**Liv**

This is a really cool idea. I also need new boxes.... i am liking the idea of the plastic, and they don't sound all that hard to make. There is a supplier here some where who sells plastic nest boxes. forum member Sunnie has them and i believe she got them from a shop near here. They are kind of like these seen here (but the ones Sunnie has are better i think) ---> http://www.petmania.net.au/BreedingFlightCages.htm They look to be updating their website so the link to the nest boxes doesn't work yet , but there is a picture

Hello and welcome Your new budgies are very lovely. Firstly, fluffed means they are struggling (often due to fever) and need a warm lamp (25 - 40 watts) shinning on him so he use less energy in keeping warm. Second. The blood from the feather means he has broken a blood feather and needs to see an avian vet and have the shaft removed other wise the quil will continue to bleed every time it gets bumped. budgies are very good at regulating blood pressure after blood loss, but he needs to see a vet ASAP. Thirdly, being so new, he will be stressed and possibly not eating properly yet, which can also cause the fluffy and sleepy look. Personally i would give him some liquid calcium for birds ( don't know what they call it in the USA) - its Avical or Calcivet here in Aust. It will give him a boost of energy and make him feel a bit better. you could also give him some natural raspberry cordial in his water (10ml cordial to 250ml water) Vet at this stage is vital to remove that blood feather - birds can bleed to death though a blood feather as while the feather is growing it forms an artery directly down the shaft of the feather quill. Once the feather has stopped growing, the artery closes over and the feather hardens up. Hence the importance of getting it removed because at the moment he has an exposed artery :laughter: To stop bleeding fast, use white pepper on the wound and apply pressure for 5 minuites. Corn flour or regular flour also works, but the pepper is the best Good luck with him and welcome again :question:

Hello and welcome Take a look here ---> Safe and toxic foods

that's a great tip for keeping bugs away pearce! I agree with kaz, that using a sea weed solution is great for firtilising the garden. Never use any chemical based ones or chicken poo etc when feeding the veggies to the birds

Great to hear!! Would love a photo

I agree that treated pine would be okay provided it cant be chewed. Aged/recycled wood, would probably be even safer. I was talking to a bloke in mitre 10 a while back and he says they don't treat wood with arsenic like they used to, and he claims that the new method to be non toxic (for kids that is though) . I make all my play gyms and toys out of normal pine.

Budgies have to be trained to use them. don't just change the drinkers over. Let them have both for a while until they get used to using the ball ones. Be careful too as they can get clogged if seed get in them.

They are lovely babies The opaline spangle hen is real nice

Do you know if there are feather mites or red mite in your flock?? might be worth a check.

those dark feathers are unusual He is cool

Oh Cosmo is a doll i love the same picture as Elly - totally adorable haha - Hills, he is checking out his new cage buddy

Here is a link to posting pictures ---> How to post pictures You had it right, there was just a problem with the image URL. your babies are very sweet.

You are more than welcome Its great we have been able to help with useful information. Feel free to ask any questions - we are always happy to answer

Looks awesome Kaz!!!

Not sure of any links etc - I am pretty sure Kaz knows about it though

I have heard about it more often than i'd like to. I haven't experienced it (touch wood), but from memory its to do with the parents wanting to remove the babies to breed again

So pleased you found out what was wrong with her. I hope you find what caused it. it may have been a freak accident.

I agree, go for it

Rice is fine

Great advice GB

They are lovely pictures - i love the snow and what a really cool candle picture :yes: What a beautiful wedding reception

Poor girl. I agree with Kaz. It could be some kind of paralysis I have had a hen get her leg caught before too and she looked a bit like your hen for a day or so. Good luck at the vets and i hope you get your answers.

(hello and welcome ) Photos would be a great help if you can get some

Sorry i missed your intro until now. Hello and welcome!! I am an Adelaide girl too

The recessive pied hen looks to have been plucked under her neck and the blue one has been plucked on the wings. Poor little things having been left in the nest. Are they eating okay??