These are my precious babies - The oldest is 2 weeks old on Monday - these were taken Thursday last week....

 

 

 

 

I hope the pics don't come out too big!

 

 

Now I have 2 small questions.

 

Question 1. I removed the babies from the box to clean it - it was really dirty..... the mother doesn't seem to mind me at all....... so it's not a drama....

 

The first (and only) time I cleaned it out the faeces were dry and almost white, now they are green and definately more moist (you can see a bit on the one photo). Obviously the babies have been standing in them and have some on their bodies and feet, but are not clogged with it....... is this okay? How often should I clean the box now? Are these from the babies growing older and their faeces changing?

 

Question 2.

 

I would like to "hand rear" these babies for the last stages before they are weaned. Should I take them out the nest when they are 2 weeks or 3 weeks old?

Do they need a heat source at three weeks? Temp here in Aus is around 10 degrees celcius to around 26 / 27 degrees every day..........

 

Thank you soooo much to everybody who answers my questions and takes the time to read my post !!! This is my first breeding experience, I'm absolutely in love with these beautiful babies.......

 

Edited September 19, 200420 yr by memonty

Well, and why wouldn't you be in love with those babies,my goodness this site makes me sooo broody, more pics soon please!

Awww, they are so cute!

 

If the feces are already changing consistency, you will have to clean out the box more often. Mine didn't change until the babies were older, but once they did I cleaned the box every day. I never took the babies out to clean it though. I think the change is due to the parents changing the consistency of the food they feed, but a breeder would be able to clarify that. If the feces cake on their feet you will need to wipe them off.

As far as hand-rearing --- why? I don't think it establishes any better bonding between you and the budgie babies. If the parents are feeding well and not neglecting any, I would let them continue. They will be tame enough when they fledge that you shouldn't have any problems. Really.

 

 

julie-broody is a very good word, isn't it?

you can get wet and dry nests which could be the cause of the wet feces i clean my nests every three days if they are wet,you will not need a heat source for them with those temps my breeding room is kept at a min 10 degrees to 15 in the winter when they are breeding