Ratzy

Go shout at her for me! By giving that 'advice', she could have killed birds . Agree that pet shops usually know nothing. I asked a lady there how she told males and females apart.... she had never heard of a cere before.

30-60 days, I'd do it for 30 or 45 days. Some avian vets recommend 90 days. Everyone has to start somewhere, no probs about the advice. ( he he, would you believe me if I told you I was only twelve?)

Please look at these topics. Quarantine is a must and it could save your birds lives. http://forums.budgiebreeders.asn.au/index.php?showtopic=5548 http://forums.budgiebreeders.asn.au/index.php?showtopic=22067 Quarantine is keeping your new bird in a different cage and room from your current one to make sure no diseases are passed. You should wash hands/change clothes/have shower before going between birds. Budgies aren't like dogs, cats or even horses. Diseases can be hidden really well, once they show up it is often too late to do anything. Often diseases come out during stress, when they come to a new place for example. As for the nest box, that is a BIG no. That will force them to breed, even though your new one is obviously too young. This in turn will cause egg related problems, such as egg binding, which can be fatal. Providing them a healthy, varied diet of greens, cereals and fruits will prolong their lives. Just seed is extremely fatty, and in the long term will cause ill health. Plastic/metal/sandpaper perches are bad for their feet and will cause bumblefoot. Happy/snuggle huts are just like a nest box and will cause egg laying. Welcome to the forum!

Yes, I remember! My computer has been changed for a new one ( it had cracks ) so I don't have my email. The tail is still green, but he's only 10 months old, is that too young to breed?

Looks like they'll be coming into condition in a few weeks. By then they will have stopped moulting.

I know, just in a bad mood . I DO hope he returns, I'm just pointing out that he's not going to survive in the wild long-term or even short-term. I lost a cockatiel earlier this year and I went through ***.

He most likely wouldn't make it in the wild. He'd be eaten, hit by a car, die of starvation or dehydration. He wouldn't be fine. Don't give up though, miracles have happened. Somebody lost a cocky here and 4 months later it turned up.

I say female! Lovely lil thing!

Remember quarantine, if you do decide to put them in together.

My hens are getting chubby on their own . Marigold has always been.... big boned.... but she's going overboard now. I'm wondering whether to put them all back together now ( sorry for hijacking ). Anyway, yes, it is good for them to be in altogether.

I say male!

It's a shame they only live so long..... Very cute though. Wish they stopped growing feathers.

Thanks! She has only bred one successful clutch this year but has laid a few more eggs besides. That was the reason I thought Feb-March, give her a long break. When the time comes I suppose..... And when my birds are ready.

Thanks Kaz It will be very hot during December, January and February, cooling off in February. The breeding set up will most likely be outside, under the veranda. The male are moulting now, but that should be over soon. Didn't think about the heat .

This is a difficult question for me. I initially wanted to breed Marigold and Skye again February-March next year but I'm starting to think I should pair up late December, during the school holidays so I can be there at all times and be able to hand rear if nessecary. Or maybe January, so I can be there when the chicks are young and Marigold is laying? Which one would be best?

A stab in the dark- male. Olive green spangle. I'm terrible with greens but he isn't grey green because of the blue cheek patches.

A thought, I have set up my cage, as it is taller than wider as well, to be divided in half using mesh. It is working really well for me, maybe you could try something similar? So they have more flight and space?

It's probably just my screen, I can't see any brown.

At a guess... Sky greywing opaline pied ( not sure which one ).

It is, Sunnie. Night parrots and red rumps are often called grass parrots in my area. They are native, so perhaps she isn't a pet? Does look young, a fledgling.

My budgies are nuts They like to tip everything out onto the floor and then eat it. The hens especially like to kick out the seed containers ( Marigold popped out an egg a few days ago ).

Also, putting budgies down to breed just as you get them is a no no. Nest boxes are an invitation to breed. Take them out when she is finished. If you keep them in she will literally kill herself with over-breeding and any chicks will breed too young and inbreed. How old is she? Is she a first time mum? How old is her mate? Welcome to the forum. PS. How many birds do you have in the aviary? I'd take out any 'spare' budgies as they could easily kill any chicks and attack the mum.

Me too

Yes, he's normal light green ( green tail though ). Thanks.

Chubba Chubs is eight months old exactly but his cere colour is still pinky-purple. His female siblings have dark brown ceres and have had them for months. Normal?