No actually I didn't think at all - that was the problem. As I said, just a brain fart - it happens to us old ducks now and then

Sure does :rofl:

More pics tomorrow.

Hi Ratzy, amazing to think that you're starting your 2nd clutch and I'm only starting my 1st. My 1st egg was laid on Sunday and I'm expecting the 2nd one today, exciting. I've just read this whole post of yours and learned so much from it, do you or anyone else here have any pointers for me please?

What do you need help with? If you're breeding coloney style, which I would not advise, you'll have to remove the extra bird. Read up on the FAQ's as they are really useful. I can help a bit, but as I'm only a beginner you're probably better off asking for help from some of the more experianced breeders. If you have removed them into cabinets well done! Hope I can help.

Hi Ratzy,

 

I have put the single female in a cage on her own. I have 2 pairs in breeding cages (hopefully have pics up tomorrow) and then the 3rd pair are in the aviary on their own with nesting boxes in there. I have read up a lot here and learnt so much, just wish I found this place before I bought my 1st birds. Oh well, so you learn. Now it's like I've thrown myself in the deep end so now I need to learn to swim. I hope to build another breeding box in the next month or so, then I can get a fourth male and house all 4 breeding pairs in there. You guys can give me advice and guidance on what you think of the breeding boxes that I built.

 

I'd also like to know more about diets and all that. I tried putting carrots in the cages, but the birds weren't interested at all. One of the pairs aren't even interested in millet that I put in their cages, whats up with that? I thought that they loved that stuff, oh well. I do add cod liver oil to their seed that I read was good for them, is this correct? I'd like to get them onto veg also. What do you suggest I try?

 

Thanks once again for taking the time to read this and give your answers.

Take care and have a lovely day.

With the food I tried putting gum branches in and once they started to eat it I hid carrot tops inside the leaves, hey, strange I know but it worked. Once they did that I put it in their food dish and they ate. Over time I added other stuff to their diet. Mine aren't a big fan of carrot, but they absolutely LOVE sweet corn. So give that a try.

I'm going to put every picture I have so everyone can see what their progress has been like. Here goes.

I'll post ten at a time. A few of these are a bit blurry. Opps! Forgot I didn't resize the egg picture.

Edited April 8, 201015 yr by Ratzy

Congratulations Ratzy!

 

this post has been extremely informative

as i want to breed too. and all those questions i would have asked have been answered right here!

fantastic, now i am somewhat educated on breeding practices and from watching your journey

i am more confident that i can do the same and breed successfully

 

watch out in the somewhat near future as i too plan to create my own breeding journal

 

ps: i love love love your babies!

you are so lucky, and all of them are different from one another and there parents

such a variety in colour and tone!

 

i have to say though my favourite is chupa chubs

and i do have a soft spot for dude

 

pps: i personally think you should keep them all if you are allowed

it is such a great little budgie family, and your cage is definately big enough

they are a tributr to your hard work

 

thats if your parents let you of course

 

Alpaca Boy.

Thankyou! Glad it helped. Here are some more pics.

http://i778.photobucket.com/albums/yy62/Ratzy_2009/007.jpg

http://i778.photobucket.com/albums/yy62/Ratzy_2009/006-1.jpg

Edited April 9, 201015 yr by KAZ
some photos not edited before posting so changed to links

Well, more pics.

This is an older picture.

And when the babies are eating on their own.

And I took this photo and I didn't realise that it had the green tail.

Just a note. Chubba Chubs got his name because he was always the first to be fed and when he called for food his cheeks fluffed out.

Marigold and Skye are starting their second clutch. Today I caught them mating three times and I was away for half the day! Marigold is arranging the box just like she did last time, all material in the corners piled up! She is also chewing the top of the box. Will keep you updated. I'm expecting some eggs soon I hope.

okay time for an update. Marigold is getting egg bum and she goes into the box for long periods of time. She has this thing about which nest box she uses. I've tried her with the usual one breeders use, but she is terrified of them! I think she doesn't like low roofs. Last time she laid in a normal one, just so it was higher than taller and on an angle. Trouble with that is I have to check on the eggs by a torch from the kitchen, go round the back of the cage or open the cage door and look. It worked out fine last time and they trust me to do that. Just means I don't have to disturb the eggs/chicks.