I just thought that for any first time breeder it might be a good idea to make a list of what you require for breeding, so that you can be prepared.

okay here's what I think:

Nest box (definately)

Bedding for nest box

Heatpad or incubator

Hand-feeding equipment:

Bent spoon

syringe

tubes

steriliser

Hand-rearing formula

Spare cage for seperating male off from babies, if he attacks, and for when babies mature

Extra food for mama bird

 

Please add to it.

Also it might be a good idea to figure out prices, so that people know what they are jumping into.

Knowledge of what your doing and what can go wrong. :hap:

Styptic powder to stop bleeding

Splints

Torch for checking / candling eggs

just wondering do you buy hand rearing formula? if not what does this consist of?

No t bedding.

 

Hollow out the bottom of the box in a slight saucer shape and don't put in bedding. This will increase the chances of them liking the box and using it.

 

Reason - in the wild they make nests on the ground in hollows of mud. nder cover prefered. Bedding is a distaction and can put them off a box.

just wondering do you buy hand rearing formula? if not what does this consist of?

 

You can get readymade handrearing formula in the pet stores. Kaytee, PrettyBird, lots of the major manufacturers make it. Or you can make it yourself if you'd rather. I'm sure if you did a google search on homemade handrearing formulas there are a lot out there. I think some people here make their own (maybe karenfernvale?) so someone might be able to post a good recipe.

 

It's one of those things you need to have on hand, but hope you never have to use.

No t bedding.

 

Hollow out the bottom of the box in a slight saucer shape and don't put in bedding. This will increase the chances of them liking the box and using it.

 

Reason - in the wild they make nests on the ground in hollows of mud. nder cover prefered. Bedding is a distaction and can put them off a box.

use wood shavings if the hen doesnt want them she will discard them which can in fact induce breeding as it replecates cleaning of holes out in the trees used to breed in the wild

sorry to go off topic but..

I think theres a recipe for hand feeding formula on the birds 'n' ways site, not sure though.

you can also feed the hand feeding formula to the adult birds to give them a little supplmentation to whatever else you feed them, just dont leave it in with them too long if you deside to free feed it because it can grow bacteria pretty quick, there are also recipes for bird bread that you can substitute jiffy mixes with the formula.

 

to add to the list of musts for first timers; someone to teach you to hand feed, and maybe someone to teach to you candle as well.

Ooh yes I forgot, a decent avian vet

I was just going to add 'an avain vet' to the list.

Edited February 22, 200619 yr by Nerwen

A GOOD CAMERA !!

YES, good one budgiebird!!