Kaz, do you think Michelle will need to hand/crop feed Jack??

 

If jack isnt eating...if keelbone is sharp and poopy bottom and weakness...it will need handfeeding or crop feeding. Crop feeding is better but requires an experienced person to do it.

I can't thank you all enough for your help. You are lifesavers.

 

I have to rush to organise a 6 year old birthday party now but will come back in later tonight and tell you a bit more about the "home'" our little one came from. You will be horrified I am sure. My husband and I were and we are not even "budgie people" If you know what I mean.

 

I am a bit embarrassed to tell you actually. Lets say that a pet shop would possibly have been a bettter option - even though I am so against them

 

Chat later, and thanks again

 

Michelle

 

Would be good to hear about your experience with the dodgie breeder. Like with all animal breeders, you have your good ones who do everything right :hap: , your learners who try to do everything right :hap: , and the bad ones who just dont care

Edited March 3, 200817 yr by **Liv**

Your daughter's new budgie is very sweet, whatever the sex. Hopefully it is eating better now. :hap:

Michelle, Jack/Jackie is adorable. Best of luck with him/her. This place is awsome, and I'm sure we can all help you and your family get Jack/ie up to speed on growing/feeding etc... He/she looks pretty young to me. I look forward to following your journey.

I am in love !

 

My little Boy (finger crossed) is just so beautiful.

 

He is starting to sit for extended periods on his perch, he is trying to climb around the cage using his beak and claws, and best bit is he has started to chirp. He sounds so lovely.

 

This is a better photo I took yesterday.

 

 

I will definetly tell the story about where he came from, just need to make some time (Laughing out loud)

 

Michelle

he is very cute and it is great that he is moving about his cage.

He... but I still think SHE, looks a lot better perched up there properly

I am so pleased your little baby is settling in well and looking healthy

such a cutie, l love spangles

Hi Michelle,

 

I am going to go against the grain here and say that I think it is male.... It looks to me like the colour is solid and goes right out to the edges of the cere. I think we need to get a better photo of the cere to tell for sure.

 

Budgies huddling up together on the cage floor usually indicates that they are still very young and haven't properly fledged yet. Another week or two to further develop and learn to perch and fly a little would have been good. This is not a problem if they can crack their own seed and eat.

 

It is a very pretty budgie. Keep up the bonding sessions with your daughter and teach her how to care for her new feathered friend, changing it's water daily and checking it has seed. It would be great when it re-grows its flights for it to be able to learn to fly before any decision is made on whether to have the flights cut again.

 

 

Feathers.

okay back again to bore you all with my little man (I live in hope it's a boy !)

 

A closeup. Sorry it's a bit blurry, had to crop close to see the detail.

 

 

 

Things are going well. He is occasionally using his beak and claws/legs to climb up the cage. I actually thought I had lost him the other night but he was hiding in the top corner.

 

 

He perches for a while then has a rest. He is still spending most of his time on the bottom of the cage.

 

It is so lovely to hear him chirping when he hears other birds flying past.

 

I think we are really startiing to see some personality now too. He will go to sleep in my daughters hand when she is nursing him and stroking the back of his head. He loves to have cuddles. He even sat on my finger this afternoon for about 30 seconds.

 

I hope I am not doing the wrong thing at night though. I am covering his whole cage but he looks so lonely and exposed just sitting on the bottom that I have put an old face cloth in the last 2 nights and he has been snuggling up into that. I take it out in the morning. It is starting to get cool here in the mornings and I was having trouble sleeping thinking about him all on his lonesome in the bottom of the cage. He is so gorgeous when he snuggles in and goes to sleep with his head turned to the side. Have I said how gorgeous he is and how much we love him !

 

 

I am a bit worried about him tomorrow because I have to work and my Husband will be in charge. I am sure he is sick of hearing all the instructions. (leave the radio on when you go out, don't leave the door open if there is a wind, I don't want him in a draught etc etc etc) I feel like I am leaving a baby with someone (Laughing out loud)

 

 

About the lady we got him from. It was very interesting setup you could say . She had about 4 cages on her front verandah and goodness knows how many in her house."Jack" came from inside the house. The noise was deafening with all the birds screeching, chirping and that little baby bird high pitch screaming. This was in her house !

 

She showed us 2 big tubs that would have had a good 8 -10 baby sun conures in them. They were so young they were still bald

 

My husband asked her what time the birds started to make noise in the morning and she said it is like this all the time. How on earth they sleep I will never know. Anyway I guess she gets the babies from someone else and then handraises them to sell. All a bit sad for me. I felt so sorry for the little babies and what about the mother birds ? Surely they miss their babies when they are taken away ?

 

Anyway that's all. Sorry to be so chatty tonight, but just wanted to let you know that Jack is seemingly doing well and we are extremely happy.

 

Michelle

Hi Michelle,

 

It sounds like you are doing really well with HIM. And don't worry too much about him, it is highly likely that he will survive the day without you. I'm guessing it is going to be awful for you though... all that "is my baby alright anxiety".

 

What an absolutely gorgeous lilac colour he is. I have a baby the same colour at the moment. Soo pretty. Blue and purple hues don't photograph too well usually, but in that close-up photo the colour shows up perfectly on his neck, suck a lovely soft colour.

 

I get the feeling Jack is going to be very much a large part of your family life for years to come. Lily might have to get used to sharing

 

 

Feathers.

Thanks Feathers. Yes he survived the day without me. When I came in the door this afternoon he went crazy. :(Laughing out loud): Chirping and climbing up and down his cage sides really fast, coming to the front where the door is and looking at me, generally "showing off". Very funny.

 

Michelle

He's a really cutie... been tempted to buy another yet?

Oh Yeah (but don't tell my husband ! )

 

I am so in love with this little bird, and him with me just quietly. My daughter loves him as well. Already he loves sitting on her table while she is drawing and amuses himself with whatever Barbie toy she decides to give him. Yesterday it was Barbies sunglasses. Jack had a great time flicking them around.

 

The most amazing thing about him is his beautiful chirping. I had no idea it would be so musical and so beautiful.

 

He is such a little character. I think I can see lots of his future personality coming through.

 

Here are the latest photo's

 

Jack with his crown. He loves sitting inside this.

 

 

And finally he has been hiding under my daughters hair and going to sleep. Hilarious and very cute

 

Edited March 9, 200817 yr by Lilysbudgie

he is such a cutie, you should enter one of the photos, for the April's Budgie of the Month contest :grbud:

very cute pics there. he really is a cutie.

Hows the feeding going???? I don't think it would hurt to fed a few feeds of a Medicine spoon I took one of my babies out of the box at 5 weeks and feed it really made the whole taming process better ......

Hi

 

Thanks for all your lovely comments about Jack. He is such a cutie :hap:

 

The feeding is fine. I have watched him many times eating seed and we are trying him on some vege's. He LOVED the red capsicum I gave him. Is there a particular way I should be giving him his veges ? Should I grate carrot, apple etc ? Or is it okay to give a tiny piece and let him peck at it - that's what I did with the capsicum.

 

I actually have a couple of other questions that have popped up also.

 

How or when should I expect him to eat seed from his seed container in the side of the cage. At the moment I have the wire floor removed and have lined the tray with paper. Sitting on this is a little dish with water and another with seed. I have also put water into the container on the side of the cage in the hope he will learn that it's there. I did have the seed one in also but took it out yesterday as he was "bathing" in seed and had it everywhere :hap: :(Laughing out loud):

 

The other thing I need to know is when should I put the wire base back in. Seems a bit mean to do it yet. He seems to like sitting on the bottom with his head hiding under the edge of the water dish and having a snooze. (no he's not sick)

The rest of the time he is perching or climbing around the cage singing and "talking" to me. I gave him a swing yesterday - very funny, poor thing. He seems to have the hang of it now though.

 

Last question - how long should I cover him for at night ? His cage is in a room where the TV is. I don't usually go to bed until late so either the TV is on or at the very least the light is on. Tonight I covered him earlier than I have been and turned out the light. Do budgies have a minimum amount of time they should be covered for each day ?

 

Sorry this turned into such a mammoth post, I'll repay you with some more cute photo's tomorrow (Laughing out loud) :hap:

 

Michelle

Hi

 

Thanks for all your lovely comments about Jack. He is such a cutie :hap:

 

The feeding is fine. I have watched him many times eating seed and we are trying him on some vege's. He LOVED the red capsicum I gave him. Is there a particular way I should be giving him his veges ? Should I grate carrot, apple etc ? Or is it okay to give a tiny piece and let him peck at it - that's what I did with the capsicum.

 

You can cut the soft foods in little bits ,,, Hard ones grate is the easiest way

 

I actually have a couple of other questions that have popped up also.

 

How or when should I expect him to eat seed from his seed container in the side of the cage.

should be eating often has they have a high metabalism (*sp) Make sure that he has seeds in the morning for energy

 

At the moment I have the wire floor removed and have lined the tray with paper. Sitting on this is a little dish with water and another with seed. I have also put water into the container on the side of the cage in the hope he will learn that it's there. I did have the seed one in also but took it out yesterday as he was "bathing" in seed and had it everywhere :hap: :(Laughing out loud):

(Laughing out loud) My little one loves baths if he is perching fine then put a little on the bottom of the cage and put his container up he will find the food

The other thing I need to know is when should I put the wire base back in. Seems a bit mean to do it yet. He seems to like sitting on the bottom with his head hiding under the edge of the water dish and having a snooze. (no he's not sick)

I personally don't have them in there it makes for more cleaning but he can have more free play when you take him out to clean the bottom of the cage out otherwise if you aren't fussed but the wire back in and lined the pull out tray with newspaper or paper towel... Dón't forget when cleaning the cage to clean the wire floor too

The rest of the time he is perching or climbing around the cage singing and "talking" to me. I gave him a swing yesterday - very funny, poor thing. He seems to have the hang of it now though.

 

Last question - how long should I cover him for at night ? His cage is in a room where the TV is. I don't usually go to bed until late so either the TV is on or at the very least the light is on. Tonight I covered him earlier than I have been and turned out the light. Do budgies have a minimum amount of time they should be covered for each day ?

That is fine to cover him while you are stillwatching tv the sound won't bother him if he can not see the Tv , He will fall asleep ( THE FUN PART IS WHEN HE PICK HIS FAV SPOT FOR A SLEEP MINE LOVES THE SWING) The lowest min of sleep I would do is 8hrs they really need more though Elly know the right times : )

Sorry this turned into such a mammoth post, I'll repay you with some more cute photo's tomorrow (Laughing out loud)

 

Michelle

I expect the pics ... :hap:

Thanks Neat

 

Maybe I should have explained myself better. He is eating seed but from a dish on the floor of the cage (don't worry i am removing any poo I see in it, that has only happened once)

 

Are you saying if I just put a little seed on the floor and put the rest up into the holder in the side of the cage where it belongs, he will find it ? Same with water ?

 

 

 

Yes I will show you some picture's. I have taken so many photo's of him :hap:

 

Michelle

Thanks Neat

 

Maybe I should have explained myself better. He is eating seed but from a dish on the floor of the cage (don't worry i am removing any poo I see in it, that has only happened once)

 

Are you saying if I just put a little seed on the floor and put the rest up into the holder in the side of the cage where it belongs, he will find it ? Same with water ?

 

 

 

Yes I will show you some picture's. I have taken so many photo's of him

 

Michelle

yes, you can put his seed dish in his cage, perhaps put the dish near a perch that he seems to sit on the most. he will find his seed dish eventually and you can continue to spread some seeds on the floor until you notice that he is eating from his dish.

 

 

***sitting patiently........waiting for the pics...........................

Edited March 15, 200817 yr by birdluv

Here is one taken yesterday.

 

 

 

I have also started a new post with a closeup photo to see if he is actually a boy or a girl.

 

Michelle

Hi

 

Thanks for all your lovely comments about Jack. He is such a cutie

 

The feeding is fine. I have watched him many times eating seed and we are trying him on some vege's. He LOVED the red capsicum I gave him. Is there a particular way I should be giving him his veges ? Should I grate carrot, apple etc ? Or is it okay to give a tiny piece and let him peck at it - that's what I did with the capsicum. You can offer veggies in a number of ways... large bits for him to peck at, different varieties grated up and mixed together, small chopped pieces again mixed together. It's all about trial and error...keep trying to you find what he prefers. (Mine LOVE corn... either on the cob or cut off)

I actually have a couple of other questions that have popped up also.

 

How or when should I expect him to eat seed from his seed container in the side of the cage. At the moment I have the wire floor removed and have lined the tray with paper. Sitting on this is a little dish with water and another with seed. I have also put water into the container on the side of the cage in the hope he will learn that it's there. I did have the seed one in also but took it out yesterday as he was "bathing" in seed and had it everywhere :(Laughing out loud): You could put the seed container that is on the side of the cage... down low, and then gradually move it up until you get it to where you want it. Or... just remove the one of the floor and only have the one up high. If he's happy perching up high, he'll find it okay. Just have it near a perch.

The other thing I need to know is when should I put the wire base back in. Seems a bit mean to do it yet. He seems to like sitting on the bottom with his head hiding under the edge of the water dish and having a snooze. (no he's not sick)

The rest of the time he is perching or climbing around the cage singing and "talking" to me. I gave him a swing yesterday - very funny, poor thing. He seems to have the hang of it now though. Oh... cute! You don't have to put the bottom wire back if you don't want to. The main idea of it is to let the poo go through so when they sit on the bottom, they're not sitting in it. As long as you change the paper or whatever you have on the bottom often it should be fine.

Last question - how long should I cover him for at night ? His cage is in a room where the TV is. I don't usually go to bed until late so either the TV is on or at the very least the light is on. Tonight I covered him earlier than I have been and turned out the light. Do budgies have a minimum amount of time they should be covered for each day ? I think they need somewhere between 8-12 hours sleep (not sure exactly). As long as he is not singing away and is quiet for that amount of time... the light and sound of the TV should be okay... If you find you are having behaviour problems you may need to move him to a quiet room for night times as lack of sleep can sometimes result in issues.

Sorry this turned into such a mammoth post, I'll repay you with some more cute photo's tomorrow (Laughing out loud)

 

Michelle

 

His picture is very cute!!! I know the others have added their comments before my post, but I figured I'd add my 2 cents worth as well!

Edited March 15, 200817 yr by maesie
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