**Liv**

Hi There, I breed regular pet budgies already, and i am considdering having a go at breeding some show quality birds too. I dont know if I would use them in a show, I just like the strong healthy look of a show budgie. i would really like some advice on how to pick good quality parents. What colours are special? When is a big bird, really "Big"? Where can i get some qualiy birds from here in SA? Thanks for your time. Liv

What a cutie!! Looks like he likes having his picture taken too

It sounds like the meds are doing wonders I agree with what maesie says... and just giving it to them in their water will be less stressful for all

I dont know a lot about medications etc....but you may have gotten some of the meds in his windpipe by mistake, which would have made him choke and gag .... The meds also might be a bit strong to put straight into their crop without it being diluted first. it might cause vomiting if its irritating the crop from being to potent.

The fact that these small cages (and smaller) are available for purchase in petshops etc is madning because they are way too small, and unsuspecting buyers dont realise this until its too late. It could be thought of like a person living in a 1 bedroom appartment, when what they really want is a million dollar mansion . I personally wouldn't panic too much... just aim to save up and get a bigger cage when you can.

Thanks for the info Karen! I will keep my eyes peeled for a pepermint tree - i dont think i have ever seen one before, but i wasn't looking either . There is a lemon sented gum tree at my mums house... is that safe to give them???

Just stabbing in the dark here, You may find that one budgie that you think is female, is actually a male, especially if its a yellow or mostly white bird. Not all males turn blue above their beeks, instead they stay pinkish, purple.... Or you may have a female who is white or very pale tan above her beek - this will meen she is not in good breeding condition and in need of more vitamins and minerals in her diet - and thus, will not breed. hope this helps a bit. liv

$2000 - WOW Can budgies really be worth that much!!!??? would love to see a picture of the big beauty!

Rain - you lucky thing!!!! Here in SA we are so desperate for rain

Hi There, crested budgies are gorgeous! i have considdered breeding them too... They are about $50 each because they are quite rare.... I also believe you are not meant to breed 2 crested budgies together for the genetics will create a problem with the chicks - hence, chrested and normal paring is better.... I am very vauge with all this info and i look forward to reading what the others say.

Thats really good to know!!!!!!!! All this time i haven't been giving my birds any leafy eucalyptus branches because i read somewhere that they were toxic!!! GRRRRR!!! now i am annoyed that i have deprived my birds of all that fun.. i will get some leafy branches this weekend for them! They are going to love it So what plants are safe/toxic?????

Thats very cute!!! they look like they are having a ball!!! my birds also like it if i mist them with water while they are in the sun. Hope you enjoy your lovely weather Liv

Welcome, Welcome, Welcolme. You are in the right place to get ALLLLLL the info you could ever think of, and I haven't seen a problem go unsolved - There are some VERY experienced breeders here. All the best Liv

That is very cute I have just come from my local petshop and saw a bird that looked just like her, but with a light yellow face as well. Opalines are very pretty... I might just have to go back and add to my flock

looks like there is lots of fun to be had in there :budgiedance:

looks like a great setup :budgiedance: What do Bailey and Kaluah think of that Galah down stairs hehe :hap:

What sad news... **HUGS**

I have noticed that my birds go crazy when we water our lawn... now i know why :hap:

Zeus is a very handsome man :hap: . No wonder all thoes lovely ladies are hanging around him...

And the good news is that if you can get a hen that is about 12 months old (no younger) you will get upto 3 years of breeding out of your pair .

Such pretty birds Norm!!! The Texas one looks very special

Sorry the picture didn't work - came back with an error I would probably seperate until they are old enough - budgies do have sex for fun sometimes.... but i am not sure what the outcomes of that is??? Taking out the nest box is the first step and will help stop Bella getting to broody.

Welcome Please do not breed your Bella until she is at least 12 months - she could get egg bound and die even though Bella can have babies... it is the same as saying someone's 9 year old daughter can have a baby because she has her period....

His name is Chatterbox and he is turning out to be a really beautiful boy , inside AND out I really love his colour. Thanks for your help... I get sooooo confused with all the different types of mutations and colours There are sooooo many!

Thanks KAZ I had a nother look at him... the old feathers are plain white and black, but the new feathers are quite brightly coloured where the white used to be inbetween the black markings.... its like he is changing colour.... He is also a sea green colour... is this because of his yellow/golden face?