:ausb: I have been a member of this forum for 4 months now. I have had budgies as pets for many years. I initially joined as I had a couple of budgies that wanted to procreate and wouldn't stop, I let them have a couple of clutches (on the advice of a former budgie breeder) but that didn't make them stop and hopefully I have now solved the problem, I secured excellent homes for all of the babies. Obviously there are a lot of people on here for which budgie breeding is their livelihood and they are professional breeders and that is great, they have knowledge and proper facilities. What blows me away is the number of people that sign on here with a couple of budgies or so and decide they want to breed and want advise, WHY? I actively participate and donate money to rescue facilities and try to rehouse birds and have several rescues in my home. I was in a few pet stores this weekend storing up on supplies and toys and felt sickend by all the budgies that were available for sale. So why is it that all these would be budgie breeders of a few birds feel they want to buy nest boxes and breed. Do they intend to keep these birds? (doubt it) or make money? (won't) , science experiment (still end up with a bird). Guess this won't make me too popular but budgies are basically "throw away" pets and I know most of the people in this community are not of that category, they are loving breeders and pet owners. But I have seen the other side of things and cannot understand the need of persons who have a couple of budgies and a "need to breed" which basically makes no sense.

Well some it is still the idea like with cats "it better to let them have one litter before desexing them" It's not of cause but many still believe that. In fact it's worse becuase a queen can be pregant again before the last litter is fully weaned.

 

Manye get a couple and think how cute would it be to have babies from these two that I love already. But Knowledge before starting is what I believe in. I get very worried when I read topics like "My budgies breed and now an egg has hatched what to do?" Yes I give the info becuase I would rather help this newborn chick to the best of live now that it's here but still wonder why they didn't study things up while waiting for the eggs to hatch or even before buying the box.

 

Yes there is still people out there that thing budgies="throw away" pets. But we don't know them and cant change there minds. We must remember also these people have come here looking for help which tells us at least they have the heart to care for their pets.

 

But I have seen the other side too with dogs and cats left at the pound with such lovly natures and for nothing less then the owners where moving. I hated that excuse. (for that is what I saw it as)

Edited March 20, 200619 yr by Nerwen

I think we probably see more than our fair share of people like this, due to the name of our forum (budgie BREEDERS). I know I originally didn't want to join here, as at that stage I wasn't planning on breeding!

 

As Nerwen said, we see the best of them, the ones that are willing to ask and learn. There are way more who just let their birds suffer in the ignorance of the owners

I am one of those people with a few budgies(4), and am currently awaiting the arrival of my first clutch. And yep, I came here and asked for advice! Not because I don't know about budgie care(I have had budgies almost all my life and remember helping mum breed them when I was a child), or because it's a case of 'whoops, my birds did the deed now what?', but because I suck at genetics and wanted to know that side of it, plus incubation time from experienced breeders(because everything I have read says different things!) I went out and purchased a breeding box knowing full well what would happen, not just for the sake of it. I am also not breeding for money- I also breed rodents and know full well that there is no money to be made in animal breeding, every cent I get for my rodents goes straight back to them, be it food, cages or vet bills! I intend to keep every bird that hatches- we are fortunate in that we own our property and have the room for our aviaries, and the time and money to spend. I won't be breeding all the time- I am removing the boxes after this clutch then may breed again when their young are old enough).

 

I don't see any animal as a throw away pet- I have and have had numerous animals and each one is treated like the living creature they are, not a disposable play toy that so many seem to think of their 'pets'.

 

okay, I'm just raving on now...

It is an interesting question and one that is going to be asked and will be asked again.

 

I am starting to breed to show. ..............

 

You know what. I have retyped this and retyped this..... you have a point Phoebe. It is exciting to see the egg and then to see the chick. It is a wonder of nature to watch the chick grow into a beautiful creature... But for what. ......?

 

I think the best thing that I get out of this is the fact that I have been involved in the opertunity to give another creature the opertunity that we call life. If it wasn't for the hard work and dedication that I put in, this small Ugly looking thing that we all love so much. Would not have a chance at life.

 

Little Budda

 

To have another creature fly to you and nibble on your ear or repeat what you have tought it is some thing really special. Some thing that not a lot of people can relate to or hope to experience. These are very special birds that we call pets and we are lucky to have them.....

 

I think it is obvious that I love my birds and what I do. But you must be prepared to take the responcibility for them.

I think 99.9 % of the people on this site are here because they care about their birds and care enough to learn more to do the best by their birds. Okay, every now and then we get a question that makes one wonder why people are doing what they are doing. But if those people didnt fervently care enough to search out answers then they wouldnt be here in the first place. Some birds end up with learn as you go "parents" for sure, hopefully not at their expense. I breed my birds, not all of them, but I also watch for signs of fatigue, ill health and create rest periods to maintain their best condition. I honestly watch my birds at least 3-4 hours every day and many moments in between to keep on top of cage relationships, problems, and health and conditions. I care enough to learn and keep learning. I educate all and sundry re diet and cage conditions....I even talk to people buying budgie seed in the supermarket to try and re educate. If I choose to sell any of my babies, the reason is to keep an aviary population that doesnt interbreed (where possible) and to pay for extras like food and equipment. I sell them with a photo CD, diet sheet and birth certificate like I did with the pedigree pups I used to breed. We all know you dont get much more than $10 for a budgie of ordinary colour and $15 for one thats pretty so its not for the money. There will always be some curiousity element that comes to mind re what colours you will get from this or that pairing. I still struggle with the idea of picking a boy and a girl budgie and locking them up together till they bond. I prefer "real love" and let nature takes its course. I also have enough sense to separate bad parents and related birds from breeding together. There will always be those that are irresponsible, as there will always be every one of us with fixed ideas and opinions of right and wrong. At the end of the day, the golden rule is to educate....pass on your knowledge, care and be willing to see anothers point of view as long as it's right for the birds.

Some do it for Money. ;(

 

A topb breeder in Perth a week ago needed to raise some money for renovations ... he needed $10,000.00 aud.

 

He took 250 birds to an auction... Now let me say he is a top show breeder...

 

His first bird sold for $5000 aud the next for $3000 aud.... he went home with $50,000.00 aud....how do I know?

 

http://i8.photobucket.com/albums/a26/darrylw/SWBB-337.jpg

 

Because Jet is one of his birds, and the person I got him off keeps in touch..

 

I don't think anyone here would be in that circle but it does happen.

Edited March 20, 200619 yr by daz

That's a lot of money for one itsy bitsy bird!

I had the pleasure of standing next to a man that was offered $1800.00 aud for an opaline hen at the show last week. It does happen.

 

Oh he refused as I was told latter than he could get close to $3,000.00 for the same bird.

If you hear of another auction in Perth let me know Daz! I would love to see these birds!

I don't know of one in Perth but there is one here in Brisbane on the 23rd April.

WYNNUM REDLANDS BUDGERIGAR SOCIETY INC.

 

Suposed to be good birds. I'm going got to save up though. might be able to afford the bottom on the rung.

Like I said in the first post, MOST people on this forum are responsible and great with their birds and Nerwen is correct, advice must be provided in the best interests of the bird to assist people who pursue this avenue. It is very heartwarming to see the individuals who post because they are concerned of a budgie's health concern and want to get right on it and are open to any suggestions, you have no idea of how many people who have turned up at the wildlife shelter that have had an animal for days, feeding them unnatural foods (?why would you give a bird milk or a baby squirrel lettuce?) and by the time we get them the poor creatures are so far gone that we can't save them.

However, it does bother me the number of posts I have seen the last four months since I have joined where people have a couple of birds and kind of think about throwing in a nest box and see what happens, it doesn't indicate a lot of foresight or commitment on their part. I guess I am in a more reflective mood than usual having visited my rescue lady this weekend and heard more horror stories of bird mistreatment. And then visting the pet stores and seeing all these precious little things, who knows what is in store for them...........

And I hear so many times from many, many people who say "I had a budgie once but it died after a short while" upon inquiring you find it lived in a cage barely one square foot, only had seed and water, nothing else and the seed was only given once a week cos the seed dish "looked full" Then they do it all over again two or three times, convincing themselves that "budgies dont live very long" . Every time I hear such similar stories I make sure I tell them where they went wrong so it never happens again. I give free diet advice when people are buying their seed at the supermarket, whether wanted or not. We do our best. There are many many horror stories out there.

I believe people who have a couple budgies here or there, say this is simple or easy, lets have some baby birds. (NOT saying all do but alot of people start off this way - no offense meant to anyone on this board- This is a debate of facts, not toward any members - just stating that for the record) It is going to be fun. They do it on a wim they don't think about what is going to happen once those chicks hatch, and now they have these babies and don't know what to do with them.

 

As Nerwen stated, just like cats and dogs. People say lets have 1 litter so the kids can see the birth. I say watch the Nature Channel and take the kids to the shelters and teach them why spaying and neutering is more important.

 

In the end it is being uneducated on the subject of breeding, not understanding how much involvement there is. This can be applied to those who go to the pet stores, breeders and buy a dog, cat, bird or another type of pet and say oh look how cute the kitten, puppy, baby bird is we want it. They bring it home for the kids, don't even think that this animal, needs to be potty trained, vet care, food and will live to be 10 plus years old.

 

People do it because they CAN, they wouldn't do it to their kids because it is illegal, (some do yes they hopefully are in jail), the word is they CAN so they DO because it is the EASY thing to do.

 

Doesn't mean it is the RIGHT thing... (yes that went off topic).

 

Phoebe, I feel your pain, I volunteered at a dog/cat shelter for 4 years, it was a wonderful learning experience. Everyone should volunteer for at least 1 year at a shelter, I believe then they would become more education on the over population of pets.

 

I also say OMG these questions but I also believe as Nerwen stated there is no reason to put them down, criticize (not saying that you do or anyone does - just putting it out there) them because now they are in this situation, thank goodness they have seeked out help here on the boards, and now we have the opportunity to make the difference, to help this person, and hopefully educate them.

 

I remember when I first started here I didn't know much about budgies, now I feel that I am overfilled with great knowledge and when I start to talk about budgies people here say huh. They think I am nuts. I mean if I told them I go to a budgie board daily, and post questions, pictures and answer question they would think I am insane. I mean my husband this I am crazy..he is like you are on that site AGAIN. (Laughing out loud)

 

We can't control what people do but we can plant seeds of education and we can only hope that they leave with knowledge and make good decision.

Edited March 20, 200619 yr by lovey

Very well said Lovey.

I know sometimes I can't respond to some of the questions that some new breeders ask. I just get tired of saying, think about it! in a nice way so they listen.

 

I do remember one person said that the pet shop had told them to put a nest box in! With advice like that being given out, no wonder some people breed without knowledge!

I got an aviary last year, and had 4 pairs. I did a ton of reading and signed up to forums. I asked many questions, and got great advice. I lost my first baby, and thought to myself, oh my god, what am I doing. I got reassured on here, that a lot of first time mums loose a baby (i read that in books too, but was still heartbroken!) the rest of the babies were fine. I kept all my babies, and have purchased more birds throughout the year. I get so much enjoyment from them. There is nothing better thank waking in the morning to their banter, getting a cup of tea and just sitting watching them. Each one has such a personality, its amaizing! I plan on breeding again this spring, but only 1 pair since I dont want to colony breed this time. Plus I know what mums did the best job last time.

So I dont breed for the money, I breed for the pure enjoyment of having my birds.

I think I wasn't really ready when I decided to breed my two budgies, but I did my best to prepare myself for it. I've read some books, searched the internet and I have a friend (an experienced budgie breeder), who was helping me. I never wanted to breed for money or for having fun. I was prepared to keep all the babies. I couldn't send them away not knowing where they're going to end up.

I probably didn't realize all the things which could happen. So I think I'm not going to breed budgies till I know much more about them, and anyway I feel it's much more important to give "a pet shop budgie" loving home.

 

I can't take it back, but I learned from it.

Zebra et all, this was never intended to be a post where I got on a podium and preached about breeding and people, got in their face, belittled them and never backed off, not here to suggest a group guilt trip. For the third time I am saying the majority of people on this forum are respectful, caring, knowledgable and are open to suggestion and advice. I donate as much money as I can and lend support to several animal groups. What does bother me is the continued abuse and neglect of animals. This past weekend I saw a parrot who plucks himself and calls himself, "bad bird" and attacks his toys, who would do that to an animal (tearing up now as I think of all the poor dogs and cats). It just seems that there are too many individuals who get up from watching TV or whatever, say, hey I think I shall breed on a whim and log in to get a crash course. These are the people who should not be breeding at all ! Bless all those (and I know there are many) that take care of their pets and look out for the welfare of others.

Phoebe...wells said. I totally agree with what you have said and how you have said it.. Chirpy had a link to a site that all should look at. It is about battered birds... It is so sad. I'll try to find the link. :dbb1:

:dbb1: Thanks Daz! :ausb:

Zebra et all, this was never intended to be a post where I got on a podium and preached about breeding and people, got in their face, belittled them and never backed off, not here to suggest a group guilt trip. For the third time I am saying the majority of people on this forum are respectful, caring, knowledgable and are open to suggestion and advice. I donate as much money as I can and lend support to several animal groups. What does bother me is the continued abuse and neglect of animals. This past weekend I saw a parrot who plucks himself and calls himself, "bad bird" and attacks his toys, who would do that to an animal (tearing up now as I think of all the poor dogs and cats). It just seems that there are too many individuals who get up from watching TV or whatever, say, hey I think I shall breed on a whim and log in to get a crash course. These are the people who should not be breeding at all ! Bless all those (and I know there are many) that take care of their pets and look out for the welfare of others.

 

okay, I understant now, I was just trying to give you my opinion on my situation.

i can handle the basic newbie breeder questions. at least they had the sense to come and ask for advice... in the interest of their birds.

 

what i CANNOT handle is when the person WONT listen to the advice being given, by experienced people here. i get steam coming out of my ears when i read 'yeah but i never had any problems before' or 'yeah but they'll be okay', 'oh but i gave then some meds myself so they dont need to see a vet' blah blah or something else along those lines.

 

its tragic, how people cannot see that everyone here makes suggestions with the birds best interests at heart i cannot understand.

I 2nd that one Pixie, well said!

Totally agree!