Jonah and Noelle -- reprise

[SusanBudgies]

Jonah (green normal) and Noelle (cobalt opaline spangle dominant pied) are a bonded pair. Since Jonah is too clumsy to mate -- he also may be infertile -- Mr. Blue (sky blue DFYF1 normal split for recessive pied) stepped in last year to serve as sperm donor. In January 2009, Jonah and Noelle raised two beautiful babies, Parker (cobalt YF1 normal) and Brett (sky blue YF1 dominant pied). (See http://talkbudgies.com/showthread.php?t=33121 and http://talkbudgies.com/showthread.php?t=33813.)

The trio has conspired to repeat the same arrangement. So far, Noelle has laid five eggs, as follows:

Egg #1 9/9/09 -- Jonah sat on this egg and cracked it around Day 2. I had to throw it away.

Egg #2 9/10/09 -- Fertile! I saw veins and a tiny beating heart at Day 4. It's doing well so far; getting veinier each day, nice air sac at round end, and I can see movement inside.

Egg #3 9/13/09 -- Infertile.

Egg #4 9/15/09 -- Fertile! I saw veins and tiny beating heart at Day 3 (yesterday).

Egg #5 9/18/09 -- I'll have to wait until 9/21 or 9/22 to determine fertility. 9/21 update: Fertile! I saw veins and a tiny beating heart at incubation Day 3.

Historically, Noelle has always laid five-egg clutches. Thus, I anticipate she will replace broken Egg #1 with Egg #6.

I would love to get 1-2 dominant pieds from this clutch, because Mr. Blue has already spawned five cobalt YF1 normals from two different hens (one from Noelle and four from his mate, Nibbles).

Attached is a picture of Noelle taking a brief break from brooding to preen Jonah, and a picture of Egg #s 2-5.

[Guthwulf]

Interesting arrangement lol.

My bets cock doesnt know how to mate, his eggs are always infertile. So i taught myself how to do assisted insemination, and now he and his hen have seven fertile eggs - 3 have hatched so far! Amazing!

Your situation is interesting too :) GOod luck!

[SusanBudgies]

Interesting arrangement lol.

My bets cock doesnt know how to mate, his eggs are always infertile. So i taught myself how to do assisted insemination, and now he and his hen have seven fertile eggs - 3 have hatched so far! Amazing!

Your situation is interesting too :)Assisted insemination? Very impressive! I can picture you with one budgie in each hand, rubbing their bottoms together. ;)

Poor Jonah has a testicular mass; type of mass is unknown. My avian vet -- who's a pioneer in avian medicine -- has given Jonah three Lupron injections, 2-3 weeks apart, and Jonah has been improving (e.g., his left-leg lameness subsided shortly after the first injection). Jonah is due for a follow-up x-ray the end of this month.

GOod luck!Thank you! :D

[SusanBudgies]

I just candled Egg #5 (incubation Day 3), and I saw a few very thin veins emanating from a teensy tinsy beating heart! I always gasp with wonder every time I see this miracle. :D

So far, three out of four of Noelle's eggs are fertile.

Egg #2 (incubation Day 11) is getting full, and I'm pretty sure I saw a black dot eye inside.

Egg #4 (incubation Day 6) is getting veinier.

Noelle hasn't laid a fifth egg yet, to replace broken Egg #1.

Stay tuned!

[teasha]

Oh how exciting. After these messages we'll be right back :)

[SusanBudgies]

Noelle decided not to lay a fifth egg to replace the first broken egg, which is fine because three eggs are fertile and the fourth one will help to prevent mom from squishing the tiny pink chicks after they hatch.

The three fertile eggs seem to be doing well. All are red (no blood rings indicating DIS) and I saw movement inside Egg #4 yesterday (Incubation Day 11). :D

I can't believe Egg #2 (oldest fertile egg, Day 16) is due to hatch in two days!!!! The egg is so full it's hard to see movement inside. But as I said, it looks a normal red color. Also, it has a nice air pocket at round end. I'm looking forward to hearing the sound of peeping. :)

Jonah and Noelle really like having a huge cage all to themselves. I have 13 budgies (4 adults and 9 juveniles). They are normally housed in two adjoining 30 x 18 x 36" cages with the inner doors held open so the birds can move from cage-to-cage (see the picture). When Noelle laid her eggs, I attached her nestbox to the outer door of the left cage and closed the inner doors. So now Jonah, Noelle and the chicks-to-be (:fingerx:) have one cage while the other 11 have the other. (Don't worry: Everyone gets plenty of out-of-cage flight time!) I've noticed that Noelle seems to be more relaxed when coming out of the nestbox to take potty and wing-stretch breaks; when her nestbox was on a counter near the living room, the other birds would disturb her by peeking into her nestbox.

[SusanBudgies]

Egg #2 hatched around 11:58 p.m. PST on Saturday, 9/26 (two days early)! :baby: :party2:

I was working on my computer when I heard an airy chirp over the din of 13 adult and juvenile budgies. I ran over to the nestbox and peeked inside; Noelle was looking up at me (giving me a dirty look) and I saw the pipped off round end of the egg lying in the corner. Not wanting to ruffle Noelle's feathers, I closed the lid without seeing her new naked pink chick.

When Noelle left the nestbox for a second, I ran over again and peeked inside. Her new baby is soooooo tiny (of course, he's egg-sized)!!! Noelle jumped inside the box and once again, I respectfully closed the lid.

Jonah then followed Noelle and climbed inside the nestbox. At first, Noelle protested with low growls; then she acquiesced and started preening Jonah's head. Content with knowing "his" (biologically, Mr. Blue's) newborn (newhatch?) was OK and content with that little bit of attention from his sweetie, he climbed out of the nestbox.

I don't want to disturb Noelle with pictures right now. But I'll try to take some tomorrow. :D

[Guthwulf]

I often know a chick is going to hatch because my males all seem to spend that day in the nest box. They'll come out the day after its hatched, but for some reason they always stay in the box to see the first few chicks hatch..

[kimhosken]

consgrats on the new baby

[SusanBudgies]

I often know a chick is going to hatch because my males all seem to spend that day in the nest box. They'll come out the day after its hatched, but for some reason they always stay in the box to see the first few chicks hatch..How cute! :D

[gpgilbert]

My males always go in to witness the new hatching too.

[SusanBudgies]

That's very interesting, Dean and Peter! I'll have to observe Jonah when the next egg is due to hatch.

Here are a couple pictures of the first chick. I'm sorry the pictures aren't very good.

The chick is 15-1/2 hours old. Noelle is a great mom; she's been feeding him regularly and hardly spends any time out of the nestbox. :D

The next egg is due to hatch on 10/3 (9/15 + 18 days), but may hatch 1-2 days earlier, as most of Noelle's eggs do. So stay tuned!

[gpgilbert]

You have a cute little fellow there. Congratulations.

[SusanBudgies]

Thank you all for the congrats!

[SusanBudgies]

Chick #1 hatched nearly 72 hours (3 days) ago. Mom and baby are doing great. The chick's crop is full of crop milk and he is pooping tiny little green and white budgie poops.

Attached are a couple pictures. He was sleeping soundly when I took them. I'm sorry they're blurry! My camera has trouble auto-focusing when the lighting is poor. Still, you can see how much he's grown in less than 72 hours. Enjoy! :D

[kimhosken]

looking good growing well

[SusanBudgies]

Chick #2 hatched about 5 minutes ago: October 1st around 11:10 p.m. PDT. :baby: :party2:
As usual, Noelle's chick was early (incubation period 16 days).

The chick pipped the entire round end off the egg, and Noelle pulled the pointy end off his tiny little body, from shoulders to pointy bottom. :D

Jonah :budgie: went inside the nestbox to give Noelle a congratulatory head preening and to introduce himself to his new son/daughter.

I'll post pics when I can.


Chick #1 (5 days old) is doing well. He's too big to fit under mama's belly, so he sleeps under her wing (and sometimes his pink bald head sticks out, like some odd growth). ;) He is also strong enough to be fed while standing up; back-feedings are for infants!

The last fertile egg is due to hatch October 6, but I predict he'll hatch October 4th.

Stay tuned!

Update: Here's a picture. Chick #1 is 5 days old and #2 is only 1/2 hour old. Can you see the two sections of #2's recently discarded egg? (The brown thing in the top right corner is spray millet.)

[SusanBudgies]

As Noelle stood by the nestbox opening being fed by Jonah, I peeked in to see the chicks. Chick #1 was standing up and preening his naked pink body under his left wing. Then he leaned forward and laid his head down between an egg and his tiny little brother, who was just an egg a mere 14 hours earlier. :D

Chick #2 is doing great. His tiny crop is bulging with mama's crop milk.

[trulyviolet]

Interesting arrangement lol.

My bets cock doesnt know how to mate, his eggs are always infertile. So i taught myself how to do assisted insemination, and now he and his hen have seven fertile eggs - 3 have hatched so far! Amazing!

Your situation is interesting too :) GOod luck!

ok, i know how AI is done with goats and sheep
but i am almost afraid to ask about how with budgies......
however my curiosity overcame my fear and now i have got to know...........

?

vi

[FrankieGomez]

HOw exciting Please keep me updated on them.

[SusanBudgies]

Here's a picture of Noelle feeding 1-1/2 day old Chick #2 (on his back) as 6-1/2 day old Chick #1 sleeps nestled under her left wing.

I just looooove naked pink budgie bodies! :D

Noelle also is brooding whom I hope will be Chick #3 (egg is due to hatch 10/4-10/6). Noelle's a multi-tasker!

[SusanBudgies]

I just watched Chick #3 hatch -- three days early! Official hatch date and time: 10/3/09 10:28 p.m. :baby::party2:

I don't want to disturb the family with photos right now.

[SusanBudgies]

The Jonah Family is doing well. Much to Noelle's dismay, Jonah climbs into the nestbox each night to preen, feed and sit on the three chicks. When Jonah first climbs in, Noelle exits the nestbox and stands on the perch, looking a little perturbed. Then she climbs back inside, watches Jonah warily and utters very soft growls as she tries to reposition herself above the chicks. Jonah responds by head-preening and feeding Noelle. After 5-10 minutes, Jonah is satisfied his family is okay and he exits the box. Jonah is such a good dad; I'm proud of him. :budgie:

The chicks are doing well. Chick #1 is starting to sprout white downy feathers. I think -- and hope -- s/he'll be a dominant pied, like his mama. The chicks are now 8-1/2, 3-1/2 and 1-1/2 days old. I know you all would like to see some pictures; I'll take some when I get a chance.

[critter mom]

How totaly cool. What a great little family.

[SusanBudgies]

Here's a picture of Jonah feeding Chick #1. He also tries to feed Chick #s 2 and 3, but they're a little too small for crop seed.

I'm not sure whether you can see all three chicks; they tend to huddle into a pink mass to keep warm.

Can you see the white down feathers sprouting on #1's back?

Enjoy! :D

[SusanBudgies]

I took this picture of the three chicks about 5 minutes ago. I think it's cute how they huddle together into a pink blob.

The chicks are 9-1/2 days old, 4-1/2 days old and 2-1/2 days old. The eldest is sprouting white downy feathers and white wing feathers; s/he'll probably be a sky blue YF1 dominant pied, like his/her older brother, Brett, from Noelle's first clutch. (My avatar is a picture of Brett when he was younger.)

Enjoy!

[gpgilbert]

Those are great photos. My budgie parents always leave the nest boxes when we open them. I've never gotten a picture of them with the little babies.

[SusanBudgies]

Thank you, Peter. I'm sorry you haven't been able to snap pics of the parents with babies. In my case, Jonah is tame and Noelle is accustomed to me peeking in on her several times per day; I assume she knows I'm not a danger.

I also want to thank everyone else who has been following this thread and posting. I try not to respond to every post to keep the thread as small as possible. But I do know you're there! :D

[kimhosken]

lovely pics babies doing well are

[Teegzy]

Aww this is a LOVELY thread!!

[SusanBudgies]

Here's the Jonah Family update (sorry no pics!):

Jonah :budgie: received some good news yesterday. As I mentioned in Post #3, Jonah was diagnosed with a testicular mass on July 7. He's had three Lupron injections -- July 7, July 22 and August 18. Yesterday, the avian vet took follow-up x-rays, and Jonah's mass shrunk from 1 cm to .4 cm -- a 60% reduction in 3 months! The vet wants to take more x-rays in 6 months (April 2010). The goal is to let the effects of the Lupron continue to atrophy the mass until the mass is no longer visible on the x-rays. (My avian vet has a super duper digital x-ray machine http://www.thebirdclinic.com/Radiology.htm.)

Noelle is doing well. Her nestbox breaks are a little longer than they used to be; I think she knows that Chick #1, who is 5 days older than Chick #2 and 7 days older than Chick #3, helps to keep his younger siblings warm and comfy while mama is away. She has begun to chew the cuttlebone and flirt with Jonah :makeout:, which leads me to believe she's getting ready to lay another clutch (yikes!).

Chick #1 (12 days old) is beginning to look less like a space alien and more like a bird. ;) His eyes are open and sometimes I observe him scanning the nestbox; he's now aware of his surroundings. His down and wing pin feathers are getting denser, and he has sprouted short pin tail feathers. His down and pin feathers are white, but I'm guessing he'll turn out YF1 like all his older full- and half-siblings. His wings have a smattering of black specks, and I'm beginning to wonder whether he'll be a dominant pied or a recessive pied. (His bio dad, Mr. Blue, is split for recessive pied. If dominant pied Noelle also is split for recessive pied -- or is there such a mutation? -- their babies could be recessive pied.)

Chick #2 (7 days old) sure is a cutie. He's still primarily naked but is starting to develop a fine down, and his eyes are beginning to open. About an hour ago, I was a little concerned because I heard him making clicking sounds inside the nestbox. I carefully lifted him out (yes, poor Noelle was upset) and placed him in my hand. The clicking sounds were much fainter and I concluded :fingerx: the clicking is probably caused by his enormously full crop. He looked so peaceful nestled in my warm cupped hand that I just had to leave him there for awhile. ;) It was fun watching him stretch, scratch, shift position, flap his naked pink wings, open and curl his toes, and open and close his beak ... all while he slept. As I observed him sleeping, all my cares melted away, and I celebrated God's tiny creation.

Chick #3 (5 days old) of course is dark-pink naked with sealed-shut eyelids but he knows he's an important member of the family. His favorite sleeping position is the "ostrich position" -- with his head jammed under his older siblings' bodies. Noelle is good at making sure even the tiniest member of her brood is tucked safely under her outstretched wings.

[SusanBudgies]

I think Chick #1 is a hen because she clucks a lot. :)

[SusanBudgies]

Here are a couple pictures of 12-1/2 day old Chick #1. Judging from the yellow tint in her wing and tail feathers, and the tiny specks on her wings, she's going to be a YF1 pied.

I'm accustomed to seeing black wing specks on recessive pied budgies, and she looks exactly like my other recessive pied juveniles when they were her age. Can she be a recessive pied? Her dad (Mr. Blue) is normal split for recessive pied and her mom (Noelle) is dominant pied. I think for them to produce a recessive pied chick, Noelle must be split for recessive pied. But can a dominant pied be split for recessive pied?

[SusanBudgies]

9-day-old Chick #2 is starting to sprout white down; I think I'll have another pied on my hands (I hope s/he's dominant pied)! :D

[helenvee]

Wow this is really cool, I'm glad Jonah's cancer is shrinking! My four babies look like space aliens still but are so cute in my eyes :)

[SusanBudgies]

Thank you, Helen. :D The vet can't tell from the x-rays whether the mass is cancerous or benign, but either way, it needs to be destroyed! And the Lupron seems to be doing the trick. :)

Yes, I love space alien chicks, too. :D

[SusanBudgies]

Here are some current pictures! Chick #1 (who is preening her new lovely wing feathers) is 15 days old, Chick #2 (getting downier) is 10 days old, and Chick #3 (starting to sprout down) is 8 days old.

Chick #1 likes to spend her time either toddling around the inside of the box or sleeping (either sprawled out on the ground or leaning against the corner).

Enjoy! :D

[SusanBudgies]

Here are today's pictures of The Jonah Family. In the first picture, Jonah is preening Chick #1's back and Noelle is feeding Chick #3 (hidden underneath her right wing) as Chick #2 snoozes between his parents' rumps. In the second picture, the chicks form a sleeping "train," as Noelle rests nearby. (Chick #2's wing is covering Chick #3's head.)

Chick #1 (16 days old) is starting to sprout cobalt feathers on her back and belly. I'm guessing she'll be a cobalt YF1 recessive pied, like four of her half-siblings (same dad, different mom).

Chick #2 (11 days old) is getting more down and is starting to sprout YF1 wing and tail feathers. He has a dark band across his forehead; perhaps he'll be a YF1 dominant pied, like his older brother, Brett.

Chick #3 (9 days old) has down buds. His skin is darker than his older siblings, and his wings are beginning to turn dark, indicating his wing feathers will be black. Thus, I'm guessing (perhaps prematurely) he'll be cobalt YF1 normal, like four of his full- and half-siblings (same dad, different mom), especially if his down is gray rather than white. His eyes are open.

[SusanBudgies]

Here are four close-up pictures of all three chicks. They are 17, 12 and 10 days old.

Can you guess their genders?

Can you guess their mutations? (Hint: Dad is sky blue DFYF1 normal, split for recessive pied; mom is cobalt opaline spangle dominant pied, split unknown. For reference, I posted a fifth picture of their older siblings, Brett and Parker ... who are currently standing on my head.)

[Guthwulf]

ok, i know how AI is done with goats and sheep
but i am almost afraid to ask about how with budgies......
however my curiosity overcame my fear and now i have got to know...........

?

vi

Its both a simple and a difficult process. The method itself requires knowing the anatomy of the budgies and gently stroking the sperm storage glands of the male. If the male has no sperm or is not in season its pointless because there is nothing to be gained by stroking. When not in season, males testicles are shrivelled and practically non-functional. When in season they enlarge many times the shrivelled size and send sperm to a storage area near the vent.

Once a sample is procurred it must be transferred to a haematocrit tube, then transferred to the female. (Again you must know about the anatomy in order to get the sample into the right area).

I only needed it for the one cock, but it's a very handy tool to have for first time cocks who cant figure out how to mate but would get the hang of it by the second round (saves you having one clear round before he gets it right).

[SusanBudgies]

Chick #2's back is showing cobalt, and Chick #3 is showing a normal wing pattern, and he has a pied spot on the back of his cute head. (I know the attached picture is overexposed, but it does show #2's cobalt and #3's normal wing pattern and pied spot. Besides, don't you think their sleeping positions are cute? :D)

So here's what I think Mr. Blue and Noelle produced:

Chick #1 -- cobalt YF recessive pied
Chick #2 -- cobalt YF dominant pied
Chick #3 -- normal split for recessive pied

However, I reserve the right to change my mind as the chicks continue to fledge! ;)

[kimhosken]

they so cute

[SusanBudgies]

Thank you. :D

[clifff123]

Thanks Susan enjoyed the pictures, they are precious!

[SusanBudgies]

Thank you, Cliff! Stay tuned for more pictures! :D

[SusanBudgies]

Here are today's close-up pictures! The chicks are 21 days old, 16 days old and 14 days old.

Chick #1's cobalt is showing up well, and I love her unique faint black wing markings. (See first picture.) She is interested in the world outside her nestbox; she likes to stand on her tippy toes and peek out the nestbox hole.

Chick #2 was camera shy; it was hard to get a picture of his face. I think he's a cobalt dominant pied.

I think Chick #3 is a hen; see the white rings around her nostrils? I just love the heart-shaped pied spot on the back of her head!

I hope you think "my" babies are cute! :D

[SusanBudgies]

Here's the 6th picture. I could only attach 5 pictures to one post.

[enicol6]

Your babies are beautiful! I have a light YF2 RP cobolt. All my birds are beautiful but I would have to say he is the most beautiful to me. The contrast of the creamy yellow against the cobolt blue is a lovely combo. Your babies are looking good and healthy as always :)

[SusanBudgies]

Thank you, Ericka. I feel so sad to read your little cobalt YF2 RP sweetie passed away today (along with his sibling). :( I wish I could hand you one of my babies to help ease your pain. (((hugs)))

[Caspir]

Gorgeous babies. I love the yellow fluff ball.

[SusanBudgies]

Thank you, Kay! (Which yellow fluff ball? There are two. :p)

[SusanBudgies]

Oh, I forgot to mention that mother hen Noelle took a bath today. She feels much better now! :D

[Teegzy]

I want a pale yellow bub! :)
They're gorgeous. Congrats

[SusanBudgies]

Thank you, Tegan. :) I have plenty of yellow faces; can you fly here to adopt one? ;)

[SusanBudgies]

Since Chick #2 was camera shy yesterday, I decided to take some solo close-up pictures today. He is 16-1/2 days old. I think he'll be a cobalt YF dominant pied, like his older brother, Brett (from another clutch). However, unlike Brett, who has clear cheek patches, Chick #2 has violet cheek patches. Can you see them in the pictures?

[peepersbev]

I love his colors!!!

[SusanBudgies]

Thank you! :D

[SusanBudgies]

Here are a few close-up pictures of Chick #3, who's 15 days old. When she started growing normal black and white head and wing feathers, I assumed she was a cobalt normal split for recessive pied, like her half brother, Jerry (same dad, different mom). But now I'm noticing budding clear long tail feathers and clear flight feathers; in addition, her down is very light gray as opposed to Jerry's darker gray. Does this mean she's a cobalt dominant pied??? :S

[the Julles]

Susan, thank you so much for writing this! Your narrative is so thorough and detailed and insightful! I've learned a lot (have babies here now, of my own) and I've been entertained, too.

I've learned about the growth of the young birds and about colors and lots more. In addition, I figured out that I could copy-and-paste your photos into an e-mail, and then my computer allowed me to stretch them so I could see the details you were describing.

I appreciate all the time and details you have put into your posts.

[SusanBudgies]

Aw shucks, Julles. Thank you. :)

By the way, an expert breeder (Dean) opined that Chick #3 is a sky blue YF1 dominant pied (http://talkbudgies.com/showthread.php?t=45775).

[SusanBudgies]

I can't believe it's been a month since I started this thread.

The Jonah Family continues to do well.

Jonah continues to enter the nestbox to snuggle, preen and feed his family. He seems to be on a constant quest for food. He devours romaine lettuce so quickly he ends up with lettuce stuck to his beak!

Noelle spends roughly 75% of her time inside the nestbox; she knows her chicks are old enough to do okay without her constant supervision. When inside the nestbox, she lies in the concave as her chicks scamper around her or sleep sprawled out on the floor or leaning against a corner.

Chick #1 AKA "Freckles" is 23 days old. She is almost full-feathered -- oooo, and her feathers are so soft! Freckles shows much interest in the world outside the nestbox, and I wonder when she'll try to climb out the hole. She is usually calm when I hold her and gently nibbles on my fingers as I rub and scratch her head. Yesterday, she ate some seed and spray millet, which I put inside the nestbox.

Chick #2 is 18 days old. He has pin feathers on his head, wings and tail and fluffy down and pin feathers (possibly cobalt) on his back. He's beginning to stand on his tippy toes and peek outside the hole in the nestbox. I'm beginning to hand-tame him, but he is squirmy. I just need to spend more time with him ... especially since he tried to bite me yesterday when I put my hand into the nestbox.

Chick #3 is 16 days old. She has pin feathers on her wings and tail, she's starting to sprout pin feathers on her head, and she has fluffy down on her back. I don't see any body color, but another poster noticed sky blue in her tail feathers. She also is squirmy when I hold her, and she cries a little. I don't hold her as long as #2 because I don't want to scare her.

Yesterday, I bought a moveable perch at the pet store. It's about 6 inches wide and it's attached to a wire frame that hangs off the side of the cage. I bought it for the chicks; the diameter is smaller than the cage's other perches, and when the chicks fledge, I want to hang it low to the ground so the chicks can practice their perching safely.

[SusanBudgies]

I've been posting that 24-day-old Chick #1 ("Freckles") has been standing on her tippy toes and peeking out of the nestbox hole. Last night, she climbed onto the hole and perched there and begin whining. Noelle, who was on a perch in the cage, quickly pushed Freckles back into the nestbox and followed her inside.

Later, when Noelle was inside the nestbox, Freckles once again perched on the hole and began whining. Jonah, who was perched inside the cage, responded with interest, and Freckles climbed back inside the nestbox.

The Jonah Family's cage is 3 feet high, and the nestbox is attached slightly above the halfway point. Since the cage floor is wire, I placed a couple kitchen towels below the nestbox hole to cushion Freckles' eventual fall. (Do you think she will drop straight down, or fly?)

I hope I get to see Freckles leave the nestbox, partly because I think it will be a cute milestone and partly because I want to make sure she isn't injured during the fall. Even though I've seen my budgies raise three other clutches of chicks, I've never seen the chicks leave the nestbox because I moved them into a cage before they would naturally leave. (It's a long story.) So Freckles' and her siblings' fledgings will be new to me. :D

[SusanBudgies]

Here are today's close-up pictures (5 pics on this post and 3 on the next)! The chicks are 25, 18 and 16 days old.

I hope you think they're cute! :D

[SusanBudgies]

Three more pictures.

[peepersbev]

They are just way too cute. Are you going to keep them or give them away? I would keep them all.

[SusanBudgies]

Well, since I have 16 budgies (4 adults, 3 11-month-old juveniles, 6 9-month-old juveniles, and 3 chicks), I really should give some away. But I don't think I could bear to -- they're all so cute ... and most have names! :o

Attached are some pictures of my flock of 13 (16 minus these 3 chicks). The first picture shows their regular indoor cage setup and the other 4 show them sunning themselves on the balcony in one cage.

[SusanBudgies]

Freckles (fka "Chick #1") is getting ready to fledge! :D

[the Julles]

Susan,

what's that red light for, under one of your cages?

[SusanBudgies]

Susan,

what's that red light for, under one of your cages?
It's just a run-of-the-mill night light (the white bulb looks red in the picture) to illuminate the living room and reduce night frights.

[SusanBudgies]

Here are some new pictures. The chicks are 28, 23 and 21 days old.

Aren't they cute? :D

[kimhosken]

your babies are looking lovely

[SusanBudgies]

Thank you! :D

I am eager to see 29-day-old Freckles fledge (leave the nestbox). She's almost ready!

Right now, Freckles is taking a snooze by the nestbox hole; 24-day-old Chick #3 is nibbling on the spray millet I put in the nestbox; and Chick #2 is taking a snooze in the corner.

[Corina]

I just read this whole thread! Beautiful babies :)

[SusanBudgies]

Thank you, Corina! :D

[SusanBudgies]

Look who I found on the comfy swing when I arose this morning. It's 31-day-old Freckles (Chick #1), who fledged (left the nestbox) today!

Congratulations, Freckles! :party2:

[SusanBudgies]

Freckles (FKA "Chick #1")

As you know, 32-day-old Freckles fledged yesterday morning. Although he spends 99% of his time on the comfy swing, he does hop onto the other two swings from time-to-time, and "flies" inside the cage a little.

Freckles is very relaxed while inside the cage, even when Mr. Blue (his biological father), "Aunt" Nibbles and his nine full- and half-siblings scamper all over the Jonah Family cage and fly around the living room. (Due to the nestbox's position, he's been accustomed to the racket since he was a mere embryo. :) )

However, when I nudge him onto my finger and bring him outside the cage, he's nervous, and I have to transfer him into my cupped hand, where I stroke and scratch his head. (He loves head scratchies!)

Within the past few days, I changed my conclusion about his gender because his nostril rings are pale pink as opposed to white. However, this afternoon, I received more proof he's a male: When I offered him my finger, he hopped aboard from the comfy perch, started "feeding" my thumb ... and then started mating with my hand! :eek: He's only 32 days old -- do their hormones really kick in this soon?!?!?

Chick #s 2 and 3

Chick #s 2 and 3 are 27 and 25 days old, and are due to fledge within the next week. I am looking forward to them fledging so I can take down the nestbox. (I don't want Noelle to lay another clutch of eggs.)

Neither chick likes to be held. Chick #2 tries to bury himself into my hand and Chick #3 (probably a hen) is fond of biting me. Regardless whether I'm able to gain their trust before they fledge, I'm confident they will learn to love me, as my other juveniles have.

As I've shared before, Chick #2 is nearly the spittin' image of his older brother, Brett (from another clutch). Fortunately, when they're the same size, I'll be able to tell them apart because #2 has violet cheek patches whereas Brett has clear cheek patches.

Chick #3 has very interesting coloring for a dominant pied. She has very few clear patches -- just clear flight feathers, tail and a couple faint patches on body. Once the white down subsides, and she's fully feathered, I'll know exactly how much clear she has.

[SusanBudgies]

When I got up this morning, I found 26-day-old Chick #3 on the floor of the cage. I don't know whether she fell out of the nestbox, or fledged early. Since she wasn't perching inside the cage, I put her back inside the nestbox.

About an hour ago, 33-day-old Freckles decided to follow his mom, Noelle, into the nestbox. Apparently, he wanted Noelle to feed him in there along with his younger brother and sister. He's now snoozing with them; perhaps he missed their company while he was inside the large cage.

[SusanBudgies]

Here's today's picture of The Jonah Family. From left to right, the chicks in the nestbox are: (1) Chick #3 (cobalt YF1 dominant pied), 28 days old, female; (2) Chick #2 (sky blue YF1 dominant pied), 30 days old, male; and (3) Chick #3 aka "Freckles" (cobalt YF1 recessive pied), 35 days old, male. Proud parents Jonah and Noelle are standing on the perch inside the cage. (Normal green Jonah is not the biological father; sky blue DFYF1 normal/split for recessive pied Mr. Blue is the father.)

Freckles likes to divide his time between the cage and the nestbox. Yesterday, he took his first flight outside the cage. He bumped into some walls and ended up on the floor, where I scooped him up and then placed him back inside the cage. Don't worry; he's okay.

[Zeena]

The babies turned out beautiful just like mum and dad :)
by the way, I LOVE LOVE LOVE your cage setup :)

[SusanBudgies]

The babies turned out beautiful just like mum and dad :) Thank you!!! :D
by the way, I LOVE LOVE LOVE your cage setup :)Thank you again! :D My household was very chaotic before I purchased those two large cages. When my cages were smaller, the birds were out most of the time, pestering me while I worked. But now they are comfortable spending long hours inside their cages; I let them out for flight time every weekday evening and all day on the weekends.

I'm looking forward to Chick #s 2 and 3 fledging and eating on their own so I can take down the nestbox and open up the cages' inside doors, permitting all 16 birds to move between the two cages. (Right now, the Jonah Family has the left cage all to itself.)

[SusanBudgies]

A few days ago, I introduced Freckles to the food dish, and now he goes and eats there all on his own! :thumbsup:

[SusanBudgies]

31-day-old Chick #2 fledged (left the nestbox) this morning! :party10:

In the first photo, you will see #2 standing on the perch while 29-day-old Chick #3 watches from the nestbox.

In the second photo, mama hen Noelle stepped into the shot.

In the third photo, Noelle has moved out of view, and #2 turns to look at the camera.

I hope Chick #3 fledges in a day or two. :)

[SusanBudgies]

The babies are 38, 33 and 31 days old today. The two oldest have fledged, and the youngest is about to fledge :fingerx:.

Today I put the two oldest babies on the roof of the cages with Jonah and Noelle. (See picture.) Jonah is teaching the babies how to fly big circles around the living room, and land safely on the roof. Freckles (the oldest) is no longer bumping into walls, as he did a few days ago, when his flights did not commence from the roof. Baby #2 is a fast learner, and hasn't bumped into any walls; in fact, just a moment ago, he landed on the closet door near my spot in the dining room.

I am very proud of the Jonah Family; Jonah and Noelle have been great parents, and the babies are growing well. :D

[SusanBudgies]

Freckles figured out all by himself how to climb back inside his cage. I'm so proud of him. :D

On the roof, from left to right, you can see Jonah, Baby #2 and Noelle. Inside, you can see Baby #2 leaning out of the nestbox (movable perch is below the hole) and Freckles standing on the perch.

[SusanBudgies]

Here's a picture of 31-day-old Baby #3. She hasn't fledged yet, but I put her on the movable perch outside her nestbox hole to see how she'd react. She seems fine but I'll put her back inside the nestbox if she seems distressed.

[Zeena]

Congrats on a successful clutch Susan :) They're beautiful, i bet you're a proud grandma ;)

[KatRay09]

Congradulations on your beautiful babies!I just read your whole thread & love the way you did it!Your budgies are very pretty!

[SusanBudgies]

Thank you both!! :D

[budgiebabe]

I hope my babies (their young eggs at mo! :p) turn out a beautiful as your three.

[SusanBudgies]

Thank you, Budgiebabe! I hope you started a Breeding Journal here. If so, I'll come and take a look. :D

[SusanBudgies]

32-day-old Baby #3 just fledged (left the nestbox on her own)! :clap: Here's a quick picture. From left to right, you see Baby #3, Baby #2 and Freckles (the oldest).

Once I see her behaving comfortably inside the cage, I'll take down the nestbox to prevent Noelle from starting another clutch and to prevent my other hens from trying to access the nestbox. (Noelle and Nibbles have been getting into fights lately.)

Oh, by the way, an expert has identified her mutation as cobalt YF1 recessive pied, rather than dominant pied (see http://talkbudgies.com/showthread.php?t=45775). Recessive pieds usually have more clear feathers, but Baby #3 is heavily marked.

[budgiebabe]

Thank you, Budgiebabe! I hope you started a Breeding Journal here. If so, I'll come and take a look. :D

I have started a journal (i think:p)
It's in budgie breeding journals with the name diesel and scoobie (proud mummy)

Im sorry i haven't posted a link but i can't remember it!

[EverLove]

I just read this whole thread... and wow! I loved seeing them grow up! Can I have Chick #2? :p

[SusanBudgies]

I just read this whole thread... and wow! I loved seeing them grow up! Can I have Chick #2? :p:laughing2: If you were serious, I'd say "Yes, you can have him," because I already have one (his older brother, Brett, from another clutch) who looks exactly like him! :D

[SusanBudgies]

Proud mama hen Noelle (facing camera) relaxes with her three 32-39 day old babies, all of whom are bigger than she is! :D

[kimhosken]

they are beautiful babies

[EverLove]

:laughing2: If you were serious, I'd say "Yes, you can have him," because I already have one (his older brother, Brett, from another clutch) who looks exactly like him! :D

If only you were closer.... :p Then I could have the peace of mind of knowing that my new budgie was raised in a wonderful enviorment and was healthy!

He is absolutly stunning! You have two?! Wow! You're lucky! :D

[SusanBudgies]

Thank you, Kim and Jill. :D

[Zeena]

Susan, you have the most amazing breeding journals :) I can't wait to see the babies with the rest of the flock!
Great journey!

[SusanBudgies]

Awww shucks, Zeena. Thank you. :D

[SusanBudgies]

I just took down the nestbox :D even though 33-day-old Baby #3 likes to take naps in there from time-to-time. If #3 begins to exhibit "hiding" behaviors, I can always put back the box.

All three babies know how to eat from the food dish (although #3 still begs for food from parents), and Freckles and #2 are good at flying around the living room. (#3 hasn't taken her maiden flight yet; I want her to practice more inside the cage.)

I'll continue to keep the Jonah Family segregated in the left-most cage so the babies can feel secure as the rest of the flock clambors around them. When the babies are around 6-8 weeks old, I'll open the inner doors between the two cages so all birds can move from cage-to-cage.

[Zeena]

Congrats Susan on another very successful and beautiful clutch :)

[miss parakeet]

Wow they turned out beautiful!:)

[SusanBudgies]

Thank you both. :D

I was delighted they all look different from each other, and from their biological parents (Mr. Blue and Noelle)! Also, Baby #3 (the cobalt recessive pied with very few clear feathers) doesn't look like any of my other 11 babies and juveniles.

[SusanBudgies]

Freckles (oldest baby) and Baby #2 have become pretty skillful flyers.

This afternoon I put Baby #3 on the cage roof so Jonah could teach her how to fly around the living room. After a few flights, both needed a rest.

In these pictures, you will see Baby #3, Baby #2 (who preened #3 after her flying lesson) and Jonah.

The babies bump into a lot fewer things when daddy teaches them where to land.

[EverLove]

That first picture is beautful! Do they follow around the parents to learn how to fly?

[SusanBudgies]

That first picture is beautful! Do they follow around the parents to learn how to fly?Yes. They follow Jonah :budgie: on his flightpath and they land where he lands. If they miss the landing site, Jonah flies down to retrieve them. It's very cute. :D

Mama hen Noelle doesn't participate in the flying lessons. I get the sense the hens are responsible for brooding eggs and raising young chicks; then cock bird takes over feeding when chicks are older, and then teaches them to fly. That division of labor seems fair, doesn't it? ;)

[the Julles]

Susan, thank you for your very detailed journal, photos, and observations. I've read every word, and have learned a lot.

You've helped quite a bit with my first clutch - still waiting to fledge. Now, after reading today, I can't wait for them to learn to fly!

[EverLove]

I guess it is :) Is that dad in the second picture? He's sleeping on the job! :p

[SusanBudgies]

I guess it is :) Is that dad in the second picture? He's sleeping on the job! :plol Yes. He's a little out of sorts because he's being treated for a testicular mass. So he needed a snooze. :)

[EverLove]

Poor baby! :(

[budgiebabe]

If any of my eggs hatch, will it be ok for uncle joey to teach the fledlings how to behave outside the cage?

Joey is the only bird that comes out. As soobie is too scared too and diesel tends to fly straight into any danger. So it's safer inside her cage.

[SusanBudgies]

Budgiebabe,

When observing my flock, the only adults bonded with the chicks/babies are the parents who raised them. The babies are a mere curiosity to all other flock members (including biological dad, Mr. Blue). Thus, I think it's only dad (here, stepdad Jonah) who gives flying lessons.

However, if you make the environment bird-safe, the babies will teach themselves without too much risk of serious injury. I think it helps to let them practice inside a large cage first. (Each of my cages is 30" wide x 36" tall x 18" deep.) They can learn to control their directions a little.

[Caspir]

Beautiful family, you must be proud!

[SusanBudgies]

Thank you, Kay. Yes, I am proud of the Jonah Family, especially Jonah and Noelle, who did such a wonderful job raising their babies. :D

[SusanBudgies]

During the past 5-7 days, I've been introducing the babies to the rest of the flock by placing them on the roofs of the adjoining cages. Since they've been getting along (no one bullies the babies), last night, I reopened the inner doors to both cages so all flockmembers could move freely from cage-to-cage. (This is the normal cage set-up when no pairs are breeding.) The 11 non-Jonah Family members were happy to be able to move around for the first time in nearly two months, when the left cage was closed off for the Jonah Family. At bedtime, the only minor conflict arose when 10-month-old hen Kane tried to displace 6-week-old Freckles from his spot on the swing. Freckles stood his ground with growls until I was able to move Kane to another spot.

The flock was still harmonious and happy when I arose this morning. Since it's Saturday, I let them all out for their all-day flight time, and I thoroughly cleaned in and around the cages.

Below is a picture of the flock hanging out on the roofs of the cages (can you find all 16? :)). They all shared some romaine lettuce.

The second picture shows Babies #2 and 3 on the chandelier chain located near the top of the vaulted ceiling. :eek: Yep, the juveniles taught the babies that's a great place to hang out because it's safe, has a great bird's eye view, and it's hard for grandma (me) to get them down. :p

[budgiebabe]

Looks like your flock are happy with the young ones!

[2many]

:D I see all 16!! What an amazing little flock you have :). I once had 11 beauties; I could never seem to part with the little ones and they werent banded so I kept them all. Lovely noise to match their looks, too; I love the sound of happy budgie chatter.

[SusanBudgies]

Thank you both. :D

Yes, they are noisy! I have to go into my bedroom to make and receive business calls. :p

[kimhosken]

lovely flock I know what you mean about going into a another room for calls I have 18 now they are noisy but I love them all.

[SusanBudgies]

18 -- wow! :eek: I'll bet they are real cuties. :)

[jimjam&sonny]

need new pics!! :D

[SusanBudgies]

need new pics!! :DHere they are! :D

Freckles (male, cobalt yellow face type 1 recessive pied, 47 days old). First two pics.

Unnamed Baby #2 (male, sky blue yellow face type 1 dominant pied, 42 days old). 2nd and 3rd pics.

Unnamed Baby #3 (female, cobalt yellow face type 1 recessive pied, 40 days old). 4th and 5th pics.

All are doing well. Two oldest chicks have become quite skillful flyers. Baby #3 is still a little babyish; she still begs for food from mom and dad and is still gaining confidence in her flying skills.

[peepersbev]

I like the baby number 3. She is very cute. She is a baby heee so cute...

[2many]

Beautiful. I love the yellow face mutation. i still can't get over the unusual coloring of the youngest. I would never have guessed recessive pied, though her eye color gives her away. She is really beautiful. Are you keeping them?

[SusanBudgies]

Thank you both. :D

Yes, I am keeping them ... even though I have a flock of 16! :eek:

I'm also in love with unique #3. :love:

[2many]

Thank you both. :D

Yes, I am keeping them ... even though I have a flock of 16! :eek:

I'm also in love with unique #3. :love:

Might be a good name for her, Unique :). I love flocks of budgies. Most I had I think was 11; they were great. 16 sounds awesome. Do you have a flight cage for them?

[SusanBudgies]

Might be a good name for her, Unique :). I love flocks of budgies. Most I had I think was 11; they were great. 16 sounds awesome. Do you have a flight cage for them?Yes. They live in two adjoining 30" wide x 36" tall x 18" deep cages. (Attached are three pictures of the same two cages; the nestbox is off now because the babies have fledged, and I don't want any more.) I keep the inner cage doors open so they can move between cages. The flock gets flight time every weekday evening and all day every weekend.

[SusanBudgies]

Here's an updated picture of the Jonah Family (both clutches). They're the ones standing on the roof. From left to right, the birds are:

Brett and Parker -- They're the 11-month-old brothers from Noelle's first clutch.

Freckles -- He's the oldest baby from Noelle's second clutch. Hatch date was 9/26/09, making him about 2-1/2 months old.

Jonah (green bird in center) -- He's Noelle's mate. He's not the biological dad to any of the 5 youngsters (Mr. Blue is the bio dad), but he raised them.

Bib -- She's the youngest baby from Noelle's second clutch. Hatch date was 10/3/09.

Noelle -- She's the mom

Patch -- He's the second baby from Noelle's second clutch. Hatch date was 10/1/09. He's identical to Brett except Patch has violet cheek patches, whereas Brett has clear cheek patches.

I anticipate that Freckles, Patch and Bib will turn a darker shade of yellow at their first molt.

All the babies are Yellow Face Type I's.

[2many]

such a colorful mix! i think Maggie is like Bib; a recessive pied. but i'm just not sure.

[SusanBudgies]

such a colorful mix! i think Maggie is like Bib; a recessive pied. but i'm just not sure.Maggie? Your Kenji (first picture below) looks a little like my Bib (second picture below). However, I think Kenji may be a clearflight pied because she has a dark tail (see http://www.budgieplace.com/colorsguide.html#clearflight). Have you asked the experts?

[2many]

Kenji may be a clearflight; I don't know. Her left wing is normal. Kyra and Maggie have a few clear flight feathers too. Boo has interesting flight feathers too, when he stretches his wings. But Maggie has the reddish tint to her eyes and her yellow coloring extends down like with your Bib. I posted both questions on the grey x green thread in the mutations section, but no replies as of yet. I know they are busy with their own flocks though, so it's all good. Eventually the mystery will be revealed :).