Ikon

Looking very professional Dave.

Congratulations to all who placed at this years nationals and well done to Victoria. Hopefully we (NSW) can take out 1st place next year.

In my experience 1. These birds are doing well in large aviaries. (well the ones that I visit anyway) 2. If your aviary is built well enough then the birds should be able to get away from the draft. 3. Supplemental feeding should be a part of normal diet. 4. You cannot compare what we do in Australia to the rest of the world. Especially in the northern hemisphere breeders have internal flights that must be heated due to the much colder climate. This can also vary from state to state even in our own country. But I have heard that some of the better overseas breeders have birds that cannot fly properly for the very reasons you outline.

I got my source from www.masterbreeder.com Chapter eight part one- When prevention fails. It has been a long time since I read this and after re-reading the chapter again last night I realised that the quote was taken from a book written in 1951. Well a lot of theories have changed since then so citrus may be good after all. Looks like my original quote has been squashed by the Mythbusters Interesting reading about drafts and its affect on birds in the same chapter.

I remember reading somewhere that citrus is not good for budgies Oranges and other citrus fruits can cause indigestion and fits possibly leading to death.

It seems to me that there is nothing wrong with your setup so you may want to look into their diet. Do you give your birds any shell grit? Birds can do without gravel or grit for short periods of time but if deprived of it for very long they will become sick.

My diet does not change the birds in the flights recieve exactly the same as the breeders. So I guess I agree with KAZ.

It looks like a cinnamon Hen from the photo. Any possibility the Dad is split cinny? If my eyes don't decieve me This may eliminate some pairs.

You can buy fake eggs at any good pet store. Just replace them with the real eggs in the box and hopefully he will become dis-interested. You should also have a calcium block or cuttlefishbone in the cages to provide calcium. If he continues and you want something from him you can remove eggs before he gets to them and foster them.

Hi Dave Long time no see. Some great birds, lets hope they produce for you. I hope to see some of them at the table shows later this year. Ivan

Can you post photo's of their backs as well.

Hi Mate, Hope I dind't scare you last month at the meeting . Get better soon and we hope to see you one day join our club when you are ready. Ivan

Well done.

As Kaz says it's down to personal choice and also available space. I have a nappy cage and keep my birds in there until they start to moult then move them to the main avairy as I dont have the space for a juvenile one and I dont separate the sexes. The most important thing is it works for me.

It looks like you are trying to breed the trait of bird 2 (must be a super bird) into your stock. This is a good way to go about it providing the pairings dont double up on faults.

Keeping him warm is the most important thing. Cover the cage from 3 sides and place a lamp about a 60 watt next to the cage. He needs to see the vet again. I am hoping that some more experinced guys can assist some more here. Good luck.

There should be some law introduced for anyone selling birds/pets to have some basic understanding on animal husbandary. Perhaps some sort of week long course at tafe.

One can only hope to have a setup half as good as his. Mr Binks has been breeding for a very long time and I'm sure his first setup would be not that different from our own at the moment.

You should not worry too much when the time comes they will know what to do. Make sure you have plenty of calcium for your hen as this is vital for the productions of eggs. This can be given vis calcium blocks or Cuttle fish bone. Chose 1 partner for her I would not allow the other male near them (out of site) in your case. The eggs (if fertile) will take 18 days to hatch and will be laid every second day. As far as nesting material wood chips is the only thing they need. (make sure its safe for birds) This can be purchased from most pet shops.

Hi Smudgie. Is your cage big enough to hold the new family once the babies leave the nest? Also I would not be putting just one nest box in this will lead to fighting and serious injuries can occur especially with the hens. I agree witth Elly seperate cages are best.

Fantastic. Thats what we are all about. Helping others that not only need it but want the help. Great work Kaz.

call

Hi Geoff, This is the complete listing in NSW. http://www.budgerigar.com.au/bsnswbranches.htm

I never expected that poor bird.

I have been a member of St George for a year and most people are willing to help (I have not come across anyone who hasn't yet). We normally have a guest speaker at the meetings our September meeting we have Dr Kim Fryer coming to talk about Avian Health. Visitors are welcome to come in and listen and chat to the breeders after and before the talk (takes place as the birds are being judged). http://www.budgerigarstgeorgensw.com.au/ We have some good experienced breeders and as Daz recomends, pick a couple of breeders and buy their culls (The breeders I buy from sell me their culls from $35 each and they have similar bloodlines). I find auctions are a bit pricey unless your an established breeder and want to bring a particular breeders bird in as an outcross.