Trying to breed parakeets

[AngelPossibility]

Do you know the lineage of these budgies? If you purchased these budgies from a pet store, please DO NOT breed them. There is always the chance that the birds could be related, in-bred or not genetically sound. You risk hatching out babies that are predisposed to genetic problems. I bought one from a breeder and the other from petco.

Do you have the time necessary to devote to the care of any babies that the parents reject or neglect? You mentioned being in school. That's a good 8-10 hours a day that you will be outside of the home, not to mention time for socializing, after-school activities, sports, church committments, etc. In the event of a day-one hand-feeding situation, a baby bird is going to need to be fed CONSTANTLY. You can't just leave for school at 8am and hope that baby is OK when you return home at 4pm (just giving an example). If Mom & Dad want to take you away for a long weekend, who will care for hungry babies then? I don't have a dad (they nvr got married) besides my mom is there (lost her job and can't find one)

Do you have the financial resources necessary to care for your pair AND any offspring? What if Mamma Bird become egg-bound? She'll need to go to a veterinarian who is familiar with parrots, preferably someone who is a board-certified avian vet. What if one of the babies has a problem... let's say an injury, splay-legs, a digestive-tract blockage. You get the idea. These things don't just go away on their own. They need immediate attention. If you are not employed, are your parents willing to foot the bill? My brother owes my mom alotta money so he can pay her back (has a job)

And let's say that your classmates can't offer homes for the babies: you'll need to cage your budgies, too. They can't just be expected to bunk down with Mamma Bird and Daddy bird. My classmates have already asked their parents and most said yes

Have you thought about finding a mentor? Budgies are popular exhibition birds. There are at least 2 "budgie clubs" in the US that are parent organizations to dozens of state/regional budgie clubs. These organizations work together to breed and show budgies. Perhaps you can search on-line (with your parents' consent, of course) for a club in your area. With some luck you mind be able to find a reputable, knowledgeable breeder to help you.
Ok

[Lori~D]

Great post Monica!! And great pics!!! I have never seen a budgie long enough to go thru that Change. It was very educational. And it confirms that both of Angels birds appear to be female. Its hard to believe I had budgies since I was 14 and never saw (or paid close enough attention?) of that although I had seen half crusted females when they were either just starting or maybe just finishing I guess. I always thought once they got that way they stayed that way. But then I never bred budgies, I only kept some rescues as an adult and had about six in an aviary in FL as a child but never had any breedings even though my dad had made a nest box,LOL!! Probably a good thing knowing what I know now!

[Lori~D]

Oh dear God. Poor birds. You are being wrong and Stubborn and irresponsible. You cannot depend on others to get what YOU want. If you do allow these birds to have babies you are no better than any puppy mill out there. You are only doing it for YOU and your friends. I'm done here, your not listening and I feel sorry for any babies that become of it.

[AngelPossibility]

I wasn't stubborn. I read all of ur protest then decidecd not to breed them and took out all the nesting material.And its been awhile since that and they haven't had babies yet or anything cuz i had females b4 and they mounted each other all the time. My fids don't do anything overrated anymore and I saw them mounting each other today again and i relaized that they were trying to reach the cuttlebone so i lowered it and it didn't happen again. it must have been teamwork ^.^

[gbird]

I sincerly hope you are being honest with us. We only care for the baby's, your birds, and the affect it would have on you if something were to go horribly wrong.

Please, just continue to love the 2 you have, make sure they are happy & healthy, and please continue to come here for support, answers, advice....there is alot of that on here. Remember we only have the birds best interest in mind. Nobody is out to bring someone down. It just gets frustrating, when asked for advice, and we give it, then it is ignored. Most of us have had years of expereince with birds, and we are still learning. Its a never ending learning cycle. Be patient with what you want. Ya know we don't always get what we want, but we do get what we need.

[BiiRDiiELuV805]

Im really sorry but i dont think your ready for any more babies, untill you mature and feast yourself on good info..poor birdies =[

[Lori~D]

gbird - Im still glad you have your patience. I guess I lost mine.

[Monica]

Originally Posted by huntress

I have never seen a budgie long enough to go thru that Change. It was very educational. And it confirms that both of Angels birds appear to be female. Its hard to believe I had budgies since I was 14 and never saw (or paid close enough attention?) of that although I had seen half crusted females when they were either just starting or maybe just finishing I guess. I always thought once they got that way they stayed that way.

Surprisingly enough, I've had budgies since I was 12 years old. It's only been 7 years. I had heard of budgies loosing their crusty cere but NEVER witnessed it until I got Sophia who lost her crusty cere shortly after I bought her... I don't think I've seen any other hen go through this, but I could be wrong.... may have been one other!

If it helps any though... I have heard of stories of males mounting males... females mounting females... females feeding males... When I used to have only two males they constantly courted eachother... now I have one male and a bunch of females... and occasionally I've seen the females act like the males bobbing their heads, eye pinning, regurgitating...

And by providing a nestbox you are encouraging them to breed... even if there is no nesting material inside it.

[Lisa B]

Thanks everyone for keeping your patience and offering advice.
With that said, I think the OP has had her questions answered.