details but since I'm not a fan of leg rings on budgies I either use split ones or none at all & when you don't have a ring on them it's hard to write down so I just remember. My Bourkes are a different matter. I've only had 2 successful nests so far but what I've done is every pair I've put split rings on 1 foot and on the other I put a coloured plastic ring, a different colour for every pair and on the ofspring I put the corresponding colour on the same leg so I know who the parents are. When it comes time for the babies to breed I will use a different colour split ring.

I'll know not to go to Bald Hills then. I've got to start going back to the Ipswich Budgie Association as I need to get contact with other breeders as I do not like buying from the flea market and I prefer not selling there either.

That's what I was thinking. At the time I thought she was just being nasty but in hindsight I realise it could have been her being ill.

I found this section in one of my books: Fatty Lumps These growths, called lipomas, are often excountered in middle-aged budgerigars, particularly those kept as pets. Symptoms They are typically seen on or close to the breastbone and can become sufficiently large as to protude through the plumage itself. WOrse still, even when smaller in size, they will affect the budgerigars ability to fly any distance causing the bird to flutter to the floor. Treatment It is important to be alert to the development of such lumps because, especially if detected early they can now be removed quite successfully by surgery allowing the budgerigar to continue flying normally. Certain bloodlines do seem more susceptible to these growths that others, however, and sometimes a lipoma will regrow again after being removed.

I only buy things like vitamins, feeders etc from them now. Terrible ventilation in the bird room - the smell!!

No signs of illness in the other birds. I've been treating all in the R&R cage as well because I recalled putting her in there for 3 days after she killed her babies.

So how many babies are in there? I've counted 4 times & got 4 answers

Awful news Dawn. Big hugs going your way

Luckily she was only in a small aviary when she had babies. When she showed obvious signs of illness, she was in a breeding cage. I will treat all in the small aviary as a precaution. Thanks, I hadn't thought of that.

Yes, I am sure. I have extensive experience with this disease. I cannot be sure if she had the rapid form or the long slow form as when I removed her from the nesting cage last week she was thin but I put it down to the loss of weight for feeding chicks. The symptoms were unmistakable. I have a supply of amphotericin b (megabac-s in Australia) as I will not go through an outbreak unprepared. The cock bird is quarantined & is being treated. The Hen is gone. Thank you all for your kind thoughts and wishes. Love you all. Karen.

intended post on this forum 1.00pm today. This morning, I have diagnosed a hen with this deadly disease. I should have seen it yesterday as when I saw her she was fluffed up but she had literally just laid an egg on the floor so I thought she was recovering from that. This morning I went out to check the birds & I took one look at her and pulled her out. I had to cut short by 2 days the quarantine on my two 'new' birds, but I think it should be okay. I also pulled her mate as if she has it he will too even if as a carrier. I have given megabac-s in their water but I know this disease, it is too late for her, if I had pulled her yesterday maybe she would have been saved but it is too late for that now. Since it's too late for her, I will concentrate on saving the male. He shows no sign of it but I am not taking a chance. This does solve one mystery though. (other forum) She is the baby's (littluns) mother. This could explain why she killed the other babies & threw baby out as she knew she was dying. Now: My hen with megabacteriosis won't last the 48 hours I feel. Already she can no longer sit on the perch & flaps only weakly. Her breathing is labored. She is obviously suffering. Please help me decide. Should I put her down? My parents say no, let nature run it's course. I see a bird in pain and suffering and I am crying now as I type this as I feel I am letting her down. Please help me. Karen.

Heard that on the news, and was amazed.

I think she might prefer it wider than higher but if it's only going to be an outside cage it should be okay for short periods.

The budgies also get my crust from toast, bread/toast is always gone within half hour o me giving it to them. I give = half of 1 crust from 1 side of bread/toast per pair birds. My Bourkes also love it.

Merlin & her Mansion!! I could have some fun buying toys for a cage that big!!

White bread is fine, just don't feed it to the birds every day. We feed the neighbourhood magpies, doves, wrens, finch & crows & we haven't killed any. I also give my birds a small amount of bread once a week/fortnight & they love it. Just like with us, feed in moderation.

Your bird I bet means alot to you, so I would not put it's life at risk in this way. If you can, buy a new or a good condition secondhand cage.

Alot of my Albino's & Lutino's have this problem if you can call it a problem. I only notice my ino's as having this.

One of the books I have (but am yet to read) is COLLINS Family Pet Guides BUDGERIGAR by David Alderton ISBN 0-00-712284-5 It has some mutations in it that I'm pretty sure will fool even the most experienced mutation enthusiast. Another book that contains a mating chart is: BUDGERIGARS all you need to know by Michael S. Christian ISBN 0-07-470361-7

Is she even better today?

:fear Oh no, you're off again I was wondering if someone would say anything...trust you! <{POST_SNAPBACK}> Moi?

Bea Disinfectant - I didn't know she could be disinfected

Sooo, did they tell you what they wanted to watch on tv?

wow 3 folders of gentic info. I think I should start something like that, print out the info as I find it on line so I can find it again later If you ever do get it figured out please show me the answers <{POST_SNAPBACK}> A friend I used to work with who is a biologist and lent me 2 of her uni text books - couldn't take them home as they were huge - but I photocopied as much info from her texts as possible. I also kept (I think) the drawings and notes she gave when she explained sex & non-sex linked genetic inheritance to me. She tried to give it to me in terms I could understand but most of it still went over my head.

Bravo for your intelligence & compassion for your new baby echucabirds, well done Oh & Lin (always wanted to do that) :