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Post by lisamarie on Jun 5, 2014 20:11:28 GMT
Here's the news I have been anticipating to share Bonnie and Clyde have been in and out of the nest box, especially Bonnie SO much recently. She's been using the cuttlebone more than normal and also have been using the mineral block for the first time! Today I noticed Bonnie's droppings are quite large, and she's been spending more time in and around the box. I've come to conclude I will have an egg by Friday! She looks very round on the bottom, as if there is an egg forming or ready to come out. I was very scared when I first noticed this and for some reason automatically assumed she was egg-bound. I did hours of research and concluded that is not the case. She is completely lively, active, happy and normal. I also looked up photos of budgies that are egg bound and she does not appear to look like that at all. The only thing that is concerning to me is that I have never seen Bonnie and Clyde mate. I must say I do not sit and observe their behavior for more than an hour a day total. Usually in increments of 10 minutes. My family members the same also. No one sits to watch all day. So I'm thinking maybe we just miss it? They do all the "couple" things - he dances and sings for her, feeds her, head bobs. He waits outside the nest box for her. I believe this all sounds promising. I have an avian vet's number on hand just in case something goes wrong but that would be a complete last resort as it is an hour and a half away and I have never been there, just happens to be the closest one. There's only 3 in Jersey apparently.
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Post by luvsanimals2 on Jun 5, 2014 20:22:17 GMT
I thought so! Very cool, exciting I can't wait lol
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Post by dianapalmer on Jun 5, 2014 20:31:02 GMT
That's very exciting. I don't know what to say about not seeing them mate. Piper and Emma mate all the time. They don't seem the least embarrassed. But, I have read where others say they don't mate if their parent is watching. I guess we'll have to wait and see.
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Post by kmic on Jun 6, 2014 6:09:49 GMT
Such exciting news!
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Post by menageriemom (Cyndi) on Jun 7, 2014 6:32:24 GMT
Yeah, babies!! Can't wait to see them
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Post by lisamarie on Jun 8, 2014 2:53:09 GMT
So no eggs yet. I read online it could take up to 9 days after they begin mating for her to lay an egg. In the passed day I have noticed Bonnie's cere darkened more. So maybe I was right in that they haven't mated yet. I know they will soon if they haven't. Her bottom is round and he did feed her a few times. He does the dancing head bob thing and then I feel as though he tries to mate and she runs away. I think maybe a few more days and it will happen. While she's in the box (which is quite often now) he will stand on the perch outside of it as if he's "watching guard" or something. I'm very pleased at how things are going. I'm very confident that I will have eggs soon. I'm not as confident that they will be fertilized but nature will take it's course and I'll just have to be a little more patient I bought quinoa because it's low in fat but high in protein, I cooked it, and have been offering it to them. I see them peck at it every now and then. They are always very eager to eat their regular food once I put it back in
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Post by luvsanimals2 on Jun 8, 2014 20:40:09 GMT
Very cool, sounds like she is getting ready, now it's only a waiting game lol
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Post by lisamarie on Jun 9, 2014 3:48:42 GMT
Look what I just found!!
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Post by ange on Jun 9, 2014 9:58:12 GMT
yay exciting!!!!!!
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Post by lisamarie on Jun 9, 2014 12:16:55 GMT
Ange, since you know a lot about breeding 2 questions:
1. During this time do I have to clean her nest box? And change the bedding? If so how do I do that?
2. For the infertile eggs, what do I do with them?
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Post by dianapalmer on Jun 9, 2014 14:15:17 GMT
Congratulations, Lisa.
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Post by lisamarie on Jun 9, 2014 14:19:58 GMT
Thank you! I'm very excited!
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Post by ange on Jun 9, 2014 18:25:00 GMT
Ange, since you know a lot about breeding 2 questions: 1. During this time do I have to clean her nest box? And change the bedding? If so how do I do that? 2. For the infertile eggs, what do I do with them? At this stage no need to clean out the nest. It shouldn't get very dirty. Once babies are hached is when you will need to clean out the nest. The babies make a lot of mess! Best to leave all eggs in the nest. Even if a few are infertile it will help support the little New hatched babies as they lean on them to keep them selves upright. You can candle the eggs I think between 5-8 days after being laid is best. I number my eggs with a kids felt pen so I know what egg will be first to hatch ect and to help remember what egg if any are infertile. You font need to do this though :-)
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Post by menageriemom (Cyndi) on Jun 9, 2014 20:15:45 GMT
Such exciting news!! I can't wait to see how it all develops
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Post by luvsanimals2 on Jun 9, 2014 22:48:42 GMT
wohooo! that is great
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