Hi everyone

 

My name is Emma, and this is my first time having budgies, although I have had other birds previously (cockatiels, galah, corella). For the past.. well, I can't remember how many years now, I've had and bred pet rats, but lately it has been difficult to deal with them all getting old and slow, and then losing them (my last family of rats were all brothers and sisters, and got old together). Now, I only have one old ratty left, and I know she won't be around for long.

 

It's very sad, and I decided I needed a "break" from keeping rats for a while. I couldn't imagine not having a little friend around though; although I have a dog and some chickens etc, I can't walk around with them on my shoulder. I wanted to have a little companion.

 

I've had birds before, and as much as I love the larger parrots, I know that right now it wouldn't be wise to dive into such a bit commitment. I thought about cockatiels again, but they don't really "fit" me, if that makes sense. I kept coming back to the idea of a little budgie friend because I could really picture one sitting on my shoulder while I did computer work etc.

 

So I did a lot of reading and planning, and went to look for a friend on Friday. There are particular stores I avoid because of the way they house their animals (eg keeping small birds in the top of aviaries and ducks/chooks in the bottom) and general untidiness - cluttered pet stores don't make me feel confident (I figure if people are lazy about setting their stock out nicely, they can't be too thorough cleaning out dirty cages etc). There was a pet store I had never been to, so I thought I would go check them out.

 

The thing that most impressed me was that they didn't have 50 billion budgies. They had perhaps a dozen. And the same for the other animals too - they mostly had a handful of each type rather than aviaries overloaded with bulk birds. It was surprising. And NO green/yellow budgies - is that common these days, that the blues are more readily available? I was expecting to see a whole bunch of green and no real choice. They had two gorgeous blue boys, very bright, but they were obviously quite a bit older. As beautiful as they were, I didn't want to choose one just because it was pretty.

 

I chose a nice pied boy, he's not a baby-baby, but I'm guessing 4-6 months (which matches what they told me).

 

The whole time they kept talking to my 9 year old nephew giving him instructions on how to care for the budgie.. everyone assumes a budgies are for little kids I guess

 

So, here's Maurie:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

I'm going to take a really amateur stab at this and say.. yellow face II dominant pied mauve spangle... greywing? Haha, I have no clue. Except the spangle part!

 

Things are going well so far. He adores the swing I gave him, and he's spent most of today doing perch-somersaults. He's eating well, and nibbles on the gum leaves I put in. He will tolerate my hand/finger next to him for a little while (making fast progress there), and even sat with one foot on the cage and one on my finger for a bit. I know he's not a baby-baby, and I was worried he would be standoffish for ages, but it looks like we will be friends quite fast.

 

I have the feeling he'll be the first of many budgie buddies in years to come..

 

Nice to meet you, I'm sure I'll learn tonnes here

Good to have you here

 

Gorgeous budgie

 

PS He needs his other wing clipped also...one wing clipped is no good.

Hi and welcome to the forums. I hope you enjoy yourself here. Maurie is beautiful... but also agree with Kaz on wing clip.

Really? Everything I read leaned towards single wing only.

 

Thanks for letting me know

he is beautiful i have one same

snap lol

i just go with yf2 spangle mine is vishual violet though as yours looks to be greyer mauve most prob it is but i dont know lol

Really? Everything I read leaned towards single wing only.

 

Thanks for letting me know

That is ANCIENT advice and hasnt been the done thing for many many years.

That is ANCIENT advice and hasnt been the done thing for many many years.

That's been my experience with a lot of books/info about rats, too. It seems most of the books sold in pet stores were published in the 70s and 80s (I deliberately didn't buy one for that very reason - figured the internet would have more 'recent' info!)

Dont worry Emma......the very best advice about budgies will always be here in this forum. More experts than you can poke a stick at and an FAQ section second to none

Dont worry Emma......the very best advice about budgies will always be here in this forum. More experts than you can poke a stick at and an FAQ section second to none

 

true kaz

but i do find sometimes i fall back on my books written bc (lol) because with colour and genetics i find they place it in a more simplistic form and it would be imposable to fail using these colour breeding giudes i do plan to post some for all to view when i get a chance

as for whats being descussed

clipping one wing is ment to off balance the bird

it is old hat

two wings is safer and more kind however

you cut the wing diffrently to the one wing clip method

i can not post picture of this two diffrent styles nor can i explain it with out confussing you so if anyone knows what i am meaning please explain for me

other wize i will do my best to explain myself

 

well that was easy looking back at your picture you didnt use the other style so just clip other side and hay presto

a morally corect wing clipped bird

Edited February 21, 200916 yr by GenericBlue

Welcome Emma!

You have a beautiful bird there I wouldn't mind one like that myself!

Welcome Emma!

You have a beautiful bird there I wouldn't mind one like that myself!

 

you will get one your wish is my comand kazzy lol

just wait half a year mate lol

Welcome Emma!

You have a beautiful bird there I wouldn't mind one like that myself!

 

you will get one your wish is my comand kazzy lol

just wait half a year mate lol

 

 

Thanks very much for the warm welcome guys

 

I've only had him a couple of days, but I tell you what, it drives me crazy at night time when he has to go to bed and I can't talk to him anymore. I've actually had two early nights because I'm so impatient to get up and talk to him again (and I'm NOT a morning person)

Hi Emma and welcome to the forum, your bird is a stunner!

The first thing I noticed was the wing. I believe if he tries to fly, he will be off balance, maybe possibly causing himself a mischief. Correct me if I'm wrong, those of you who are more experienced.

Anyway, I think enough has been said previously on that one.

 

Welcome and enjoy!

 

Welcome Emma, he is a bueaty! And with your guess remove the greywing part and it sounds right! keep up with the taming, offer food/treats from your hand such as the gum leaves for veggies and he will connect you to good things.

Edited February 21, 200916 yr by *Nerwen*