As you're aware, my 'lovely bunch of opalines' are going great guns. The youngest will be 5 weeks tomorrow. Some of them have a light grey tinge on thier tummy's, and they are all growing nicely. They all forage for seed and some veggies, but most still call for a top up from Mum and Dad (but don't always get it). I'm not sure if you remember, but I bought a cage of ebay a little while ago. They're all in it at the moment and while the size is awsome, but I'm not 100% happy with it... so I bought another one which should arrive next week. The new one is similar to the one many seem to have... 30" x 18" x 18". They'll be having lots of out of cage time, so I think it will be perfect... but... back on topic. I have had two clutches previously but they were both colony breed and there for the chicks fledged and grew up, no problems, but this is my first cabinet clutch. Now I've read and re-read sooooo much and have kind of decided what I plan to do. I'd just love some opinions as to if it's okay...

 

When my new cage comes next week, I'll move the bubs (youngest will be 6 weeks old) into it and leave Mum and Dad in the old cage. I plan to give them a rest (away from bubs) for 2 weeks, then they can be returned home to the aviary. Also, after this two weeks, I plan to send the bubs I'm not keeping off to their new homes and one to the aviary. This will make the youngest 8 weeks old. In this time I'll be watching carefully that they are eating etc... and gaining weight. If they aren't ready at 8 weeks, I'm happy to keep them for longer.

 

So, does this sounds okay? any advice would be awsome. I've never done it this way before and just want to do what is best for all. Thanks

Edited July 26, 200816 yr by maesie

Everything sounds great Maesie

They will be ready at 8 weeks for sure. its only iffy between the 5-7 weeks old stage.

Wow they grew so fast!! Do you have any photos???

Thanks! They are like little mini budgies now... lol I'll try and get some photos now. I'm taking more next week also to clarify and get more help on their sexes.

I cant see any problems with it Maesie, congratulations on taking such great care of your babies, cant wait to see some pics!!

Thanks Jenene... I didn't have to do much. Mum and Dad were great parents...

 

Well here they are:

 

With Mum and Dad watching from behind!

 

Wow! They are gorgeous Maesie! They are very very cute!!

Oh they are just dolls, that 2nd picture you should enter for Budgie of the Month , I just love the grey greens.

Edited July 22, 200816 yr by Elly

I see only 1 boy?

Simply BEAUTIFUL

Well Done Tweet Tweet and i think crackles LOL i for got their names

Edited July 22, 200816 yr by Neat

Thanks all... I think they are beautiful too, but they are mine lol... Bottom picture at back a boy Neat?

Yeah That is what I am seeing the others look female...... and If i come and steal them then they are MINE !.. Mauhahahah

Edited July 22, 200816 yr by Neat

AWwww they look so cute Maesie!

They are so cute Maesie

Awwwww what a bunch of little beauty cuties

They are looking really great Maesie

Thanks everyone. They are all doing really well and developing nice little personalities They LOVE their wings, although the others don't when they get a flick to the eye as they take off like little helicopters!!! ...and the vacuum cleaner doesn't appreciate all the seed getting blown everywhere, every few minutes!!! lol

I love watching babies, exercise their wings, it is soooo funny

I haven't got the new cage but Tweet Tweet and Crackle have been moved to the old breding cage (minus the breeding box)... why you may ask... Tweet Tweet was trying to mate with his 'girls' and that is soooo not going to happen . The two cages are next to each other and the babies are not very impressed, but I'm hoping they'll get over it. I didn't want to remove them completely so I thought this was the best option. Any recomendations are most welcome.

Some more questions guys... I'll be keeping two bubs, one will be going into the aviary with Mum and Dad, and two will be going to separate homes...

1. When I get my new cage, I was going to put my two in there, then put Mum and Dad and the aviary bub into the big cage. Would this be okay?
   
2. I was also going to get the 'single' cages from the ladies I'm giving them too, set them up with natural branches etc... and house the two bubs in them for a little while. This way I figured I could watch them more closly as to their eating and behaviour etc... and they'd get used to be alone(as such). Both houses also have a caged canary, to they technically won't be alone as such, which will be nice!
   
3. When I introduce Mum and Dad back into the aviary, I was thinking of do the baby at the same time??? Safety in numbers?!?! and, I was also going to put them in their cage in the bird room for a day and then set them free... that way they all have time to adjust.
   
4. I was also going to ask at what age can they be wormed etc??? I figured I'd do it all now while they're caged.
   

That's all for now, thanks.

These babies are just beautiful Maesie we can imagine how thrilled you are....and that smile you have on your face will be permanate for sure ....lol and why not !!!!!!!! thats what we say we would be smiling too .....and we are for you many happy times for you and your beautiful flock ........John & Swanacilli

These babies are just beautiful Maesie we can imagine how thrilled you are....and that smile you have on your face will be permanate for sure ....lol and why not !!!!!!!! thats what we say we would be smiling too .....and we are for you many happy times for you and your beautiful flock ........John & Swanacilli

 

Thanks so much! This is my third clutch, but it's still just as amazing as the first...