Feathers

Through reading books and searching the internet. I have mating expectation tables for most varieties. Just looking through the link you were given, mine all agree with them. I must admit to having a soft spot for genetics. It was my favourite science subject waaay back when I was at school. Feathers.

Lisa, I treat all of my new budgies with ivermectin, which is used to get rid of mites. I also occassionally spray the aviary and the birds with Avian Insect Liquidator, which helps to keep mites and feather lice at bay. All my new birds are also wormed with wormout gel. Once a year, prior to breeding I give a course of coccivet (for coccidiosos) to make sure none are carrying this disease which results in dead in shell chicks. All of the products I have mentioned above are Vetafarm Products http://www.vetafarm.com.au/product_list.asp?category_id=11 These are available from bird supply stores and vets. As my birds are on concrete pavers I worm twice a year. If they are over dirt this would probably need to be done more often. What Norm has said about vets is quite correct. They know very little about birds, it just is not covered in their studies. This is why it is important to see an avian vet. They are the only vets who have studied bird anatomy and diseases in full. Hope this helps, Aly ps. Let us know what happens with the vet.

Hi there, thanks for the tip Sounds like a great natural chew toy Feathers.

Sorry, but I still definitely think it is a cinnamon. I'm with you Elly, and Cheeta. There are definite brown markings on the wings. Feathers.

I thought they would both need to carry the recessive pied gene too. This is the breeding table for the Dark Eyed Clear Clearflight (sf) x Recessive Pied =50% Clearflight/Recessive Pied + 50% Normal/Recessive Pied Clearflight (sf) split Recessive Pied x Recessive Pied = 25% Recessive Pied = 25% Normal/Recessive Pied = 25% Clearflight (sf)/Recessive Pied = 25% Dark Eyed Clear Clearflight (df) x Recessive Pied =100% Clearflight (sf)/Recessive Pied Dark Eyed Clear x Recessive Pied = 50% Dark Eyed Clear = 50% Recessive Pied Dark Eyed Clear (sf) x Dark Eyed Clear (sf) = 50% Dark Eyed Clear (sf) = 25% Dark Eyed Clear (df) = 25% Recessive Pied Dark Eyed Clear (sf) x Clearflight (df) = 50% Clearflight (df)/Recessive Pied = 50% Clearflight (sf)/Recessive Pied Dark Eyed Clear (sf) x Clearflight (df) split Recessive Pied = 25% Dark Eyed Clear (sf) = 25% Dark Eyed Clear (df) = 25% Clearflight (sf)/Recessive Pied = 25% Clearflight (df)/Recessive Pied Dark Eyed Clear (sf) x Clearflight (sf) split Recessive Pied = 12.5% Dark Eyed Clear (df) = 25% Dark Eyed Clear (sf) = 12.5% Recessive Pied = 12.5% Clearflight (df)/Recessive Pied = 25% Clearflight (sf)/Recessive Pied = 12.5% Normal/Recessive Pied [phew] No wonder a top breeder once adviced Kaz and I to steer clear of them Feathers.

Thank you, that makes it much clearer. With the first pair (Albino hen) I just checked your post about a "cannabalistic hen" and you were given very good advice. You said that it was not an experienced cock in that post. This means it could be either party who is eating the egg. The only way to find out would be to catch them at it, or pair her with a different cock. If it happens again with a different cock bird it is the hen. With the 2nd pair the albino? cock may or may not be infertile. As you have had a previous clutch from the hen you know that she is okay. What may help is to cut back the feathers around the vent of both birds as sometimes too much feather in this area stops them from making proper contact with each other when mating. I also tried to find pictures of both birds in your previous post but the pictures have been removed. Can you post a picture of both birds that clearly shows their cere as if the cocks cere is a colour like you describe it doesn't sound like an albino. It could be a double factor spangle or some other mutation. Feathers.

Hi Lisa, unfortunately it sounds as though they have a contageous condition. I could try to guess what is wrong, but the only way to get the right treatment and to save the other birds is to visit an avian vet. Phone the vet, check to see that there is an avian vet there and then let them know how urgent it is and explain that you don't have all the money to pay right now. They may offer you a payment plan. It is very important that they get to a vet as soon as possible. Feathers.

Hi Shawna, you, Randy and Lucas are in my thoughts and prayers. I pray that Lucas has the strength required for his treatment regime. Sending you all love, positive thoughts and prayers. *huge hugz and love* Aly

That is hilarious, Blinkie certainly has plenty of love interests. Feathers.

That is a fairly large gauge wire and is generally better for larger birds, such as tiels, cockatoos and lager parrots. A budgie could easily get their head stuck in wire that large and injure or kill themselves accidentally. I would probably try to change it, if it was mine. Feathers.

Any brown on the wings = cinnamon. I see cinnamon in your pics. In the first picture of the other post it is hard to tell, but the wing markings on that bird are all grey... no brown at all. Feathers.

I am a bit confused here. What sex are your white budgies? One is a hen. WHat is the other. What did you pair each with? and who laid what? Do you have pictures of both pairs? Feathers.

Hi Loren, welcome to the BBC forum. I am sorry to hear about the loss of your budgie. Did you put out lots of lost notices in your area and surrounding areas... post boxes and notices at shops? We all love photos here too, so you are quite welcome to put a link to your album in the Budgie Pictures section. Feathers.

I would agree with Daz's choice. Pairing with Yodel would give you better frontal and mask, but Bingle has better size and stance. Feathers.

Hi Dave, A little off topic, but can I ask how big the squares are in your aviary wire. In the pictures you have posted above they look like they are 1 inch square. Feathers.

Hi again Mandy, I can understand your frustration about their previous owner, but from somewhere out in the universe you got the urge to send your husband out to look at this aviary, and your husband, being a good man, knew he couldn't leave them where they were. I believe that you were meant to come into these little birds lives for a reason. You have given them a little bit of happiness in their last weeks and now they will pass on peacefully. This is a very good thing. *hugz* to all for now, but I will reserve my biggest hugz for next week as I know how hard a toll this will take on you all. You are a very good person, Mandy and the way that you are dealing with this, and what the kids are doing to remember them is really great. Feathers.

Hiya, unfortunately bird stores are in the habit of selling cages that are great if you are a finch or a canary, but are no good if you are a budgie. So I have absolutely no doubt that the cage you are using now is heaps better suited for your budgie. Jojo will be very happy in that cage. Budgies don't hover and they can't go straight up. Budgies need a flight cage, a cage which is wide. A nice width for an indoor cage with more than one budgie would be 80 - 100 cm wide (31 - 40 inches). That gives them flying room from one side to the other. Feathers.

The other thing that can help is to change around the cage to reduce any territorial issues. Doubling the feeding stations or changing the feeding dishes could help as well. Whoever was in the big cage first is probably just protecting their territory and moving everything around, and changing things, will help to lessen this. Feathers.

They are really beautiful birds. Feathers.

The other budgie died of a broken heart (and exposure) this afternoon. They are together in budgie bird heaven now. Feathers

same, same. I just think they are so adorable... are they always still together all the time? Feathers

It is very difficult with more than one. The reason for that is because when it is just you one on one with a bird, you become their flock, so they pay more attention to you. When they have other feathered friends, unless you have previously closely bonded with them all, you aren't a part of the flock. Also, in order to learn to talk, you need a young male budgie. It is possible if you separated one of the young ones, if you have a male, and kept him in a different room so that you can spend the time one on one to train him. But bear in mind that it is likely to take many months. Feathers.

Aww, Kaz. Poor Rastus and Genevieve. Maybe she would be happier now that she is with him again. Fly free beautiful budgies - together forever. *huge hugz* Feathers.

I'd believe that. I have never come across a talking hen. Even with untrained budgies in a flock when they are all nattering on, especially late in the afternoon, it is always the males that almost seem like they are talking away to themselves. They definitely have different vocal range and ability. Feathers

That is so funny The first are last pics are classics. Too cute, thanks for sharing. Feathers.