Ahem... Last night they were feeding each other. Today... uh, well, they weren't eating! They waited until my girlfriend to stop by to meet them, and they decided to educate HER on the bird husbandry.

 

George is probably a year or more. We're thinking that Gracie is closer to 7 or 8 months now, and while the body is ready for babies the mind probably is not!

 

Are they getting too much light? (They're in a 6' long flight cage, and it's hard to cover. All I have is a sheet, and it doesn't darken the cage... so I haven't been bothering.)

 

Do I need to separate Gracie? Or should I just let nature take it's course?

 

I'm taking an 'environmental swap' back to the vet today, we're testing, I think, for the virus that causes French Moult... I really wasn't thinking baby birds in the near future.

 

Which begs another question, if this is inevitable at this point, how long do I have to prepare? I don't have a next box yet... do I need to get it ordered fast?

 

Thanks,

 

Diana

Hi Grace is a little on the young side. I would wait until next summer to start breeding...That will give you ample

time to go to the forums & read all the info on breeding & any ask questions..B.J.

TY BJ. This is an 'unplanned pregnancy.' The question is, can I stop it at this point?

 

I started covering the cage last night again. It's a 6' cage, and taller than I am when sitting on the table it's on. So that's no small task. But I will shorten their days drastically, even if I have to sit here in the dark!

 

I have not provided a nest box, but if eggs are inevitable at this point, I will. I was considering addling any eggs that might be laid and just letting her sit, if that would cause her to stop laying, and give her time to mature before trying to raise a clutch.

 

I'm guessing it's too late to separate them?

 

Is there anything else I can do to dissuade them at this point?

 

Diana

Don't panic budgies mate for the fun of it, if you put a box in it will encourage her to lay.

Hi Got to agree with that hilly...If you do get any unwanted eggs just dispose of, or leave

them in the cage.If you can't bring yourself to do that.Then buy a nest box & don't worry.

She'll make a good mother or a first time pigs ear of it. Either way you can't do much about it .

.Yes separating them would be cruel now...B.J.

Edited December 7, 201212 yr by Bird Junky

I'm reassured to learn they're only having sex for fun! HAHAHA.

 

As I said in another post, she's started chewing on the paper on the bottom of the cage now too. I hope they're just having fun, but I guess only time will tell.

 

If I've read correctly the eggs are usually laid 5 to 10 days after mating. Is that correct?

 

Diana

Hi It's more of a a guesstimate.. Not all matings lead to conception......B.J..