Bills Blogg

[billyboy]

Hi folks

Had great pleasure in taking Winnie to meet my next door neighbour this morning.
She is 90 and house bound .She was so pleased to see the little lady and it cheered her up :)

I am going to relax in the garden this afternoon and watch the budgies.

Then I have to get ready for a dinner dance tonight .PHEW it will be warm "done up" in a dicky (not budgie) bow.
Still two pairs down 7eggs in one and 5 in other, some furtile:D

The three youngsters are doing fine in the nursey

[Birdys.stirling]

Great news bill:D

When are the first eggs due to hatch?

[billyboy]

I will be keeping Winnie for Good
From this to this:-http://www.budgerigars.co.uk/forum/photoplog/images/21395/medium/1_crop1.JPG (http://www.budgerigars.co.uk/forum/photoplog/index.php?n=6255)http://www.budgerigars.co.uk/forum/photoplog/images/21395/medium/1_c6.JPG (http://www.budgerigars.co.uk/forum/photoplog/index.php?n=6324)http://www.budgerigars.co.uk/forum/photoplog/images/21395/medium/1_wwww.JPG (http://www.budgerigars.co.uk/forum/photoplog/index.php?n=6450)http://www.budgerigars.co.uk/forum/photoplog/images/21395/medium/1_w2.JPG (http://www.budgerigars.co.uk/forum/photoplog/index.php?n=6508)

[Birdys.stirling]

You have done a great job bill, well done:D

[Lorna & Alan]

She looks great Bill I dont blame you for keeping her she is very special ! You seem to be on a roll now with your breeding - its a great incentive for me. My first pair have 8 empty eggs :( Lovely eggs but all just showing yolks - I dont think they even tried mating, she just went straight into laying !
Your thread gives me hope for the future - thank you :)

[Sagar]

hello bill , did it rain outside when the budgie was a fledgling or while it was in the nest ?

[billyboy]

Great news bill:D

When are the first eggs due to hatch?

Early next week hopefully :D

[billyboy]

You have done a great job bill, well done:D

Thanks Shaun :)

[Birdys.stirling]

Early next week hopefully :D

Fingers crossed then bill:D

[billyboy]

She looks great Bill I dont blame you for keeping her she is very special ! You seem to be on a roll now with your breeding - its a great incentive for me. My first pair have 8 empty eggs :( Lovely eggs but all just showing yolks - I dont think they even tried mating, she just went straight into laying !
Your thread gives me hope for the future - thank you :)

I hope you are lucky next time ;)
I am sure things will improve as they did for me
Thanks for your kind words :)

[billyboy]

hello bill , did it rain outside when the budgie was a fledgling or while it was in the nest ?

No rain in the nest :)
Might have rained outside but bird in the dry :D

[howling-wolfie]

Awww fantastic news bell! Winnie is special for sure, I bet its wonderful to have bred your own I can't wait till my lot are old enough so I can breed some chicks.

Are you taming them or showing or just breeding for hobby?

x

[Bonesy]

Brilliant stuff Bill. You've got the snowball rolling now, you've done it, it's all downhill & reams of beautiful baby birds from now on! ;) :D

S.

[billyboy]

Awww fantastic news bell! Winnie is special for sure, I bet its wonderful to have bred your own I can't wait till my lot are old enough so I can breed some chicks.

Are you taming them or showing or just breeding for hobby?

x

I am just breeding as a hobby with some taming! Pet Birds

Who knows might think of showing one day ;)

[billyboy]

Brilliant stuff Bill. You've got the snowball rolling now, you've done it, it's all downhill & reams of beautiful baby birds from now on! ;) :D

S.
THanks
I hope your right :D
I have three pairs on eggs now :)

[billyboy]

Sadly the foster chick did not make it.That brood was destined to fail:(

But the good news is new chick hatched today :D

Have a good day all:)

[Birdys.stirling]

Sadly the foster chick did not make it.That brood was destined to fail:(

But the good news is new chick hatched today :D

Have a good day all:)

Sorry to hear that bill:(

Glad another chick has hatched for you, and the same to you.

[Santi Denis]

Hi Bill!

Glad to see you've started this new blog now that you're a profesional breeder now! :D

I'm really glad for you mate, and as Lorna said, you are a source of inspiration for me. ;)

Sorry to hear about the foster chick, but at least you've got another chick that's hatched for you.

Good luck mate! ;)

[billyboy]

Hi Bill!

Glad to see you've started this new blog now that you're a profesional breeder now!

I'm really glad for you mate, and as Lorna said, you are a source of inspiration for me.

Sorry to hear about the foster chick, but at least you've got another chick that's hatched for you.

Good luck mate! ;)
Thanks for your kind words.
Yes its all happening now.3 pairs on eggs , 2pairs about to go down and 1pair looking hopeful :D
I took my two eldest chicks out from the nursery cage today and put them in the main flight with the rest and the have had a super day .
Winnie needs to stay in the nursery for another couple of weeks and then she can join them.
Good luck with your birds and remember "don't give up ";) :D

[Birdys.stirling]

Thanks for your kind words.
Yes its all happening now.3 pairs on eggs , 2pairs about to go down and 1pair looking hopeful :D
I took my two eldest chicks out from the nursery cage today and put them in the main flight with the rest and the have had a super day .
Winnie needs to stay in the nursery for another couple of weeks and then she can join them.
Good luck with your birds and remember "don't give up ";) :D

Its all going on in you birdroom bill:D

Can't wait to see all these chicks

[billyboy]

Its all going on in you birdroom bill:D

Can't wait to see all these chicks

Yes it is :D new egg in new box this morning
so
I now have 4 nests with eggs and 2 more looking hopeful and one 1 day old chick

[Birdys.stirling]

Great news bill, it must be all this hot weather:D

[Santi Denis]

Yes it is :D new egg in new box this morning
so
I now have 4 nests with eggs and 2 more looking hopeful and one 1 day old chick

Looks like you're on a roll now, Bill! :)

There's no stopping you now! ;)

[billyboy]

Lost one of my cock birds today .it died for no apparent reason.

Could have been a heart attack or SOMETHING :eek:
we certainly have our ups an downs with this hobby. Still
after checking I could find no proper reason for the death of a 2 year old bird
healthy bird so I must move on:(

Thanks for your earlier comments in your e-mail to me Shaun. :)

After reading Shauns blog I must admit I am very tempted to add some finches to the flight :rolleyes:
VERY ADDICTIVE THIS BIRD KEEPING !!!!

[Birdys.stirling]

Thats fine bill, yeah birdkeeping is addictive and them little chicks:D

[billyboy]

Well I have just spend well over two hours thoroughly cleaning my bird area.
I suppose its a reaction to loosing my breeding cock bird yesterday. I know I can find no explaination for its sudden death but I have scrubbed clean the already clean water feeders and seed feeders again and changed all the bases of the cages and disinfected them. I have left the nest boxes alone as they have eggs in them ,So best not touch!
I feel better that they have been spring cleaned.
I have not seen the hen come out of her nest box since her mate died yesterday so is she feeding I don't know.Should I put some millet in her nest box??
I have left her with the two ( 1 & 3 day old ) chicks and two unhatched eggs. and fostered off 3 unhatched eggs.
So here,s hoping :eek:

[Birdys.stirling]

Yeah millet in the nest would help bill, are the chicks crops full/fed?

[billyboy]

Yeah millet in the nest would help bill, are the chicks crops full/fed?

Yes they are,I can see milk in them

[Birdys.stirling]

She's feeding them then bill they would be empty by now if she wasn't.

[billyboy]

She's feeding them then bill they would be empty by now if she wasn't.

Thats good :)

[billyboy]

Just checked the single parent hen and both the chicks have full crops:D

[Birdys.stirling]

Great news glad that she's feeding ok:D

Any pics?:D

[billyboy]

Great news glad that she's feeding ok:D

Any pics?:D

not of the two new born, will have to take some soon:D

[Birdys.stirling]

Thanks very much bill:D

[billyboy]

Good morning folks

Alls well here on this gloomy Friday morning :)

[Birdys.stirling]

Morning bill:D

The suns out here, a nice day:D

[billyboy]

Morning bill

The suns out here, a nice day

That makes me want some :D

I have just got myself two Zebra finches
Will post a pic later.

I am really getting the bird bug now :D;):rolleyes:

[Birdys.stirling]

Great news bill, you'll need an extension soon;)

[billyboy]

Great news bill, you'll need an extension soon;)

I will have to do a lot more to convince my wife to give up any more of our small garden to birds:rolleyes:
Still orible weather hear , but have a good weekend bloggers .
Off to check the finches now!

[Birdys.stirling]

Morning bill:D

[Santi Denis]

Lost one of my cock birds today .it died for no apparent reason.

Could have been a heart attack or SOMETHING :eek:
we certainly have our ups an downs with this hobby. Still
after checking I could find no proper reason for the death of a 2 year old bird
healthy bird so I must move on:(

So sorry to hear about this loss, Bill. :(

I'm glad to hear that the hen is coping with becoming a single mum, however. ;)

[billyboy]

So sorry to hear about this loss, Bill. :(

I'm glad to hear that the hen is coping with becoming a single mum, however. ;)

Thanks mate
Its all part of the hobby

[billyboy]

I have been at it again today! buying birds.It must be the rough weather that's causing it:cool:
I now own 6 Zebra finches of which two are femail.I just could not resist a few more of these delightful litte birds.
I found the courage to put them in the flight with the budgies this morning and they have been ok.The budgies sometimes gave them a gentle peck when the finches are sat on their favorite perches but seem to be all ok.:eek:
They were soon feeding from the millet and drinking.What a nice accompanyment they make to the budgies, darting around and giving that gentle little chirp/purr. And they had only been in the flight 15mins before one male was trying to mate a female:rolleyes:
Does this mean I need to get a nest box for them already???
I checked them for the last time tonight just before dark And I could only see 1 finch.PANICK,After careful observation I found that the other 5 had decided to roost in a 2" gap on top of an old nest box and the roof of the flight.I expect they feel safer up there!
Do they need any other special conditions or just leave them to it
Any advice or tips on Zebra finches gladly received :D

[billyboy]

Forgot to add
I have 5 out of my 6 breeding boxes with eggs and some fertile eggs in all boxes.
And the last pair look as if they are ready to lay in the final box, so hopefully a few more chicks :D

[Birdys.stirling]

I have been at it again today! buying birds.It must be the rough weather that's causing it:cool:
I now own 6 Zebra finches of which two are femail.I just could not resist a few more of these delightful litte birds.
I found the courage to put them in the flight with the budgies this morning and they have been ok.The budgies sometimes gave them a gentle peck when the finches are sat on their favorite perches but seem to be all ok.:eek:
They were soon feeding from the millet and drinking.What a nice accompanyment they make to the budgies, darting around and giving that gentle little chirp/purr. And they had only been in the flight 15mins before one male was trying to mate a female:rolleyes:
Does this mean I need to get a nest box for them already???
I checked them for the last time tonight just before dark And I could only see 1 finch.PANICK,After careful observation I found that the other 5 had decided to roost in a 2" gap on top of an old nest box and the roof of the flight.I expect they feel safer up there!
Do they need any other special conditions or just leave them to it
Any advice or tips on Zebra finches gladly received :D

Glad you are enjoying them bill, yeah they always hide and just like you i panick, thinking that they have escaped

I would leave the nest box for now bill they would breed but give them time to settle in first, then if you have room for all the chicks then go ahead and breed them.

No no special conditions they are the hardiest finches.

[Birdys.stirling]

Forgot to add
I have 5 out of my 6 breeding boxes with eggs and some fertile eggs in all boxes.
And the last pair look as if they are ready to lay in the final box, so hopefully a few more chicks :D

Great news bill when are the first eggs due to hatch?

[Santi Denis]

Good morning Bill! :)

You certainly don't waste any time, do you. :D

I will probably get finches eventually. But I like to take things a little easier than you. :D

[billyboy]

Good morning Bill! :)

You certainly don't waste any time, do you. :D

I will probably get finches eventually. But I like to take things a little easier than you. :D

Its Shauns fault for showing them to me :o
Super birds
My fights so much more interesting now

[Birdys.stirling]

Its Shauns fault for showing them to me :o
Super birds
My fights so much more interesting now

Haha glad you are happy with them bill:D

[Barrie Shutt]

Hi Bill i am back refreshed , rested and relaxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxed

i hope you are all well on BBBs

[billyboy]

Hi Bill i am back refreshed , rested and relaxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxed

i hope you are all well on BBBs

Hi Barrie
Glad to see you back :)
As you can see I now have finches as well.
I have still got the bird bug :D :D
and three healthy 09 home raised birds :)

[Bonesy]

Wow Bill, finches too? No stoppin you now! :D

Hows Winnie these days? Any new pics? :)

My lot are growing FAST, GOober is out and the violets are dapping back & forth between the box & the floor. Lovely seeing them grow, so rewarding!

Soph.

[billyboy]

Wow Bill, finches too? No stoppin you now! :D

Hows Winnie these days? Any new pics? :)

My lot are growing FAST, GOober is out and the violets are dapping back & forth between the box & the floor. Lovely seeing them grow, so rewarding!

Soph.

All is well and Winnie is now in the main flight having the time of her life :)
Glad all is well with you :D

[billyboy]

http://www.budgerigars.co.uk/forum/photoplog/images/21395/medium/1_f07.JPG (http://www.budgerigars.co.uk/forum/photoplog/index.php?n=6616)

A cock finch has today built a nest in the flight

[Birdys.stirling]

Have they got any hay in the flight bill?

[billyboy]

Have they got any hay in the flight bill?

no they are using some nesting material I picked up at the pet shop the other day.

[Birdys.stirling]

What sort of bedding is it bill? As finches like to weave a nest. And they can only do this with hay

[billyboy]

What sort of bedding is it bill? As finches like to weave a nest. And they can only do this with hay

Its like a cross between hair and hay .They have used quite a bit of it so far.
I will get a little hay tomorrow and throw some in the area. :)

[Birdys.stirling]

Hi,
Is it coco fibre by any chance?

[Santi Denis]

A cock finch has today built a nest in the flight

http://www.budgerigars.co.uk/forum/attachment.php?attachmentid=10628&d=1244734478


Now that is one proffesional nest your cock finch has built!!! :D :D :D

[billyboy]

Now that is one proffesional nest your cock finch has built!!! :D

Only the best birds for my avairy, they all have qualifications in the construction field. :D :D :rolleyes:

[billyboy]

Hi,
Is it coco fibre by any chance?

I have'nt a clue :o
But they like it :D

[billyboy]

Latest update.:)

The single mum has manage to keep 3 of her chicks going the fourth chick was very small and did not make it .I feel sure now that these three are a lot bigger that they will be fine.:)

4 chicks and 3 eggs in nest box 1
1 chick & 5 eggs in nest box 2
5 fertile eggs in box 3
3 eggs eggs in box 4
Single mum and 3 big chicks in box 5
Nest box 6 had a pair that seemed to have bonded but nothing after 5 weeks so they have been returned to the flight
The flight has 6 finches and 13 budgies and all seem ok together.
This years 3 new chicks have settled well in the flight and seem content

Thats the news;)

[Birdys.stirling]

Wow all then chicks, good luck with them all, any pics?:D

[billyboy]

Wow all then chicks, good luck with them all, any pics?:D

Will take some later :)

[Birdys.stirling]

Thanks bill

[billyboy]

Another chick hatched tea-time that is now 5 hatched in one box:D

[Birdys.stirling]

Congrats on the chick bill, well done:D

[billyboy]

Good morning all, no storms here thankfully, Birds ok:)

[Birdys.stirling]

Morning bill:D

[Santi Denis]

Latest update.

The single mum has manage to keep 3 of her chicks going the fourth chick was very small and did not make it .I feel sure now that these three are a lot bigger that they will be fine.

4 chicks and 3 eggs in nest box 1
1 chick & 5 eggs in nest box 2
5 fertile eggs in box 3
3 eggs eggs in box 4
Single mum and 3 big chicks in box 5
Nest box 6 had a pair that seemed to have bonded but nothing after 5 weeks so they have been returned to the flight
The flight has 6 finches and 13 budgies and all seem ok together.
This years 3 new chicks have settled well in the flight and seem content

Thats the news;)


Another chick hatched tea-time that is now 5 hatched in one box:D

Good luck with all those budgies (and finches), Bill! ;)









Still waiting for those photos though. :p

[billyboy]

Good luck with all those budgies (and finches), Bill! ;)









Still waiting for those photos though. :p

Yes I must do some more.
I have been busy catching up with my spring cleaning:eek:gave all the carpets a shampoo yesterday :D
Hope all is well with you

[billyboy]

Its now 5 chicks and 2 eggs in box 1 :eek: I hope they can cope as all the others have a large amount of eggs in their boxes.

Good ain't it :D :D

By the way there are finches nests appearing everywhere. The two hens have loads to choose from.
Still it keeps them occupied.
Must get round to some photos :o

[Birdys.stirling]

Its now 5 chicks and 2 eggs in box 1 :eek: I hope they can cope as all the others have a large amount of eggs in their boxes.

Good ain't it :D :D

By the way there are finches nests appearing everywhere. The two hens have loads to choose from.
Still it keeps them occupied.
Must get round to some photos :o

Great news on the chicks, they should cope bill, if not can you foster the chicks over to a pair with less eggs/chicks?

By the time we get pics the chicks will be young budgies. Glad things are improving for you bill

[billyboy]

http://www.budgerigars.co.uk/forum/photoplog/images/21395/medium/1_eggs.JPG (http://www.budgerigars.co.uk/forum/photoplog/index.php?n=6668)
By the time we get pics the chicks will be young budgies. Glad things are improving for you bill[/QUOTE]
Oh Yeah :p
Picture of the three chicks raised by single mum looking on!http://www.budgerigars.co.uk/forum/photoplog/images/21395/medium/1_3adopt.JPG (http://www.budgerigars.co.uk/forum/photoplog/index.php?n=6669)
Picture of the5 chicks and 2 eggs.http://www.budgerigars.co.uk/forum/photoplog/images/21395/medium/1_5chicks.JPG (http://www.budgerigars.co.uk/forum/photoplog/index.php?n=6670)
And another nest full of eggs in the top picture.
Better late than never.

[Birdys.stirling]

They're coming along great bill:D

Whens the first egg due to hatch? Can't be long?

[billyboy]

They're coming along great bill:D

Whens the first egg due to hatch? Can't be long?

I think its the 20th .
:D

[Birdys.stirling]

Not long then:D

[billyboy]

Good morning folks
All's well here :)
Today is Friday so that means its my regular big weekly clean of the birdroom/avairy.
But I find that keeping things tidy etc. each day makes Friday's clean easier.:D

Hope you all have a good weekend

[Birdys.stirling]

Morning bill, enjoy your clean i have that to do tonight as i have visitors tomorrow:rolleyes:

And the same to you;)

[Barrie Shutt]

Good morning folks
All's well here :)
Today is Friday so that means its my regular big weekly clean of the birdroom/avairy.
But I find that keeping things tidy etc. each day makes Friday's clean easier.:D

Hope you all have a good weekend

I always cleaned mine on fridays bill but then decided i never did like working fridays :D so cleaning day is now tuesdays

[billyboy]

I decided that the pair of birds that have five new chicks, I would foster the last two eggs of theirs to the pair that have only 4 unhatched eggs.
So I put them into their nest box.
The next day I was amazed to find that one of the eggs had been removed from the nest box and laid on the cage floor. After careful examination I saw that the egg had a small hole in its side, done by the cock or hen, and that the egg had started to go bad. Clever these birds :D
The other fostered egg has had a chick hatch from it today and it's crop is full.
The original eggs should soon be hatching:D

[Birdys.stirling]

I decided that the pair of birds that have five new chicks, I would foster the last two eggs of theirs to the pair that have only 4 unhatched eggs.
So I put them into their nest box.
The next day I was amazed to find that one of the eggs had been removed from the nest box and laid on the cage floor. After careful examination I saw that the egg had a small hole in its side, done by the cock or hen, and that the egg had started to go bad. Clever these birds :D
The other fostered egg has had a chick hatch from it today and it's crop is full.
The original eggs should soon be hatching:D

They are bill, i am amazed how hens know, hope the eggs hatch for you:D

[billyboy]

They are bill, i am amazed how hens know, hope the eggs hatch for you:D

Good morning Bloggers
Another chick hatched ok so that makes 5 nest boxes with chicks inside:D

[Barrie Shutt]

Good morning Bloggers
Another chick hatched ok so that makes 5 nest boxes with chicks inside:D

it must be the time of the year Bill or the kinder weather as i also have nest boxes bursting at the seams with chicks.:)

[billyboy]

it must be the time of the year Bill or the kinder weather as i also have nest boxes bursting at the seams with chicks.:)

That good Barrie :)

[S25ale]

Morning Bill,

How are the finch settling in? Any eggs in those baskets yet?

[Birdys.stirling]

Good morning Bloggers
Another chick hatched ok so that makes 5 nest boxes with chicks inside:D

Morning bill, its all going on in your birdroom:D

[billyboy]

Morning Bill,

How are the finch settling in? Any eggs in those baskets yet?

They have made two good nests so who knows they might lay :)

[S25ale]

Can't wait to see some more finch chicks. We've been planning our little aviary for the finch, Hoping to get started over the weekend.

[Birdys.stirling]

Ohh great news hayley, lots of pics:D

[S25ale]

Changing lighting tomorrow to a larger strip light hoping it will help things along. The exhibition hen that laid the infertile round has come out of condition and the others in aviary arent in condition.

[Birdys.stirling]

Shame it takes 7 weeks for them to come back into condition, i would swap the hen for another or are all exhibition hens out of condition?

[Santi Denis]

Great to see you are doing so well with the budgies now Bill. You've come so far now since you first started. It looks like you've been breeding budgies for years now.

How are those zebra finches doing too?

[billyboy]

Ohh great news hayley, lots of pics:D

Yes please send us your pics Hayley :)

[billyboy]

Great to see you are doing so well with the budgies now Bill. You've come so far now since you first started. It looks like you've been breeding budgies for years now.

How are those zebra finches doing too?

Thanks :)
I have lots of confidence now and not worry too much when hitches occur;)

Finches seem to have more nests than hens. I have four cock and two hen birds. As it is the cock birds that are building the nest I suppose that will happen. :)

[billyboy]

Am I right in assuming that the cock bird builds a nest before he has bonded to try to get a female ??

Do you think I should get two more hens to even it up or are odd numbers fine with finches??

Would like to see a pic of young finches chicks and eggs if anyone would like to post them :)

Any other tips on finches most welcome:D

PS ITS ALL SHAUN'S FAULT FOR STARTING ME OFF ( AND OTHERS ) WITH FINCHES :p

[Birdys.stirling]

Yeah normally the male builds first and maybe later on the hen will do some finishing touches;)

The odd numbers will be fine bill they aren't like budgies and don't fight much they make scream at each other but thats about it.

I haven't got any pics or chicks at present bill, sadly

Yeah its all my fault:p

[S25ale]

Yes all the exhibitions are out of condition. Except the 4 other pairs which are down but havent laid any eggs yet. I might split one the the first exhibition pairs i put down and try that hen with the cock whos hen is out of condition. It might be worth paying a visit to a breeder pick up some more 08 hens.

In better news the pet colbolt blue cock and violet hen who laid 2 infertile rounds earlier in the year have had there first chick! Any predictions on colours?

Sorry Bill i deleted my finch pictures in an effort to put me off having them again, not that it worked! We're off to pick some more up tonight as the 8 we have were all from the same place so we want to mix the blood a little.

[Barrie Shutt]

good morning bloggers

[Birdys.stirling]

Yeah its annoying when all the hens go out of condition at the same time:o

Ah great news on the chicks i would say that the chick will be a cobalt violet;)

Haha you'll be over run soon:D

[billyboy]

Yes all the exhibitions are out of condition. Except the 4 other pairs which are down but havent laid any eggs yet. I might split one the the first exhibition pairs i put down and try that hen with the cock whos hen is out of condition. It might be worth paying a visit to a breeder pick up some more 08 hens.

In better news the pet colbolt blue cock and violet hen who laid 2 infertile rounds earlier in the year have had there first chick! Any predictions on colours?

Sorry Bill i deleted my finch pictures in an effort to put me off having them again, not that it worked! We're off to pick some more up tonight as the 8 we have were all from the same place so we want to mix the blood a little.

I agree best to mix up the famies, as I said its Shauns fault.:D
I got two more young finch hens today to give my birds a mixture of families

[Birdys.stirling]

I agrre best to mix up the famies, as I said its Shauns fault.:D
I got two more young hens today to give my birds a mixture of families

Yeah thats the thing with finches they inbreed very very easily;)

Oh great news bill any pics?:D

[Santi Denis]

Good afternoon bloggers! ;)

[S25ale]

Yeah its annoying when all the hens go out of condition at the same time:o

Ah great news on the chicks i would say that the chick will be a cobalt violet;)

Haha you'll be over run soon:D
I know i cant believe they have all gone out of condition at the same time, going to leave them in the aviary to have a break see what happens. Still got 4 pairs down in front of main aviary with 11 pet chicks and then the 2 pairs with eggs and violet hen with one chick so got plenty of pet progress just no exhibition.


I agree best to mix up the famies, as I said its Shauns fault.:D
I got two more young finch hens today to give my birds a mixture of families

Glad to hear you got some more females Bill, any pictures? I didnt get mine we went to an auction but they only had black cheeks which went for about £10 each.

[Birdys.stirling]

Good afternoon bloggers! ;)

Afternoon santi;)

[Birdys.stirling]

I know i cant believe they have all gone out of condition at the same time, going to leave them in the aviary to have a break see what happens. Still got 4 pairs down in front of main aviary with 11 pet chicks and then the 2 pairs with eggs and violet hen with one chick so got plenty of pet progress just no exhibition.



Glad to hear you got some more females Bill, any pictures? I didnt get mine we went to an auction but they only had black cheeks which went for about £10 each.

Yeah don't take this the wrong way hayley, but i am glad that yours have done it as well as my hens have and i thought it may have been something i did.

[billyboy]

Glad to hear you got some more females Bill, any pictures? I didnt get mine we went to an auction but they only had black cheeks which went for about £10 each.

They are both very young females and I have not taken any pics yet.
Hope I don't take as long as the last time: I hope you have better luck next time Hayley with your finches.
Hen finches seem hard to get in this area lots of males! though:(

Do you let your finches breed in the 'colony method' Shaun
It seems easier for finches but no way of stopping in breeding?

[Birdys.stirling]

They are both very young females and I have not taken any pics yet.
Hope I don't take as long as the last time: I hope you have better luck next time Hayley with your finches.
Hen finches seem hard to get in this area lots of males! though:(

Do you let your finches breed in the 'colony method' Shaun
It seems easier for finches but no way of stopping in breeding?

Yeah i always have more males than females bill, when they breed;)

Yeah they are just in the aviary nest boxes up and nest material and they breed when and where they like. It is difficult to stop inbreeding, all my adults aren't ringed but i putsplit rings on the chicks so i know the difference and i sell most or all of the chicks, but i do keep the colours i like or what i haven't got many of. At present most of my birds are white, and i have one chick which is brown and normal so i will keep him as he's different but the white chicks will be sold

[Barrie Shutt]

I use to love an aviary full of finches , they were never still and entertained us all day.I have room ,food for thought thanks to Bill and Shaun.

[S25ale]

Yeah don't take this the wrong way hayley, but i am glad that yours have done it as well as my hens have and i thought it may have been something i did.
I know what your saying Shaun, i can't understand how its happend though.

Thanks Bill i've still got my original 8 so i've some to get started with. I've always colony bred i tried bengalese in cages once but never got anywhere. I just try and buy a few new ones every now and again so they dont get too interbred. I'll be doing the same as Shaun just ringing the chicks all one colour so at least i can track what year they are.

Let us know the outcome when you have finished pondering Barrie.

[Birdys.stirling]

I use to love an aviary full of finches , they were never still and entertained us all day.I have room ,food for thought thanks to Bill and Shaun.

Yeah they are very lively and thats why i have them mixed with the cockatiels and budgies as sometimes they just sit there:D

[billyboy]

I use to love an aviary full of finches , they were never still and entertained us all day.I have room ,food for thought thanks to Bill and Shaun.

GO FOR IT BARRIE:D :D

[Birdys.stirling]

GO FOR IT BARRIE:D :D

Haha now you're a bad influence bill:D:eek:

[billyboy]

Yeah they are very lively and thats why i have them mixed with the cockatiels and budgies as sometimes they just sit there:D

Your so right Shaun.
Busy little birds but so cheering :D ;)

[billyboy]

Haha now you're a bad influence bill:D:eek:

WHAT ME :rolleyes:

[billyboy]

Yeah don't take this the wrong way hayley, but i am glad that yours have done it as well as my hens have and i thought it may have been something i did.
I know what your saying Shaun, i can't understand how its happend though.

Thanks Bill i've still got my original 8 so i've some to get started with. I've always colony bred i tried bengalese in cages once but never got anywhere. I just try and buy a few new ones every now and again so they dont get too interbred. I'll be doing the same as Shaun just ringing the chicks all one colour so at least i can track what year they are.

Let us know the outcome when you have finished pondering Barrie.

IT won't be long before that eight are sixteen Hayley:rolleyes:

[Birdys.stirling]

Your so right Shaun.
Busy little birds but so cheering :D ;)

Yeah i love watching the build nests etc, especially when they pick a millet stalk up and fly up to the nest only to relise it won't fit:D

[billyboy]

PUt rings on 5 chicks today :D :D

[Birdys.stirling]

Have you had any more eggs laid or hatch?

[Birdys.stirling]

Oh and bill i have a finch chick that i didn't know of :eek: Will try and get you some pics tomorrow;)

[billyboy]

Have you had any more eggs laid or hatch?

YES
I had another chick hatch today

I have 5 budgie nest boxes that are active with chicks and eggs.
When they have each finished this round I think I am going to call that it for this year and let the budgies rest.
I am very satisfied with the outcome of my very first year :D

Will let the finches breed until they stop by themselves this year, ie.when it gets too dark for them etc. Thats if they do breed!
Question
Are they as robust in the winter as budgies or do they need different care?

[Birdys.stirling]

YES
I had another chick hatch today

I have 5 budgie nest boxes that are active with chicks and eggs.
When they have each finished this round I think I am going to call that it for this year and let the budgies rest.
I am very satisfied with the outcome of my very first year :D

Will let the finches breed until they stop by themselves this year, ie.when it gets too dark for them etc. Thats if they do breed!
Question
Are they as robust in the winter as budgies or do they need different care?

Yeah with the finches bill remove the nests when it starts getting colder as they will just keep going i had a pair one year that were still raising chicks at christmas, i have now learnt not to let them do it, it wouldn't harm them but it does take it out of them and they need the energy to keep warm;)

But no no extra things needed some people keep them in a heated aviary but i never have and they always seem fine

[Santi Denis]

I use to love an aviary full of finches , they were never still and entertained us all day.I have room ,food for thought thanks to Bill and Shaun.

At the rate we're going, half the budgie breeders on the forum will be having finches too. :rolleyes:

Glad to see that this first year has been so successful for you Bill. ;)

[billyboy]

At the rate we're going, half the budgie breeders on the forum will be having finches too.

Glad to see that this first year has been so successful for you Bill. ;)

Yeah
Perhaps we should change it to the Budgie / Finch Forum ha ha. ;)

As I said its all Shauns fault :D :D

[billyboy]

Yeah with the finches bill remove the nests when it starts getting colder as they will just keep going i had a pair one year that were still raising chicks at christmas, i have now learnt not to let them do it, it wouldn't harm them but it does take it out of them and they need the energy to keep warm;)

But no no extra things needed some people keep them in a heated aviary but i never have and they always seem fine

Thanks for info Shaun :)

[billyboy]

I went to a bird sale last night with just the intension of looking and chatting to other breeders etc.

OH DEAR :o
I was like a big kid in a sweet shop.
I purchased a pair finches,even forgotten what breed they are :o
And I could'nt resist buying a pair of really nice yellow canaries, because I know my wife is very found of yellow canaries, I hope that I have a male and he can sing, but you cant tell the sex of them easily to I will have to wait and see, and hope the seller was honest!

Must post some pics when I have a chance
MUST ALSO STOP GOING TO BIRD SALES.:D
Off to do the weekly clean of the birds now.

Have a good weekend all

[Birdys.stirling]

I went to a bird sale last night with just the intension of looking and chatting to other breeders etc.

OH DEAR :o
I was like a big kid in a sweet shop.
I purchased a pair finches,even forgotten what breed they are :o
And I could'nt resist buying a pair of really nice yellow canaries, because I know my wife is very found of yellow canaries, I hope that I have a male and he can sing, but you cant tell the sex of them easily to I will have to wait and see, and hope the seller was honest!

Must post some pics when I have a chance
MUST ALSO STOP GOING TO BIRD SALES.:D
Off to do the weekly clean of the birds now.

Have a good weekend all

Haha post some pics of the finches and i am sure we can help you;)

[Santi Denis]

I went to a bird sale last night with just the intension of looking and chatting to other breeders etc.

OH DEAR :o
I was like a big kid in a sweet shop.
I purchased a pair finches,even forgotten what breed they are :o
And I could'nt resist buying a pair of really nice yellow canaries, because I know my wife is very found of yellow canaries, I hope that I have a male and he can sing, but you cant tell the sex of them easily to I will have to wait and see, and hope the seller was honest!

Must post some pics when I have a chance
MUST ALSO STOP GOING TO BIRD SALES.:D
Off to do the weekly clean of the birds now.

Have a good weekend all

You've bought so many lately, that I've lost track... how many birds do you have now, Bill? :eek:

[Birdys.stirling]

You've bought so many lately, that I've lost track... how many birds do you have now, Bill? :eek:

He'll need an extension soon:eek:

[billyboy]

You've bought so many lately, that I've lost track... how many birds do you have now, Bill? :eek:

Too many :o
10 finches
2 canaries
20 budgies
13 chicks of various ages in their respective nest boxes
8 unhatched eggs
and!
1 wife ;)

Phew
Well set up for next year :D
I will not be breeding any more budgies this year when these have finished.

[Barrie Shutt]

Too many :o
10 finches
2 canaries
20 budgies
13 chicks of various ages in their respective nest boxes
8 unhatched eggs
and!
1 wife ;)

Phew
Well set up for next year :D
I will not be breeding any more budgies this year when these have finished.

Welcome to Bedfordshire Avairies :)

[billyboy]

I have 2 new canaries ! supposed to be a pair ! but time will tell
Not sure what type of canaries they are?

Pics of my new finches are they Zebra Finches?http://www.budgerigars.co.uk/forum/photoplog/images/21395/medium/1_canary_1.JPG (http://www.budgerigars.co.uk/forum/photoplog/index.php?n=6715)http://www.budgerigars.co.uk/forum/photoplog/images/21395/medium/1_finch_1.JPG (http://www.budgerigars.co.uk/forum/photoplog/index.php?n=6716)http://www.budgerigars.co.uk/forum/photoplog/images/21395/medium/1_finch2.JPG (http://www.budgerigars.co.uk/forum/photoplog/index.php?n=6717)http://www.budgerigars.co.uk/forum/photoplog/images/21395/medium/1_finch3.JPG (http://www.budgerigars.co.uk/forum/photoplog/index.php?n=6718)

[billyboy]

Welcome to Bedfordshire Avairies :)

Ha Ha I like it :D :D Barrie ;)

[S25ale]

I see your definately a fellow bird addict now Bill, love the new birds. I'm not very good at canaries are they fifes?

[Birdys.stirling]

I have 2 new canaries ! supposed to be a pair ! but time will tell
Not sure what type of canaries they are?

Pics of my new finches are they Zebra Finches?http://www.budgerigars.co.uk/forum/photoplog/images/21395/medium/1_canary_1.JPG (http://www.budgerigars.co.uk/forum/photoplog/index.php?n=6715)http://www.budgerigars.co.uk/forum/photoplog/images/21395/medium/1_finch_1.JPG (http://www.budgerigars.co.uk/forum/photoplog/index.php?n=6716)http://www.budgerigars.co.uk/forum/photoplog/images/21395/medium/1_finch2.JPG (http://www.budgerigars.co.uk/forum/photoplog/index.php?n=6717)http://www.budgerigars.co.uk/forum/photoplog/images/21395/medium/1_finch3.JPG (http://www.budgerigars.co.uk/forum/photoplog/index.php?n=6718)

Umm not sure what type of canaries bill, but very nice

Yeah they are zebra finches not sur eof the mutations though but very pretty

[billyboy]

Good morning from Bedfordshire Avairies :D :D

[Barrie Shutt]

Hi Bill the canaries are Fifes named after where they originated from.

[Birdys.stirling]

Morning bill:D

And the rest of the bloggers;)

[Barrie Shutt]

Morning bill:D

And the rest of the bloggers;)

You need not smile we know your wife is posting Shaun and you are laying in bed :D

[Birdys.stirling]

You need not smile we know your wife is posting Shaun and you are laying in bed :D

hahaha no wife here barrie:p

[Barrie Shutt]

hahaha no wife here barrie:p

Thats why you can lay in bed,a wife would be moaning at you to get up and do some chores :D

[Birdys.stirling]

Thats why you can lay in bed,a wife would be moaning at you to get up and do some chores :D

Yeah exactly, no moaming here:eek::D

[billyboy]

Thats why you can lay in bed,a wife would be moaning at you to get up and do some chores

Wakey wakey Shaun
Time to do the chores nag nag :D :D :D :p

[Santi Denis]

Wakey wakey Shaun
Time to do the chores nag nag :D :D :D :p

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-dMssihoCvI

[billyboy]

Another pink blob this morning
and the other chicks are doing well,lokks like I will have one or two nice birds in this lot
17 chicks on the go at the mimute :D
Dont know how many to keep for next year :confused:
Still thats good aint it :D

[Birdys.stirling]

Wow you have loads of chicks bill, you have done really well mate;)

Wait till they feather bill, and as they are pets pic the colours you like and sell the rest, you are stuck though if you like all the colours:D

[billyboy]

Wow you have loads of chicks bill, you have done really well mate;)

Wait till they feather bill, and as they are pets pic the colours you like and sell the rest, you are stuck though if you like all the colours:D

Thats the poblem I will like some of the colours I am sure:rolleyes:
How many budgies do you think you will have in total by autumn? in your bird floights etc.

[Birdys.stirling]

Thats the poblem I will like some of the colours I am sure:rolleyes:
How many budgies do you think you will have in total by autumn? in your bird floights etc.

Umm as its going at the moemnt maybe 4:eek:

But no i would like to have ringed 40 by the end of the year but this isn't going to happen, so if i can get 20 -30 by the end of the year i will be happy;)

[Santi Denis]

Another pink blob this morning
and the other chicks are doing well,lokks like I will have one or two nice birds in this lot
17 chicks on the go at the mimute :D
Dont know how many to keep for next year :confused:
Still thats good aint it :D

Well done Bill! It looks like there's no stopping you now. ;)

[billyboy]

Umm as its going at the moemnt maybe 4:eek:

But no i would like to have ringed 40 by the end of the year but this isn't going to happen, so if i can get 20 -30 by the end of the year i will be happy;)

ONLY 4
I thought you have had many more budgie chicks than 4 this year :confused:

If that is the case I do hope it soon improves for you .

YOu have plenty of finches though.

Good luck with the Budgie show :D

[billyboy]

Another pink blob in the same nest as yesterdays, must be the heat.
All others doing well.
Finches building nests everwhere:eek:
Canaries still on their own in a breeding cage at the mo. :)

[Birdys.stirling]

ONLY 4
I thought you have had many more budgie chicks than 4 this year :confused:

If that is the case I do hope it soon improves for you .

YOu have plenty of finches though.

Good luck with the Budgie show :D

No have only rung 4 bill, but had 5in one nest but one died and one got trampled so that left me with three and then 2 that had fledged, and still got eggs to hatch under another pair. Thanks bill. Yeah plenty of finches, they are easy to breed:rolleyes: Thanks

[billyboy]

No have only rung 4 bill, but had 5in one nest but one died and one got trampled so that left me with three and then 2 that had fledged, and still got eggs to hatch under another pair. Thanks bill. Yeah plenty of finches, they are easy to breed:rolleyes: Thanks

Sorry to read that.

Then I have done very well in my first year have'nt I

Perhaps things will pick up for you after they have rested and are back in condition.Lots of autumn birds :D

[Birdys.stirling]

Sorry to read that.

Then I have done very well in my first year have'nt I

Perhaps things will pick up for you after they have rested and are back in condition.Lots of autumn birds :D

Yeah you have thats the way it is bill some are having the best breeding season and people like me are having problems, it this weather they are getting confused, cause its nice and warm and then its meant to rain and thunder all weekend:rolleyes:

[billyboy]

[QUOTE=billyboy;295534]Another pink blob in the same nest as yesterdays, must be the heat.


Another pink blob this morning thats 3 in 4 days yes it really must be the heat!
Won't complain though :D]

[Birdys.stirling]

[QUOTE=billyboy;295534]Another pink blob in the same nest as yesterdays, must be the heat.


Another pink blob this morning thats 3 in 4 days yes it really must be the heat!
Won't complain though :D]

You'll be overrun soon bill:D

[billyboy]

[QUOTE=billyboy;295981]

You'll be overrun soon bill:D
GREAT!!!:p
I thought earlier this year that I would not get any chicks.

One nest box has emptied out its three chicks into the breeding cage today with mum at hand .These are the ones she raised by herself and she has done a great job :D
Get a pic when I can

[Birdys.stirling]

[QUOTE=Birdys.stirling;295984]
GREAT!!!:p
I thought earlier this year that I would not get any chicks.

One nest box has emptied out its three chicks into the breeding cage today with mum at hand .These are the ones she raised by herself and she has done a great job :D
Get a pic when I can

Glad they are doing ok, she didi a great job, i think she will need a rest now;)

[billyboy]

[QUOTE=billyboy;296580]

Glad they are doing ok, she didi a great job, i think she will need a rest now;)

Yep a well earned rest :)

[Santi Denis]

[QUOTE=Birdys.stirling;295984]
I thought earlier this year that I would not get any chicks.

It just goes to show that you were right not to give up Bill. ;)

[billyboy]

[QUOTE=billyboy;296580]

It just goes to show that you were right not to give up Bill. ;)

Yes I have done so well
Some of my new babies

[S25ale]

Fantastic Bill, you've done really well this year. I love the first chick & the ones in the second picture. How are the finch going? Any sign of eggs yet?

[Birdys.stirling]

http://www.budgerigars.co.uk/forum/attachment.php?attachmentid=10912&d=1246986666

http://www.budgerigars.co.uk/forum/attachment.php?attachmentid=10913&d=1246986677

http://www.budgerigars.co.uk/forum/attachment.php?attachmentid=10914&d=1246986687

http://www.budgerigars.co.uk/forum/attachment.php?attachmentid=10915&d=1246986700

[Birdys.stirling]

http://www.budgerigars.co.uk/forum/attachment.php?attachmentid=10916&d=1246986715

They are all looking great bill:D

Do you know what colours you have? If not say the ones you want to know and post pics and i will help.

[billyboy]

Fantastic Bill, you've done really well this year. I love the first chick & the ones in the second picture. How are the finch going? Any sign of eggs yet?

No sign of eggs yet on the finch front!
Thanks for comments:)

[billyboy]

http://www.budgerigars.co.uk/forum/attachment.php?attachmentid=10916&d=1246986715

They are all looking great bill

Do you know what colours you have? If not say the ones you want to know and post pics and i will help.

Not a clue Shaun :D:o
Just pretty birds to me :D

[Birdys.stirling]

Not a clue Shaun :D:o
Just pretty birds to me :D

Haha ok will try and help you;)

[Birdys.stirling]

http://www.budgerigars.co.uk/forum/attachment.php?attachmentid=10912&d=1246986666

Y/F type 2 sky blue spangle

[Birdys.stirling]

http://www.budgerigars.co.uk/forum/attachment.php?attachmentid=10913&d=1246986677

The bottom one looks like a Y/F type 2 cinnamon sky blue spangle, can you get a better pic bill? Especially of the wings, thanks

And the top one is a yellow face sky blue spangle.

[Birdys.stirling]

http://www.budgerigars.co.uk/forum/attachment.php?attachmentid=10914&d=1246986687

Dark green's

[Birdys.stirling]

http://www.budgerigars.co.uk/forum/attachment.php?attachmentid=10916&d=1246986715

Another dark green some nice budgie bill;)

[billyboy]

http://www.budgerigars.co.uk/forum/attachment.php?attachmentid=10916&d=1246986715

Another dark green some nice budgie bill;)

Thanks shaun:D
I cant decide what to keep for next year as they are all great!
But dont want to get over run :eek:

[Birdys.stirling]

Thanks shaun:D
I cant decide what to keep for next year as they are all great!
But dont want to get over run :eek:

If it was me i would sell the greens, i'm not a fan of greens personally:eek:

No i can see why its so hard to decide;)

Bill have you got a pic of the greens when they were starting to feather, as i am trying to figure out whether mine is a dark green or not and that is just starting to feather, thanks

[billyboy]

Will have to get some more pics Shaun.

Turfed all the rest of the 7 feathered chicks out of their nest box today as its getting really messy and crowded.
Only to find that the mother hen had laid an egg today :eek:
They are on their second batch now so I decided that I did not want them to go into a 3rd lot this quick. I think it would be asking too much from them so I have removed the egg and Closed the nesting box off.I will also remove any other eggs she may lay!
Seems a shame but its not fair on the birds to be greedy.
They are still continuing to feed the 7 chicks inside the cage.
I sat and watched with amazement how they could satisfy all these 7 chicks wanting food in a frenzy.Talk about going flat out with the grub:D

[billyboy]

When I was watching another brood I noticed that the eldest chick was in fact offering food to its sibling!,which the sibling took and then going back to mum for more,Is this normal behaviour :rolleyes:

[billyboy]

If it was me i would sell the greens, i'm not a fan of greens personally:eek:

No i can see why its so hard to decide;)

Bill have you got a pic of the greens when they were starting to feather, as i am trying to figure out whether mine is a dark green or not and that is just starting to feather, thanks

Not overly keen on greens myself ;)

[Birdys.stirling]

Will have to get some more pics Shaun.

Turfed all the rest of the 7 feathered chicks out of their nest box today as its getting really messy and crowded.
Only to find that the mother hen had laid an egg today :eek:
They are on their second batch now so I decided that I did not want them to go into a 3rd lot this quick. I think it would be asking too much from them so I have removed the egg and Closed the nesting box off.I will also remove any other eggs she may lay!
Seems a shame but its not fair on the birds to be greedy.
They are still continuing to feed the 7 chicks inside the cage.
I sat and watched with amazement how they could satisfy all these 7 chicks wanting food in a frenzy.Talk about going flat out with the grub:D

Thanks bill.

Good job that you removed them then bill;)

Yeah, there probably won't be any whole eggs they will probably just smash on the floor. Keep an eye out as she may decide to use the chick hide as a nest and i have known this to happen.

[Birdys.stirling]

When I was watching another brood I noticed that the eldest chick was in fact offering food to its sibling!,which the sibling took and then going back to mum for more,Is this normal behaviour :rolleyes:

Yeah i don't know why, my nest of pieds the oldest tries to feed, haven't seen him feed but they do 'Beak Lock' as if feeding;)

[billyboy]

Yeah i don't know why, my nest of pieds the oldest tries to feed, haven't seen him feed but they do 'Beak Lock' as if feeding;)

That probably whats going on :D

[billyboy]

Thanks bill.

Good job that you removed them then bill;)

Yeah, there probably won't be any whole eggs they will probably just smash on the floor. Keep an eye out as she may decide to use the chick hide as a nest and i have known this to happen.

Will do :)
I will keep my eye on them.

Would you still leave both parents in there until all the chicks have gone or would you remove one of them , if so which one ?

[Birdys.stirling]

Will do :)
I will keep my eye on them.

Would you still leave both parents in there until all the chicks have gone or would you remove one of them , if so which one ?

I would leave both as they have 7, one may not be able to cope with all them chicks.

[billyboy]

I would leave both as they have 7, one may not be able to cope with all them chicks.

Ok Shaun will leave and monitor them:)
Thanks

[billyboy]

Do you remember I had a pair that did'nt feed their chicks correctly and gave them seed and they all died.Well they have managed to rear 5 chicks this time round and fed them ok,but the personal after care was bvery bad and they have become very grubby,so I have now fostered them out after giving them a real clean up and they are doing fine.
So next year all should be well:D

[Birdys.stirling]

Yeah they had to learn bill, as you say next time they will be able to raise the chicks;)

[billyboy]

Yeah they had to learn bill, as you say next time they will be able to raise the chicks;)

Yeah I hope so .The chicks were covered in poo etc. and their feet were all in a lump of mess ,it took me ages to clean them up.
I would have done it earlier if I had seen the state they were in.I had decided not to disturb them on their second attempt to see if they could cope with the feeding. Still its all experiance :rolleyes:

[Birdys.stirling]

Yeah, you have to learn as well as the birds;)

[billyboy]

I went to the Bedfordshire open show today! at Dunstable.
My first ever show,
It was quite noisy but I expected that.
So many different classes I found that a bit overwelming as a beginner :eek: Some nice birds there But I thought some of mine were as good as some of the entries, NOT THE WINNERS THOUGH:D
Not sure if I could get into all that just yet ,but I can see why its popular.
Must take ages to work out what classes you fit into.
I suppose the novice young bird looks the most straightforward class :D
Still I am glad I took a look.

[Birdys.stirling]

Yeah my nan says that some of her pet type budgies look better than them, and at the wast norfolk show i was surprised at some of the birds benched there was one there, its tail was dropped and it was all fluffed up and all ill looking, probably would have died soon and someone decided to show with it:eek: The bird had to be separated as it was seriously ill.

Its not too difficult bill, first you need to know the birds colour, then you find the colour and then look for the class number which is for your level eg beginner like me, and then beginners compete against beginners, novices against novices etc.

The easiest on to win in is the juniour bill, i am to old sadly, but there were only two benched in that section at west norfolk and i think both birds were by the same person.

[billyboy]

[QUOTE=

The easiest on to win in is the juniour bill, i am to old sadly, but there were only two benched in that section at west norfolk and i think both birds were by the same person.[/QUOTE]

I need a pensioners section :D :D

When I look at all my new chicks they all seem to have the same colour ceri so I am going to find it hard to select the sexes:eek:
Maybe they might look a bit different in a few weeks time and then I can choose.
Young birds can be so deceiving:rolleyes:

[Birdys.stirling]

I need a pensioners section :D :D

When I look at all my new chicks they all seem to have the same colour ceri so I am going to find it hard to select the sexes:eek:
Maybe they might look a bit different in a few weeks time and then I can choose.
Young birds can be so deceiving:rolleyes:

Yeah, normally young hens will have pale rings around the nostrels bill

[S25ale]

Glad you enjoyed your first show Bill, won't be long now until your buying exhibtion birds ;)

I've had a few programs through the post one for leicester cant remember where the other was for but i'm going to try and convince other half to go.

[billyboy]

Glad you enjoyed your first show Bill, won't be long now until your buying exhibtion birds ;)

I've had a few programs through the post one for leicester cant remember where the other was for but i'm going to try and convince other half to go.

Yes its well worth a look.
Then you will see just how good some of your own birds are!!!
:)

[Birdys.stirling]

Yes its well worth a look.
Then you will see just how good some of your own birds are!!!
:)

Yeah i fully agree, you can then see how you need to improve your birds to get them to win the class/section etc;)

[Santi Denis]

Hi Bill! :)

I so glad you're doing so well with your chicks, and able to overcome any hiccups you come across.


When I was watching another brood I noticed that the eldest chick was in fact offering food to its sibling!,which the sibling took and then going back to mum for more,Is this normal behaviour :rolleyes:


Yeah i don't know why, my nest of pieds the oldest tries to feed, haven't seen him feed but they do 'Beak Lock' as if feeding;)

That's the good thing about this forum... you learn something every day. :)

[billyboy]

The most time taking task I have found this year is the daily cleaning of the water bottles and cups .They turn green in almost a day in the summer:eek:
I have purchased quite a few of these water containers so that I can put a fresh bottle/cup on each day and then clean them all up on fridays.
I know its the sun light that causes this as its not anywhere near as much of a problem in the winter.
Do you others have this problem or have you found a way to overcome this :)

[billyboy]

Hi Bill! :)







That's the good thing about this forum... you learn something every day. :)

You certainly do :) :D

[Birdys.stirling]

The most time taking task I have found this year is the daily cleaning of the water bottles and cups .They turn green in almost a day in the summer:eek:
I have purchased quite a few of these water containers so that I can put a fresh bottle/cup on each day and then clean them all up on fridays.
I know its the sun light that causes this as its not anywhere near as much of a problem in the winter.
Do you others have this problem or have you found a way to overcome this :)

Yeah bill i have the problem with the ones which get the full sunlight, i have some of the blue ones as well, they are anti algae and stop the sunlight from turning the water etc green;)

[billyboy]

Five of my 09 birds

[billyboy]

Two more of my 09 birds

[billyboy]

Pics of the contents of my last two nest boxes :)

[Birdys.stirling]

http://www.budgerigars.co.uk/forum/attachment.php?attachmentid=10987&d=1247579973

http://www.budgerigars.co.uk/forum/attachment.php?attachmentid=10988&d=1247579986

Looking good bill:D

[billyboy]

http://www.budgerigars.co.uk/forum/attachment.php?attachmentid=10987&d=1247579973

http://www.budgerigars.co.uk/forum/attachment.php?attachmentid=10988&d=1247579986

Looking good bill:D

Thanks Shaun ;)

[S25ale]

Thanks for the pictures Bill, you really are doing well this year the older birds are looking really nice but i have a soft spot for the blue and yellow chick.

[Birdys.stirling]

http://www.budgerigars.co.uk/forum/attachment.php?attachmentid=10987&d=1247579973

http://www.budgerigars.co.uk/forum/attachment.php?attachmentid=10988&d=1247579986

Looking good bill:D

I was just looking at them pics again, is that an opaline dome pied in the first pic:eek:

[billyboy]

I was just looking at them pics again, is that an opaline dome pied in the first pic:eek:

Do you mean the blue looking chick Shaun?
If so that chick was added to the brood as a foster chick :)
From the messy parents

[Birdys.stirling]

http://www.budgerigars.co.uk/forum/attachment.php?attachmentid=10987&d=1247579973

Looking good bill:D

No in this pic bill the bird what is getting trampled a bit looks like a dom pied:D

[billyboy]

No in this pic bill the bird what is getting trampled a bit looks like a dom pied:D

Will have to get some more pics when they have feathered up a bit more then you will be able to see :)

[Birdys.stirling]

Will have to get some more pics when they have feathered up a bit more then you will be able to see :)

Yeah it looks like you have a real mixed batch there bill:D

[billyboy]

Yeah it looks like you have a real mixed batch there bill:D

Yes its fun waiting to see how they feather up :)

[billyboy]

Good evening all
Hope alls well with you all :)

I am so pleased that I have managed to get around 25 chicks in my first ever year.And I still get a thrill each day when I look inside the nest boxes and I love it when you put your hand inside to lift some of the more maturing chicks and you feel all the heat from their little bodies.You know its been worthwhile when the little devil gives you a firm little bite :D
Sadly I wont have the space to keep them all but will be hanging on to some for next years ,especially the hens as advised by Barrie.
As I said before I will be winding up the breeding for this year when they have all fledged and rest them. This will allow me also to take a holiday.
My Son is happy to look after all my birds but is not so keen on looking after breeding pairs.Thats fine by me.http://www.budgerigars.co.uk/forum/photoplog/images/21395/medium/1_becky.JPG (http://www.budgerigars.co.uk/forum/photoplog/index.php?n=6373)http://www.budgerigars.co.uk/forum/photoplog/images/21395/medium/1_wwww.JPG (http://www.budgerigars.co.uk/forum/photoplog/index.php?n=6450)
But I cant wait to try out some mixes next year with them especially with what I have learnt so far.
I dont have good enough conditions to breed through the winter so will have a bit of a rest myself, Just enjoing looking at them and making plans!

[Birdys.stirling]

Glad you have enjoyed every minute of it bill, and hope you have an even better season next year:D

[S25ale]

Morning Bill & other bloggers.

How are things? Any more new additions?

[billyboy]

Morning Bill & other bloggers.

How are things? Any more new additions?

8 Baby Budgies sold yesterday
Finch siiting on eggs :)
3 Budgie nests still with chicks :)

[Birdys.stirling]

Afternoon bill, glad you managed to select the ones you wanted too sell, is 8 all you will sell or will you be selling more?

Hope the finch eggs hatch for you;)

[S25ale]

wow hey sold fast, did they all go to one buyer? Which did you let go?

[Barrie Shutt]

Good evening all
Hope alls well with you all :)

I am so pleased that I have managed to get around 25 chicks in my first ever year.And I still get a thrill each day when I look inside the nest boxes and I love it when you put your hand inside to lift some of the more maturing chicks and you feel all the heat from their little bodies.You know its been worthwhile when the little devil gives you a firm little bite :D
Sadly I wont have the space to keep them all but will be hanging on to some for next years ,especially the hens as advised by Barrie.
As I said before I will be winding up the breeding for this year when they have all fledged and rest them. This will allow me also to take a holiday.
My Son is happy to look after all my birds but is not so keen on looking after breeding pairs.Thats fine by me.http://www.budgerigars.co.uk/forum/photoplog/images/21395/medium/1_becky.JPG (http://www.budgerigars.co.uk/forum/photoplog/index.php?n=6373)http://www.budgerigars.co.uk/forum/photoplog/images/21395/medium/1_wwww.JPG (http://www.budgerigars.co.uk/forum/photoplog/index.php?n=6450)
But I cant wait to try out some mixes next year with them especially with what I have learnt so far.
I dont have good enough conditions to breed through the winter so will have a bit of a rest myself, Just enjoing looking at them and making plans!

i love the greygreen Bill

[billyboy]

wow hey sold fast, did they all go to one buyer? Which did you let go?

All the cock birds
All went to a single buyer :)

[billyboy]

i love the greygreen Bill

Thanks Barrie
Hope all is well with you :)

[billyboy]

Afternoon bill, glad you managed to select the ones you wanted too sell, is 8 all you will sell or will you be selling more?

Hope the finch eggs hatch for you;)

I have thirtenn chicks left and they are not ready yet!
I will be keeping all the hens I think and then see whats left :)
Then I will possibly sell the rest.
I have just made a Small but long cage 6x 2x2 to fill the only remaining space in my birdroom.I will possibly use that for finches:)

Only 1 finch siiting on eggs at the mo.
I have sealed off all the budgie nest boxes.Will only let the finches breed for the rest of this year.
Then it will be all systems go next year ,and I will be ready :D

[Birdys.stirling]

I have thirtenn chicks left and they are not ready yet!
I will be keeping all the hens I think and then see whats left :)
Then I will possibly sell the rest.
I have just made a Small but long cage 6x 2x2 to fill the only remaining space in my birdroom.I will possibly use that for finches:)

Only 1 finch siiting on eggs at the mo.
I have sealed off all the budgie nest boxes.Will only let the finches breed for the rest of this year.
Then it will be all systems go next year ,and I will be ready :D

Yeah keeping the hens is your best bet, especially as they are more prone to health problems, egg binding etc and so then have to be retired so its always best to have more hen than cocks in my opinion;)

[billyboy]

Yeah keeping the hens is your best bet, especially as they are more prone to health problems, egg binding etc and so then have to be retired so its always best to have more hen than cocks in my opinion;)

Yeah
just got to wait until I can be sure of their sexes and then I can sort them out:)

[billyboy]

Hello Folks :)
I have also cleaned out my pond pump :eek: did this yesterday

All my chicks are still coming along ok and the finch is still sitting on her eggs.

I have no budgies paired up at the moment as I am resting them.

I have been cleaning out and disinfecting some of the breeding cages ready for next time, did this earlier this week.

When the youngsters show more of their sex identity I will then separate the sexes and then see what I have and if necessary sell of any excess to requirement budgies.
The two canarys are still getting on ok in the mixed flight and seem happy enough .Also the nine or so finches also blend in ok with the rest .
So I am quite contented with my lot at the moment.
Going to Jollys in a while to stock up with seed as their prices are resonable for large bags of 15 or 20 kg.

Hope alls well with the rest of you bloggers :D

[S25ale]

Afternoon Bill, didnt know you kept a pong too do you have any pictures? I'm always tempted to make one fish are so relaxing but its another job keeping it clean etc.

Glad the chicks are ok, bet your excited at the prospect of getting your first finch chick, how many days have you got until they hatch?

How much do you pay for seed just for comparison?

[Birdys.stirling]

Hello Folks :)
I have also cleaned out my pond pump :eek: did this yesterday

All my chicks are still coming along ok and the finch is still sitting on her eggs.

I have no budgies paired up at the moment as I am resting them.

I have been cleaning out and disinfecting some of the breeding cages ready for next time, did this earlier this week.

When the youngsters show more of their sex identity I will then separate the sexes and then see what I have and if necessary sell of any excess to requirement budgies.
The two canarys are still getting on ok in the mixed flight and seem happy enough .Also the nine or so finches also blend in ok with the rest .
So I am quite contented with my lot at the moment.
Going to Jollys in a while to stock up with seed as their prices are resonable for large bags of 15 or 20 kg.

Hope alls well with the rest of you bloggers :D

Oh thats the worst job cleaning them out, any pics of your pond?

Glad they are doing ok hope the finch eggs hatch for you.

Glad the finches and everything are getting on ok, thought you may have bought more birds by now:eek:

[Barrie Shutt]

Hello Folks :)
I have also cleaned out my pond pump :eek: did this yesterday

All my chicks are still coming along ok and the finch is still sitting on her eggs.

I have no budgies paired up at the moment as I am resting them.

I have been cleaning out and disinfecting some of the breeding cages ready for next time, did this earlier this week.

When the youngsters show more of their sex identity I will then separate the sexes and then see what I have and if necessary sell of any excess to requirement budgies.
The two canarys are still getting on ok in the mixed flight and seem happy enough .Also the nine or so finches also blend in ok with the rest .
So I am quite contented with my lot at the moment.
Going to Jollys in a while to stock up with seed as their prices are resonable for large bags of 15 or 20 kg.

Hope alls well with the rest of you bloggers :D

We are both busy cleaning Bill :D don't you just love it

[billyboy]

We are both busy cleaning Bill :D don't you just love it

Helps to pass the time I suppose :eek:

[billyboy]

Afternoon Bill, didnt know you kept a pong too do you have any pictures? I'm always tempted to make one fish are so relaxing but its another job keeping it clean etc.

Glad the chicks are ok, bet your excited at the prospect of getting your first finch chick, how many days have you got until they hatch?

How much do you pay for seed just for comparison?

Oops
Some bird , Don't know who , has sadly emptyed the finch nest of all the egss and has eaten a couple . :mad: So no finch chicks yet !
I have separated all my finches at the mo and given them a place to breed if they wish all by themselves.
I will return them to the open mixed flight at the end of autumn whe n any breeding should have finished.

I bought the following items at Jollyes so you can now compere the prices.

20 kg breeders budgie mix £16.69
20 kg budgie mix A or budgie mix B is £15.99
0.225kg Canary egg food 'rearing' £4.99
loose canary seed £1.35 kg

I have 33 budgies in my flight including younsters :)
Started this hobby 11 months ago with 4 :eek:
Good day Bloggers

[billyboy]

The finches have settled down in their new cage area ,Its quite long and they have it all to themselves.
I have given them plenty of hay etc, and a choice of nest boxes.
Do you think its getting a bit late for them to lay again or do they just keep going? :)

[billyboy]

Good afternoon Bloggers :D

[Birdys.stirling]

The finches have settled down in their new cage area ,Its quite long and they have it all to themselves.
I have given them plenty of hay etc, and a choice of nest boxes.
Do you think its getting a bit late for them to lay again or do they just keep going? :)

No they will breed anytime of the year bill and usually with great sucess, last year i had them breeding right up ntil christmas;)

[S25ale]

Sorry to hear you have lost your eggs :( The budgies broke alot of eggs and pecked alot of chicks when i had them all together no matter how hard the mum / dad tried to fight them off. I built them a 6x3ft aviary all to themself but here that small you could hardly see them so i gave up and put a pair of golden mantled rosellas in there place.

Hope you have more luck with them in a cage, any pictures?



I pay roughly the same for budgie & egg food but its always nice to check :)

I know what you mean Bill i started with one pair of budgies i'm still on about 70. Got about 20 pet grade chicks need to go and maybe a few more pairs.




I had finch chicks in about November last year with no problems.

[billyboy]

Sorry to hear you have lost your eggs :( The budgies broke alot of eggs and pecked alot of chicks when i had them all together no matter how hard the mum / dad tried to fight them off. I built them a 6x3ft aviary all to themself but here that small you could hardly see them so i gave up and put a pair of golden mantled rosellas in there place.

Hope you have more luck with them in a cage, any pictures?



I pay roughly the same for budgie & egg food but its always nice to check :)

I know what you mean Bill i started with one pair of budgies i'm still on about 70. Got about 20 pet grade chicks need to go and maybe a few more pairs.




I had finch chicks in about November last year with no problems.

yes I am hoping that they will settle down and start breeding again.
Still got a fair way to go to catch you up Haley
I have 33 budgies , 2 Canarys , and 9 Finches. and that gives a loud enough dawn chorus.
:D

[billyboy]

My 4 blue chicks seem to be a bit slow at developing their tail feathers.
They are looking a bit scruffy at the mo.
When I was in my local pet bird shop I noticed that all here blue budgie chicks looked the same.
I wonder if it is something to do with the dark blue variety?

[Birdys.stirling]

My 4 blue chicks seem to be a bit slow at developing their tail feathers.
They are looking a bit scruffy at the mo.
When I was in my local pet bird shop I noticed that all here blue budgie chicks looked the same.
I wonder if it is something to do with the dark blue variety?

Yeah there isn't alot of difference in blue or green budgies unless they have dark factors etc, but they all look the same;)

[billyboy]

Good day to all you Bloggers
Hope the sun comes out soon and dries thinks up:rolleyes:

[billyboy]

I thought I said I would leave it until next year but I am tempted to put my violet cock budgie (he has done nothing this year) with a colbalt hen thats laid once.
Do you think its too late in the year to do this ? and should I leave it?

[Birdys.stirling]

No not too late at all bill, i would put them back down and try and get some violets out;)

[S25ale]

Go for it Bill you know you want some baby violets! I was waiting until September to pair up again but the birds had other ideas, they were in condition and pairing up in the aviary so i thought i'd have a go.

[billyboy]

Go for it Bill you know you want some baby violets! I was waiting until September to pair up again but the birds had other ideas, they were in condition and pairing up in the aviary so i thought i'd have a go.

Had a big sort out yesterday and today and decided which birds I am going to keep and which to sell.

Yes hayley I woukd like some violets ;)

[billyboy]

No not too late at all bill, i would put them back down and try and get some violets out;)


Put the two together today.
So will wait and see.
They both look in condition so who knows :D

[Birdys.stirling]

Hope they lay for you bill;)

[billyboy]

Hope they lay for you bill;)

THANKS SHAUN :D

[S25ale]

How many will you be keeping and selling Bill?

How are the finch and canaries?

Fingers crossed for some violet chicks!

[billyboy]

How many will you be keeping and selling Bill?

How are the finch and canaries?

Fingers crossed for some violet chicks!

Hi Hayley
Most likely to sell 3 Adults ( that is 2 grey cocks and 1 yellow hen ) they are 2008 birds and 1, 2006 bird
Up to 10 youngsters that are ready ( some greens and yellows )
I still have 4 young blues and I have promised 1 of those to a family member.But they are not ready yet!

Finches are not doing anything but feeding well at the moment, It must be all the wet weather.

Canaries are fine.
I think I have two females as they still have not sung!

It would be super If I was to be lucky and this pair go down and prdce a violet or two :D
Good to see Shaun has some :)

[billyboy]

Put two more females from the proposed sell off into my keep cages ,just in case

[Birdys.stirling]

How many hens have you kept now then bill?

[billyboy]

5 hens from this years breeding :)

[billyboy]

Good day to all bloggers
I sold 3 chicks and 1 adult cock today.
Helps towards the seed :D

The violet cock and the colbolt blue hen seem to have bonded.
and they have removed all the shavings from the nest box.
So I might be lucky. And they may go down!!

[Birdys.stirling]

5 hens from this years breeding :)

Plenty for next year then bill:)