I'm not keen to let my spangle hen that is in with my DF spangle go for too long laying clear eggs if Ozzie isn't gonna get his act into gear as I really want some chicks from her this season. So if a pair doesn't seem to be laying any decent eggs how long do you let them try until you give up and swap the cock out? I'm pretty sure that if either of them are the problem it would be him in this case.

I'm not keen to let my spangle hen that is in with my DF spangle go for too long laying clear eggs if Ozzie isn't gonna get his act into gear as I really want some chicks from her this season. So if a pair doesn't seem to be laying any decent eggs how long do you let them try until you give up and swap the cock out? I'm pretty sure that if either of them are the problem it would be him in this case.

 

I guess it depends on how much you like the pairing and how patient you are prepared to be.

 

You can try increasing the iodine levels to 2 - 6 drops per litre of water. You can try giving them a dose of vitamin B for 3 -5 days ....

 

If you have another cock ready to go just go ahead and swap them. But be careful. Sometimes if the hen is already bonded she will attack any new cock birds you introduce so it pays to swap breeding cabinets and give her a 3 -5 day rest in a holding cage on her own beforehand.

I love the pairing but I always had a feeling this guy might not perform, I have never seen him show any more than a vague interest in the hen and I've certainly never seen him flirting with her.

 

This is the pair:

 

 

 

I will give them their bikini wax tomorrow and then wait a few more weeks and see if we get any worthwhile egss and then consider swapping her.

I feel for you! It's so frustrating when you think you've found the 'perfect pair' and they don't pay each other the slightest bit of notice ....

 

It pays to put them both in a show cage beforehand for half a day and see of they start kissing up. If they attack each other within minutes you have a fair indicator that it's not going to work ... again if they turn their backs on each other you can assume it's not going to be love at first sight. But it sometimes depends on whether the hen is really ready to go down. Sometimes she won't be too hot on the cock but faced with no alternative she can fall in love belatedly!

 

I had a pairing that weren't too keen on each other but they were my best greygreens and I determined not to give them a choice. It took time ..... 5 weeks, but eventually they paired up and gave me a few of nice chicks.

The thing is Ozzie has never really shown any interest in ANY hen or for that matter any other budgie! Even in the aviary he just chooses a perch and sits their looking disinterested That's why I had a feeling he'd cause me issues. The hen has laid four eggs and has another one in the works so she's obviously ready to go

The thing is Ozzie has never really shown any interest in ANY hen or for that matter any other budgie! Even in the aviary he just chooses a perch and sits their looking disinterested That's why I had a feeling he'd cause me issues. The hen has laid four eggs and has another one in the works so she's obviously ready to go

 

Sounds just like my magnificent Green boy. Great poser but never seen him jump anyone. Try the iodine in the water to perk him up.

Thanks, I've never used a straight iodine supplement, where do you get it from?

Thanks, I've never used a straight iodine supplement, where do you get it from?

 

You can pick it up from your local pharmacy. It has to be water soluable iodine (not Benadine or the like). The one I have is Aqueous Iodine Solution APF and this is the equivalent of Lukaults (or something that sounds like that). Best keep it in the fridge.

Thanks, I'll have a look tomorrow when I go to get the dog food from the butchers

I'm not keen to let my spangle hen that is in with my DF spangle go for too long laying clear eggs if Ozzie isn't gonna get his act into gear as I really want some chicks from her this season. So if a pair doesn't seem to be laying any decent eggs how long do you let them try until you give up and swap the cock out? I'm pretty sure that if either of them are the problem it would be him in this case.

 

I guess it depends on how much you like the pairing and how patient you are prepared to be.

 

You can try increasing the iodine levels to 2 - 6 drops per litre of water. You can try giving them a dose of vitamin B for 3 -5 days ....

 

If you have another cock ready to go just go ahead and swap them. But be careful. Sometimes if the hen is already bonded she will attack any new cock birds you introduce so it pays to swap breeding cabinets and give her a 3 -5 day rest in a holding cage on her own beforehand.

Excellent advice Renee

Thank you very muchly Kaz

I agree with Renee, seperate the hen for a few days then put a new cock in.

 

I have the same problem with my Grey Green Cock he is a beautiful big bird, he won best variety at the show earlier this year and all I want is young out of him but he is totally useless, he thinks if he puts his leg on the hen then the job is done, had him down with several different hens all clear eggs so I have given up on him for this year.

 

This is not a good picture of him

 

But Renee I will try the iodine and see what happens

Got some iodine and I'll give it a go. Personally I think he needs viagra though :happy-dancing: If the iodine doesn't work I might speak to a few in the know and see about AI for him

I have also been told wheatgerm oil mixed through the seed helps with fertility.

I don't think fertility is the issue, I think he's just not interested in doin' the deed :happy-dancing: