Jun 10, 2016 11:01:41 GMT
Daisy
Normal Violet
Posts: 227
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Post by Daisy on Jun 10, 2016 11:09:54 GMT
Hi everyone. I have a hen called Smokey Jo sitting on 6 eggs as I type. I'm expecting them to start hatching any time after Monday. All advice welcome. Daisy
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Post by Hezz on Jun 11, 2016 0:24:55 GMT
A couple of things - where is the nest box? I can't see it in the photo. Also doweling is not the best thing for budgies' feet as it is too uniform in size and without texture, their feet don't get the exercise needed to keep them healthy with these sorts of perches. Natural branch perches are the best, of differing diameters and textures.
Another thing, there is what looks to be a candle on the window sill behind the birds. Any sort of candles are not good for their health, as aren't air freshners, sprays etc.
If you are looking for advice on the hatching and raising or chicks, read through the stickies at the top of this section, and also through the threads. Without specific questions to go on, it is a bit hard to know what information you are looking for.
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Post by jujubiiird on Jun 11, 2016 0:35:14 GMT
Maybe the photo with the budgies in the cage isnt recent, do you have their nest box attached to the cage now? There are quite a few threads here in this section that will help you out, is there anything in particular you are looking to learn? There are a few breeders here that might be able to answer something more specific for you! Oh I almost forgot... Welcome to the site, your budgies are super lovely. What is the Father's name btw, since we know mommy is Smokey Jo . Cant wait to see baby #1! Please keep us updated!
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Jun 10, 2016 11:01:41 GMT
Daisy
Normal Violet
Posts: 227
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Post by Daisy on Jun 11, 2016 12:53:42 GMT
Thanks for the replies. Hope to answer in order. First the nest box is on the side, you can see the purple perch which is her entry. One of the other perches is ridged plastic, one wood. Candle is unscented and certainly never used there! Have moved it anyway now, thanks for noticing. I did know about sprays. Until now I have only ever had very tame single budgies, I got Smokey Jo hand reared from a local breeder and she is very tame. She is free to fly most days and was starting to talk till I got her her mate. Now she talks to him :-( He is Bluey and belongs to a friend who used to breed and had aviaries. He is nowhere near tame. Both are lemon heads, he is blue she's grey. I am in touch with both breeders so have quick expert help if needed. The video os of my previous budgie, Bozo, he was the best. Don't know if the video will work.
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Jun 10, 2016 11:01:41 GMT
Daisy
Normal Violet
Posts: 227
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Post by Daisy on Jun 13, 2016 13:47:41 GMT
SJ hasn't been out of the nest box today. Is this usual as today is the first day when hatching might?? begin Reading the other posts, I didn't know about sand sheets! Thought everyone used them. Live n learn eh?
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Jun 10, 2016 11:01:41 GMT
Daisy
Normal Violet
Posts: 227
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Post by Daisy on Jun 18, 2016 9:37:43 GMT
Her first eggs appeared on 23rd May. 20 days of sitting today. No sign of hatching. Should I be worried?
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Post by Hezz on Jun 18, 2016 9:56:12 GMT
Have you ever candled the eggs, to see whether fertile or not?
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Jun 10, 2016 11:01:41 GMT
Daisy
Normal Violet
Posts: 227
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Post by Daisy on Jun 18, 2016 10:03:37 GMT
Have you ever candled the eggs, to see whether fertile or not? no do I really need to? Thought you did that early on.
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Post by Hezz on Jun 18, 2016 11:13:43 GMT
Generally yes, but if the eggs are not fertile, then waiting for them to hatch is a bit futile, is it not?
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Jun 10, 2016 11:01:41 GMT
Daisy
Normal Violet
Posts: 227
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Post by Daisy on Jun 18, 2016 11:16:55 GMT
So I can do it now? I do have a torch on my phone, will google for pics so I know what to look for. Thanks
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Jun 10, 2016 11:01:41 GMT
Daisy
Normal Violet
Posts: 227
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Post by Daisy on Jun 18, 2016 12:19:26 GMT
OH DEAR!! I just tried to candle the eggs and NONE look like the photos on you tube etc. Feeling totally deflated now :-( I didnt find looking at them easy though as my eyes are a bit sensitive to light
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Jun 10, 2016 11:01:41 GMT
Daisy
Normal Violet
Posts: 227
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Post by Daisy on Jun 18, 2016 21:23:56 GMT
So. Do I leave her sitting? Poor thing I don't want her thinking chicks are coming. I have holiday booked in Aug so dont want another clutch which will need care while I am away. I have no idea what to do for the best now.
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Post by Hezz on Jun 19, 2016 1:01:02 GMT
I understand, not having been there myself, that you should give it over a week from hatching date and then remove the nestbox. Remove anything that she might see as a nest as well; if they start to mate again, consider separating them, break her breeding cycle.
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Jun 10, 2016 11:01:41 GMT
Daisy
Normal Violet
Posts: 227
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Post by Daisy on Jun 19, 2016 8:39:53 GMT
Thank you Hezz. The last egg was laid on 4th June and my breeder friend also said to give them another week or so. Smokey Jo looked tired last week so I wouldn't want her to breed again quickly. Plus we have a holiday booked for Aug so will wait till after that or maybe next year. I can easily separate the pair. Do they need separate rooms as well?
Blueys owner said I can keep him! He is happy he has a pal. No chance of SJ talking now! Oh well. off to play in the garden. Thanks again for the help Hezz
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Post by Hezz on Jun 19, 2016 8:51:18 GMT
You are more than welcome; happy to be able to help.
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