I have a chick which I am desperately hoping will be ready for UBC at the year's last show in 10 days time, she's just got that last bit of down under her wings with full length pin feathers poking through but not yet open.

 

Any chance?

 

How much longer can I expect her tail to get in that time?

 

I know it sounds mean but if I pluck some of the down will it speed things up?

Edited November 19, 200816 yr by melbournebudgies

You most likely really know this already, but a UBC has to be out of nest and fully developed AND ABLE TO PERCH in a show cage to be shown. Maybe its too soon for this one. Showing a UBC is stressful for these young ones, and many showbreeders frown upon a baby being shown too early. If its not ready, wait till you can show it at another show.

She's out of the nest and perching (the cinnamon chick) but she just seems to be slow getting her adult feathers under her wings :rolleyes Her sister is fully feathered and she's only a few days older

I had three I could have shown at our UBC show last weekend that had more feathers than yours. BUT I chose not to show them as they hadnt been out of nest long enough and would just huddle on the floor of the show cage or would stress. Your choice. I am sure you are anxious to see how she stacks up. Nothing you can do about the feathers. Maybe put her in a show cage for a few minutes training each day and see if she can handle it. You have a choice to make, for the birds sake.

If I thought it would stress her I wouldn't take her but in this case she has been handraised in a busy household with screaming children, etc, etc. I recall joking with AV a while ago that a show would be like a relaxing holiday for birds from my house I have been training her in the show cage for about a week now on the off chance she developed enough before the show. Time will tell I guess, will see what she looks like the day before.

She's a lovely bird so I can understand you wanting to see how she goes...you have a couple of days to showcage train her and see is she looks the part, feathers and all. Spraying her with warm water will make her preen and maybe those feathers will work out

She's perched in the show cage as we speak having a lovely preen SHe's so cruisy

good luck with her

 

photos PLEASEEEEEEEEEEEE!!!!!!!!

This is my beautifull baby girl:

 

She's perched in the show cage as we speak having a lovely preen SHe's so cruisy

I think you would be very happy with her results if you show her :hug:

She is lovely!!!

Looks like she will do well

I will see how well developed her feathers are in ten days, if she's not ready then there isn't much I can do....

I will see how well developed her feathers are in ten days, if she's not ready then there isn't much I can do....

Ten days will make a big difference