Posted January 30, 200817 yr I have two budgies one male one female, they are about 2yrs old, very happy, great fresh diet, big cage etc... I put in a carboard box with a hole in it often and they tear it up and climb all over it and go in and out, they generally use it as a toy, I replace it when they ripp it to shreds. My problem is that the female for the last few days has been in there all the time with the male sitting outside talking to her... when she comes out I noticed that she has a bald red bum and major poos, big and runny (not too runny). Is she sick or about to lay ? I didn't mean to breed them.
January 30, 200817 yr I have two budgies one male one female, they are about 2yrs old, very happy, great fresh diet, big cage etc... I put in a carboard box with a hole in it often and they tear it up and climb all over it and go in and out, they generally use it as a toy, I replace it when they ripp it to shreds. My problem is that the female for the last few days has been in there all the time with the male sitting outside talking to her... when she comes out I noticed that she has a bald red bum and major poos, big and runny (not too runny). Is she sick or about to lay ? I didn't mean to breed them. She is about to lay eggs. You gave her a place to lay eggs that looked like a nestbox, so she saw that as a reason to make babies. If you dont want eggs and babies, you must never give them a place they see as a nesting place. There are other kinds of toys, but the one you gace them was like anestbox. Now you are about to have eggs. Is the cardboard box stable or torn up ? It will have to withstand up to7=8 weeks of poopiness and babies. Your other choice is to remove the "nestbox" and let her lay her first couple of eggs off the perch at which point she will stop as she has nowhere to lay them. Then throw the eggs away.
January 30, 200817 yr Author ooooOHHHH, I couldn't get rid of the eggs, they are my grandchildren in there ! The box is really tuff one this time, I wanted it to last a bit longer. They have had a box for over six months ( why now ) What should i do ???? Do I need any special vitamins or food or anything, I'm a mum and I want my budgies to be healthy and happy during child rearing. Edited January 30, 200817 yr by Ally
January 30, 200817 yr Ally can you post a picture of the box, so we can work out if it will do for raising the babies ? What diet have they been on ? Have you been giving them fresh vegies as well as seed ? You may want to add some calcium to the food or water ( Calcivet is available at bird shops ). Check out our FAQ section for things to expect when breeding. Ask any other questions you need answers to and cannot find in there. We are here to help. Why now ??? about the eggs ? You gave them the idea by putting the box in repeatedly. They finally took the "hint" and now you have chicks on the way. You weren't to know...most people dont. BUT the very best thing you have done so far is find us here and start asking questions. Welcome Ally :yellowhead: Edited January 30, 200817 yr by KAZ
January 30, 200817 yr Welcome!!! Your First eggs are a very exciting time. :yellowhead: Edited January 30, 200817 yr by **Liv**
January 30, 200817 yr Make sure they have plenty of fresh water, food & calcium I user cuttlefish bone found at any petstore. Vegies is also a good idea, If your budgies have never eatan vegies before be persistant, curiosity will lead them to try it.
January 31, 200817 yr Author Thank you soo much KAZ and Ikon for your advice, I thought that you would go mad on me for being ignorant and irresponsible. I went out first thing this morning and I got a wooden box and she hopped straight in and wont come out..... I'll give u some history.... I was in the park and saw in a back yard (over the fence)a cage with the door open, so I went around and knocked on her front door to tell them, a lady said she got them from a pet store and they were too messy so she was letting them free, I thought they would die if let loose so I brought a cage and took them off her. Glad I did cause I really enjoy watching them and they are lovely. They were young because the colour over their beaks wasnt very dark (they have since gone very blue and the other very brown) What if they are brother and sister ? Will I have deformed babies ? I have been feeding them: Vitamen enriched budgie seed cuttle fish and mineral block (all in one) broccolli apple corn carrot tops necturine grapes millet spay grass seed spray from my yard eucalyptus branch with leaves fresh water everyday all of the above vegies were raw and washed. I hope that is enought to ensure a healthy bird....they seem very bright and happy. I read on the forum last night all the postings about breeding and now im scared to death... what a big responsabilty... I have lots of questions and will surley have more if she does lay (sure she will, she has a large lump like in the pictures people posted) How long untill the eggs hatch ? (after she lays them) Can I still use mite/lice spray while she is nesting or with babies? ( how often ) The box is not concaved, will the babies get slpayed legs? How will I know if she is egg bound ? I wish they had a "What to Expect when your Expecting a Budgie" book. She comes out to poo, but how do I clean the box once the babies are pooing in there ?( I dont want to upset her) Should I use bedding? They are not tame but are used to me cleaning etc and dont freak out, they check out anything new I put in the cage instantly, and if I put a big bowl of water in ( when its hot) they jump in before I shut the cage, and they will eat millet spray from my hand if I hold the far end. Hope this is enough info. Thanks again for sharing your knowledge and not telling me off. Edited January 31, 200817 yr by Ally
January 31, 200817 yr WOW! So many questions... so little time hehe If they came from the same petshop and are the same age etc... then it is possible they are brother and sister or cousins etc. I am not sure the causes of inbreeding , but it wouldn't be good for the chicks. I dont know if there is a way to determine if they are related closely or not? perhaps the others will know The food you are giving them wonderful - I'm not sure about the necturine and grapes though??? Dont stress too much as your birds will sence it and get just as tense too. Relax. They will know what to do, you are mostly there to provide them with a safe enviroment and good nutrition. Mite spay - am not sure.... Not sure about the splayed legs either?? i think the concave just keeps the eggs in place. Just relax and enjoy Edited January 31, 200817 yr by **Liv**
January 31, 200817 yr Author I am not sure if they eat the grapes or not but they love the necturines, I pretty much give them a bit of any fruit or vege that I have, some they like more than others. I cant help stressing, its scary, I just want to do what is right for them.
January 31, 200817 yr Thank you soo much KAZ and Ikon for your advice, I thought that you would go mad on me for being ignorant and irresponsible. I went out first thing this morning and I got a wooden box and she hopped straight in and wont come out.....I'll give u some history.... I was in the park and saw in a back yard (over the fence)a cage with the door open, so I went around and knocked on her front door to tell them, a lady said she got them from a pet store and they were too messy so she was letting them free, I thought they would die if let loose so I brought a cage and took them off her. Glad I did cause I really enjoy watching them and they are lovely. They were young because the colour over their beaks wasnt very dark (they have since gone very blue and the other very brown) So are you sure of their ages ? What if they are brother and sister ? Will I have deformed babies ? Most likely not deformed babies, but any inheritated bad problems each carries will contiunue into the chicks. What colour and types are they ? That might give us a hint as to whether they are likely to be related I have been feeding them: Vitamen enriched budgie seed cuttle fish and mineral block (all in one) broccolli apple corn carrot tops necturine grapes millet spay grass seed spray from my yard eucalyptus branch with leaves fresh water everyday all of the above vegies were raw and washed. I hope that is enought to ensure a healthy bird....they seem very bright and happy. Excellent diet....spoiled rotten I would say I read on the forum last night all the postings about breeding and now im scared to death... what a big responsabilty... I have lots of questions and will surley have more if she does lay (sure she will, she has a large lump like in the pictures people posted) How long untill the eggs hatch ? (after she lays them) 18 to 21 days from the laying of the first egg after she begins to sit on them and continuosly keep them warm Can I still use mite/lice spray while she is nesting or with babies? ( how often )I am not a fan of mite spray at all and would not use it on a hen that may transfer it to the eggs which are porous The box is not concaved, will the babies get splayed legs? Possibly....can you post a picture of the nestbox ? It may be the wrong kind. How will I know if she is egg bound ?She will struggle to push out the egg over a whole day...pant...look very sick and perhaps sit on the bottom of the cage I wish they had a "What to Expect when your Expecting a Budgie" book. You dont need one...you have our extensive FAQ section and you have US She comes out to poo, but how do I clean the box once the babies are pooing in there ?( I dont want to upset her) Look at the section in FAQ called...CARE OF BABY BUDGIES IN THE NEST Should I use bedding?Yes...try some pine shavings in there now. She may remove some or all of them. As babies start coming add some more They are not tame but are used to me cleaning etc and dont freak out, they check out anything new I put in the cage instantly, and if I put a big bowl of water in ( when its hot) they jump in before I shut the cage, and they will eat millet spray from my hand if I hold the far end. Hope this is enough info. Thanks again for sharing your knowledge and not telling me off. All is good When you can will you post some clear pictures of the birds, your cage and the nesting box so we can help some more Cheers kaz
January 31, 200817 yr Author All is good When you can will you post some clear pictures of the birds, your cage and the nesting box so we can help some more Cheers kaz I will try to do some photos but I'm old (40) and not real good on the computer. The male "Rodger" is blue and looks just like the blue one on the header for this site, the female "Sunny" (my 8 yr old named them) is the same only green. I have had them for just over a year, I'm going to go and try some photos...... wish me luck... what do I click to insert a picture? is it like an attatchment on an email? Edited January 31, 200817 yr by KAZ
January 31, 200817 yr Welcome to the forum! I'm glad you found us and I'm especially glad you saved Rodger and Sunny. They sound divine! Breeding can be a scary experience. Try to relax and let them do their stuuf. If they're going to be good parents, all you'll have to do is clean out the nest box... they'll do the rest. There are things that can go wrong, as there are with most experiences in life, but worrying about what may or may not happen wont help you or your budgies. We would never yell at you or be cross because of your situation. You were not to know, and we all learn from our pasts. I'm glad you are able to be honest and ask for advice, instead of battling along on your own. Their diets sounds delish . Lucky birds!!! Be prepared for many long waits... waiting for the eggs to be laid, wating for them to hatch, waiting to see how many make it, waiting to see what colour they'll be when they feather up, waiting to see if they're male or female, waiting for them to fledge and waiting for them to eat on their own... A long process, but very exciting and worth all the waits! Best of luck to you, Rodger and Sunny! Keep us updated.
January 31, 200817 yr All is good When you can will you post some clear pictures of the birds, your cage and the nesting box so we can help some moreCheers kaz I will try to do some photos but I'm old (40) OLD??? Old is me at 52 Posting pictures..... Picture/Image Sizes: MUST be 450x450 pixels or under. It is understood that not all sizes of images can be resized exactly, but if this is the case, you must attempt to get the pixel dimensions down to as close to 450x450 as possible. Sizes deemed to large by Administrators or Moderators may be removed from posts.Follow this, to upload your photos to the forum for use in any post you make: 1. Join Photobucket by going to http://photobucket.com/ and clicking "Sign Up Free". Fill out what is needed and upload your pictures by logging into your account. 2. Make a reply or post and click the button with a tree like image for new topics or when using the "reply button" If using the fast reply option, do the following: type 3. Then click post, and your picture(s) should show up in the post. Edited January 31, 200817 yr by KAZ
January 31, 200817 yr Author I did it..... wow, have I lernt some stuff today, thanks kazI tried to put camera in the cage to get a clear shot but they really yelled at me so I stopped, I did my best hope you can see okay. Edited January 31, 200817 yr by KAZ edited extra photos
January 31, 200817 yr Well done on working out the pictures, i think you'll find the birds will be quite happy to breed in there, i know i would... Great diet, lots of room, cool toys and such good job... P.s. Take the mirror out little word of advice in that respect, it'll distract them P.p.s. Love the kid peeking out from behind the cage in the second picture Edited January 31, 200817 yr by *libby*
January 31, 200817 yr Author I'll take the mirrors out now..... Rodger wont be happy, he loves himself, alot.
January 31, 200817 yr I edited to help out as you had added some extra stuff you didnt need But it all comes with time and practice. What sort of access do you have to the nestbox so you can be checking daily ? Can you peer in without unhooking the whole nestbox ? Best way to attach a nestbox is outside the cage cutting a hole through your cage bars for access to the nestbox hole. It also gives them more space inside the cage. Watch out for hanging the cage up like that...it looks under strain and can give way. Best to not hang birds outside unless you are watching them as predator birds can get at them and also cats etc. I dont think your birds are related and they look healthy and happy PS your green budgie is also cinnamonwing Edited January 31, 200817 yr by KAZ
January 31, 200817 yr Author I took them out, and got yelled at again. I used the oppertunity to check in the nesting box.... no eggs yet, and I put in some pet wood chips, but she normaly throws them out.
January 31, 200817 yr hehe awww!! poor Roger tell him Stiff Sh*t he can have it back when he looks after the "missus" more Try already Husked seeds, the left overs of their daily meals ... I find they throw it out less than the wood shavings and it settles well in the bottom of the box Edited January 31, 200817 yr by *libby*
January 31, 200817 yr What sort of access do you have to the nestbox so you can be checking daily ? Can you peer in without unhooking the whole nestbox ? Best way to attach a nestbox is outside the cage cutting a hole through your cage bars for access to the nestbox hole. It also gives them more space inside the cage.
January 31, 200817 yr Author I edited to help out as you had added some extra stuff you didnt need But it all comes with time and practice.What sort of access do you have to the nestbox so you can be checking daily ? Can you peer in without unhooking the whole nestbox ? Best way to attach a nestbox is outside the cage cutting a hole through your cage bars for access to the nestbox hole. It also gives them more space inside the cage. Watch out for hanging the cage up like that...it looks under strain and can give way. Best to not hang birds outside unless you are watching them as predator birds can get at them and also cats etc. I dont think your birds are related and they look healthy and happy PS your green budgie is also cinnamonwing I hang them out every day, cats can't get them too high, I have tied the nest box in place so it can't move or fall. I can peer in to check for eggs, but not that often cause she wont come out, but she did when Rodger yelled at me, so I looked..... no egg.
January 31, 200817 yr Once babies arrive you will need to check twice a day...morning and night Read this article http://forums.budgiebreeders.asn.au/faqs/i...&artlang=en So its important that EASY access to the nest is sorted out now. Also moving a breeding cage around now is disruptive to the breeding process, and destroys eggs by them rolling around so best find its permananet home and let it stay there for the breeding.
January 31, 200817 yr Author I edited to help out as you had added some extra stuff you didnt need But it all comes with time and practice.What sort of access do you have to the nestbox so you can be checking daily ? Can you peer in without unhooking the whole nestbox ? Best way to attach a nestbox is outside the cage cutting a hole through your cage bars for access to the nestbox hole. It also gives them more space inside the cage. Watch out for hanging the cage up like that...it looks under strain and can give way. Best to not hang birds outside unless you are watching them as predator birds can get at them and also cats etc. I dont think your birds are related and they look healthy and happy PS your green budgie is also cinnamonwing I hang them out every day, cats can't get them too high, I have tied the nest box in place so it can't move or fall. I can peer in to check for eggs, but not that often cause she wont come out, but she did when Rodger yelled at me, so I looked..... no egg. OH MY GOD OH MY GOD I just took the box out to resecure it and add the wood shavings and have a good look ( cause its dark in there ) I HAVE TWO EGGS I'm sooooo excited, I didnt see them cause they are soooo small (cuite) wow I feel like your the midwife and I layed them, I'm so excited, now I have to try and leave her alone and stop looking. I moved the nest box lower too so I can lift the lid and see in better Edited January 31, 200817 yr by Ally
January 31, 200817 yr Ally............please tell me 1. Can you easily access the nestbox for twice daily inspection without major upheaval to the nestbox ? 2. Can you please stop moving the cage around places if you want the eggs to be safe and the pair to continue breeding for you. 3. Eggs are laid 2 days apart. How come you suddenly have 2 eggs ?
Please sign in to comment
You will be able to leave a comment after signing in
Sign In Now