Derek

I'll have to look tomorrow as it's dark and I don't remember

Kaz I have been looking at these pics since I took them and yes they do seem to bring out the blue/mauve colors but looking at him in real life he is definitely a steel grey color. Mind you he does have a mauve heritage. Derek

Just spent ages out there trying for some decent photos. Little buggers wouldnt sit still would they. Anyway I managed to get a couple of the grey pied.

okay I better tell about the cage. I got it off eBay, thanks to Kaz for letting me know it was there, for $5.51. It was brand new with the tag still attached. Was 20 minutes drive from me.

Put the new birds in the aviary today. Was easier to quarantine the couple of others that were already in there.

Hi Norm I find that very interesting about good and bad breeders regardless of age. Spoke to a breeder just recently who talked about buying a $200 hen and never ever getting a fertile egg out of it regardless of the cock bird. They sold it to another breeder and hey presto ....... 6 to 8 good fertile eggs and babies everytime. Thanks for the replies everone. I consider myself never to old to learn. Derek

Was on special that one Kaz.

If you look at pages 130 and 135 of John Scobles book The Complete Book Of Budgerigars there are a several photos there of English Dominant Pieds. I first saw those photos back in about 1982 I have liked the Dom Pieds ever since. Derek

4 green dom pieds (2 cocks 2 hens), 1 grey dom pied (cock), 1 opaline grey (hen), 1 normal grey (cock - half brother to the grey dom pied) 1 grey opaline (hen). Close.

Yep they are available by club members from your local club. Generally they have the initial of the clup a number and the year. I think from memory $40 per 100

I visited a breeder todat and selected eight new birds. All around 5 to 6 months old and a long way from maturity. Have seen the parents and grandparents and am happy with what I have. Wiil see how they mature over the coming months. Will get some better pics in a few weeks when they graduate to the aviary. Here is a more detailed photo http://www.aussiecampovenforum.com/Photo/B...es/DSC03429.JPG

I can see them

In the wild budgerigars can and do breed from the age of eight weeks. That is why in a good season there can be huge flocks of them. It has been reported in places that budgies can get so thick the flocks can block out the sky. I have heard arguement both sensible and senseless about the proper age for breeding budgerigars. I have heard people say anything from five months right up to eighteen months. I have a few questions to ask people. 1. What do you believe the minimum age should be for breeding 2. What evidence do you have, scientific or other, for this age. I myself am a beginner and a learner and do not have an opinion. I have also posted this on a UK Forum as well where I know that some members breed from the age of 5 months. Thanks Derek

She also sells the plastic ones as well

Why do eBay links do that to me on this forum. Grrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrr They are the metal clips.

I find these much better. http://cgi.ebay.com.au/Cuttlebone-millet-m...1QQcmdZViewItem

I use two size dowel in my aviary as well. 16 mm & 19 mm. These are made from Tassie Oak. However I did notice that the Moizer's in their book "Budgerigars, The Complete Guide" recommend square perches made from 2" x 1" or 5 cm x 2.5 cm. Interesting how different folks do things differently.

Any further news yet Kaz

Hi Denise Interesting topic here http://forums.budgiebreeders.asn.au/index....c=18960&hl= Derek

Excellent.

JUst found the full list http://www.bcv.asn.au/Clubs.html

If I remember correctly from a previous post you are on the Eastern side of Melbourne. If so there is a very active Budgerigar Society at Dandenong. The Secretary is Judy Wilson and she can be contacted on (03) 9702 8070. That number is publicly listed on the internet. She will be able to put you in touch with some breeders. Derek

I scrape and sweep.

I really feel for you mate. Some beautiful birds have gone forever. I am sure though as others have said, you will again next year be back in contention for the championships. Cheers Derek

or perhaps not