Strawberry Finch Questions

[Ladywolf]

Hi there, I hopr this is the place I used to come to to ask about Strawberry Finches. How long does the courtship take....a week, a month? My male is in full color and has built the nest, he started the honeymoon if you know what I mean and now today she is spending at least a half hour at a time in the nest and coming out for a few mintues. Since my husband forbids me to bother them in anyway...do you think she may have laid eggs? ANd if she has laid eggs how long is incubation?

Ladywolf

[Strawblady2000]

Hi again, Ladywolf!

Well...Matthew is a pro at this, but I just had a clutch fledge a few weeks ago.

From what I've read and what my experience was, they mated THEN went to nest. At first it started off with the hen on the nest off and on (like what youre describing.) Tighter incubation started about after the 3rd egg was laid. Incubation lasted for 14 days approx. Fledged at exactly 21 days. I heard baby noise at about 10 days.

If they have already built then nest (I wondered the same things as you) then they should have mated.

Sounds like eggs may be imminent or have just started. My hen laid 5...4 made it fine.

Remember...NO nest checks at all!!!!! Better safe then sorry. Is this their first clutch? After my goulds' history, I was so impressed by the parenting skills of my first timer strawbs. Waiting is SUCH the hardest part!!!

Also...mealworms greatly helped! I started giving them once incubation started...at least, that's when they showed interest in them.

This is just my experience.

Where in the US are you? Im in Texas.

Please share more info about your birds!!!

Nikki :)

[Waxbillman]

Nikki has covered just about all really, your strawberries should be independant at around 18 days, though they will start to feed them selves well after 12 days.

seeding grasses or red anjou millet sprays are greatly appreciated and also helps the chicks get weaned quicker.like Nikki says stay away from nests if possible plenty of eggfood and livefood, and i'm sure as Paul will recommend, fruit flies.

Matthew

[kenny]

hi matt
now you know that is a fib, fruit doesnt fly it just lays there in the bowl

ken:lol: :lol: :lol:

ps sorry matt couldnt resist it mate!

[Waxbillman]

:lol:

fruit can fly, and will in the general direction of you good self :D

Matthew

[kenny]

:lol: :lol: :lol: :lol:

[PAUL HEARN]

:lol: :lol: Hi Ken and Matthew,

I see another great comedy duo appearing here,:lol: but Ken what happened to your old partner, I hope this isn't the end of the Kenny and Jimmy Show?

Paul.;)

[kenny]

hi paul
jimmy is busy building a new birdroom so he doesn`t have much time ,apart from being on bbia also as he has a great interest in british birds and i expect he is gleaning as much info from them so he can get his breeding right when he gets going

ken

[PAUL HEARN]

Hi Ken,

I look forward to Jimmy finishing his Birdroom, the Kenny and Matthew Show is pretty good judging by the previous posts on this thread,:-D but ya just can't beat the Kenny and Jimmy Show.:lol:

Sorry Matthew.;-)

Paul.:-D

[Waxbillman]

don't worry Paul no offence taken, i'm here to talk about birds really rather than joke, but i don't mind having a laugh now and again as you will know.

Matthew

[PAUL HEARN]

Hi Matthew,

Thats good to hear mate.;)

One day I might come on here to talk about Birds on a serious note too.:-D

Paul.;)

[kenny]

hi paul
matt knows i am only joking,thats what makes this site what it is and not some boring site where you are not allowed to even mention jokes at all .i am sure matt will forgive you and me:shock:
ken

[Waxbillman]

sure Ken, you and Jimmy are the jokers, not means thats all i meant

Matthew

[kenny]

hi matt
did you read that article in the c&a about pytillas only eating the heads of the buffalo worms and chucking there chicks out of the nest because she hadnt put enough out for them she thought they were eating all the worms but they were only eating the heads as a lot of them do.that might be the answer to the chick tossing syndrome that has been occuring

ken:shock:

[Waxbillman]

hello Ken, i haven't bought the latest one yet, is that the one done by Di?

yeh it sould be.

Matthew

[kenny]

hi matt
yep di wrote it ,it makes sense to me on reading it a second time

ken

[Ladywolf]

Well on the 15th the Strawberry babies should hatch...don't know if they will. Momma has been real diligent about sitting, poppa bird sits too and now the last 3 or 4 days they've been sitting together off and on...anyone seen this? How long do you recommend I wait before looking to see if there are any babies? Wait 7 to 10 days to see if there are any baby sounds? And if this clutch doesn't hatch, how long should I wait before setting them again. I'm hoping they hatch just because I do hope they hatch. It seemed like they were always mating but it's if they made contact. Well anxious in the Colorado.....what can I say.
Roxie

[Strawblady2000]

Well on the 15th the Strawberry babies should hatch...don't know if they will. Momma has been real diligent about sitting, poppa bird sits too and now the last 3 or 4 days they've been sitting together off and on...anyone seen this? How long do you recommend I wait before looking to see if there are any babies? Wait 7 to 10 days to see if there are any baby sounds? And if this clutch doesn't hatch, how long should I wait before setting them again. I'm hoping they hatch just because I do hope they hatch. It seemed like they were always mating but it's if they made contact. Well anxious in the Colorado.....what can I say.
Roxie

Hi Roxy...I'm so excited for you!!!

Just so you know, my strawbs had their first clutch back in Feb. I rememebr feeling exactly as you do today!!!

In hindsight, I realize I didnt give my birds enough credit, lol...I had such a problem with my goulds not taking care of their chicks, I was paranoid!!! So, that made the wait seem even longer. They were such wonderfuk 1st time parents!!!!

Sounds like they are sitting nice and tight. This is great. They should switch off as they are doing. That is perfectly normal and a good sign.

Resist all temptation to peek!!!!! It is so very hard. Oddly enough, I had to force myself to give food/water and not even look at the nest. Not so much cause I was worried I'd scare them, ol, but to resist the urge to peek.

I heard baby noise at about 10 days old. As I didnt know the exact date they laid, I took detailed notes and counted backwards from fledge date. Sounds like crickets in the summertime. At first its very faint...then there's no mistaking it within days after that. I had no clue how many there were until they fledged. I'd see an occasional head poke out, but that's all I had to go off of.

If they mated repeatedly, odds are good. If they are still sitting, odds are even better! They will abandon very easily, so use extreme restraint in hovering about the cage as well as peeking in.

If you are expecting hatches on or about the 15th, you'll likely hear baby noise within another 10 days of this. Also, you can watch the parents behavior. They will continue to switch off in the nest, taking turns feeding once the chicks have hatched.

The chirps are so faint at first. Matthew compared them to crickets and it is VERY true!!!

He will be along to share his experience too. Mine were indoors and I believe his are outdoors in huge aviaries.

Keep us posted!!!!! And...hang on to those babies, lol. I sold mine and miss them dearly. Waiting for the "action" to resume, but it may be a while, lol.

[Waxbillman]

fingers crossed Roxie.

i believe incubation is about 14 days, though i've never counted it.

definately hold on to at least one or two of the chicks.

like Nikki says don't disturb, unless they have laid in a box on the outside of the box, this allows easy enough inspections


if they don't hatch then eventually they'll kick them out and try again

Matthew

[Ladywolf]

I'll try this again....My Strawberries are due to hatch on the 15th, if they don't hatch how soon should I nest them again? Today I notice both are out of the nest and acting like they don't want to sit anymore but we'll see. has anyone seen Strawberries both come off the nest when eggs hatch or anything like that? Okay I'm at a loss here. I do believe my Strawberries are smarter then me.
Roxie

[Ladywolf]

StrawbLady do you have can you email me, not sure how this site works yet just found these new posts after posting agian, what a drag it is not to know how to work something....would like to know if you have a website and if it is possible to buy birds from you????

Roxie in Colorado

[Strawblady2000]

Hi Roxygot an email from you not long ago...I kept it hoping youd write when you had a chance!

Nice having a fellow American here!

Colorado's not oo far! Thinking about you today when I was feeding my birds. One of my berry pairs just went to nest. I had thought they were done for the season. Hope all goes well for you.

Unfortunately, I do not have a website yet. I just started breeding last October...moreso for the "tax benefits" of being able to write off birds, food, etc., lol...and it has taken off!

Not sure what your availability is on berries or other birds, but I'm not enough with shipping birds as of yet. On the other side of that...if youre ever in TX or if I go to Colorado, lol, I'd love to sell you some birds!.

Are berries hard to find there? Keep your fingers crossed!! You may have some soon.

Feel free to poste here to me, PM me, or email me at trackinbloodhounds@verizon.net

Have a terrific day!

[PAUL HEARN]

Hi Roxie and Nikki,

Would it be possible for the two of you to work together in creating a breeding register for the Strawberry Finch in the US?

This could help the two of you, and fellow breeders in establishing Strawberry Finches in US Aviculture, if imports really do become a thing of the past.:sad:

Are there any US based Bird related Forums similar to Feathered Friends that you could use to find fellow breeders to create a database that would include the breeders name, contact details (e-mail address, phone number etc), number of cocks, hens, and young Birds held, Birds for sale, Birds wanted and Birds offered/wanted for exchange or breeding loan?

If there isn't such a Website and Forum available, would it be possible for you both to create one?:D

The reason I ask all of these questions is because I see two dedicated US breeders of the Strawberry Finch who seem to be quite isolated despite sharing a common cause.

Paul.:wink:

[Strawblady2000]

Hi Paul,

I only wish there was someplace like this. There is a strawberry group, but there isnt much activity within it. I like that the group exists...but it;s kind of odd. As we all come together here to share ideas, seems like theres alot of bickering as to who is doing things right...you know how a breeder could figure their way is the best way. Dont get me wrong, no one comes out and says this, but it's esy to read in to this.

It would be great to start something like this, but unfortunately, I dont know where to begin. I;d imagine people like us are spread out everywhere...so there would have to be SOMEONE close.

Not sure how it is there, but shipping can get very expensive. US postal only allows shipping of game birds...box fee and shipping is around $29...which is a great price. But, live animals that go via airlines cost about $120 per container. Unless one is buying mass quantity, which usually isnt available, it costs a pretty penny.

I think it's a terrific idea!!! Im just not very computer saavy, though, when it comes to running something like that. I'd love to have a site dedicated to strawberries, as there is nothing like that of the sort, aside from the yahoo group.

Hell, I'd like to even be able to "conference call" with other strawberry breeders...even if it's once a month or something.

Every now and then we get lucky and a national chain will get some in (petsmart)...but they are hard to come by and you have to check in the day a shipment comes in. Last I heard, they were nearly doubling the price...IF they were going to carry any at all. This was per the store manager.

Seems like more people would be dedicated to it, as EVERY store owner I've talked with is in dire search of them. I can only see the prices climbing higher in the near future.

Still, every one I see will be snatched up by me (funds permitting, of course).

Terrific idea. I wonder what the cost would be to run something like FF here in the states.

[PAUL HEARN]

Hi Nikki,

I have no idea what it would cost to create a Website devoted to a breeding programme devoted to Strawberry Finches in the US,:???: but it may be a good idea to contact the Webmaster here on Feathered Friends?

Please contact Carl the Webmaster here as he may be able to advise you on how to create a breeding register.

Paul.;)

[Rogerb]

yep I second what paul has said hav a word by pm whith the webmaster he will put you right :D

[kenny]

hi nikki
whats the point in having a website where evryone thinks he or she is right they are never going to get anywhere with that kind of thinking .it needs to be like this site where everyone shares experience not tell everyone that you are right all the time

ken

[Strawblady2000]

Thank you Paul and Roger...will do as you recommend. I cant imagine what the cost is for FF's upkeep and usage. Thank you site owners for this gift.

Kenny,

I agree. As I said, no one comes out and says this...but the way the posts are written, it really comes off that way. This is a true stereotype of how we Americans can be, LOLOLOL!!

I love that we can all learn from each other...and one thing I've definately learned is that what works for one person doesnt necessarily work for another. So, keeping an open mind really is the best way to come away with something gained...and sharing is the best way to come away with something taught...right?


I had a fleeting though of not only coming up with a registry, but an actual informative website...pics, info, message board, registry, etc. It will take much work, and I'd have to figure out how to go about everything...but when it comes to finding info...there's bits and pieces everywhere...nothing comprehensive.

[Ladywolf]

Paul as far as I know there are only 3 of us that actively try to breed Strawberries in my area...there are not many pairs here and birds are scarce in Colorado. The only other place to get them is to order them from a Denver store in Colorado. Other then that I know who are the other breeders. It would be nice if the third person would lend or sell at a reasonable price, she is asking 250.00 a pair, as for my friend who only asked for 90.00 a pair which is a fair price. Bad thing, my birds are his birds. Need more Strawberry breeders here.
Roxie

[Strawblady2000]

Paul as far as I know there are only 3 of us that actively try to breed Strawberries in my area...there are not many pairs here and birds are scarce in Colorado. The only other place to get them is to order them from a Denver store in Colorado. Other then that I know who are the other breeders. It would be nice if the third person would lend or sell at a reasonable price, she is asking 250.00 a pair, as for my friend who only asked for 90.00 a pair which is a fair price. Bad thing, my birds are his birds. Need more Strawberry breeders here.
Roxie


WHAT????? $250 a pair!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Do they lay golden eggs? I understand the desire to ask alot...but at the same time, what is more important...to continue a solid blood line or to make some fast cash???? Here's where priorities really matter.

Wow. I'm almost disgusted. Roxy...lets try to work something out. I have a couple of ideas for you...

I can put you in constact with an aviary in Arkansas. They do ship and even guarantee live shipment. They ask $85 a pair and I believe shipping is llike $29. I think they will pack up to 9 birds per box. The only ones they dont guarantee are gouldians. I havent bought birds from them, to be honest, but I do get some of my supplies through them. We thought of driving...but will have to wait till hubby gets his vacation...not hauling 3 little kids with me by myself, LOL!

edited....make that $38. And it appears that not just game birds can be shipped anymore...other kinds can as well. IUsed to be the polilcy, and people would just tell USPS they were game birds in order to use that method. Doesnt appear to be the case anymore, though...but find out for sure!

[Ladywolf]

Strawblady2000, where is this website her in the US that has to do with Strawberries I found none. And I resently went to the post office and there is nothing in the regulations that says you can't ship pet birds. They only ask that they have food and water and are mailed next day delivery, they also asked for a heads up and a phone number. The only reason why I know this is because if I couldn't make it to Nebraska I was going to to have them shipped/mailed to me.
Roxie

[Ladywolf]

Right on Nikki! Let me know the name of this place.....I would gladly get a license and breed birds to my hearts content and I wouldn't sell them for no 250.00 dallors! I don't want to make money...just have a blast raising birds and selling them for a reasonable price.
Roxie

[Strawblady2000]

Here is their site.

http://www.singing-wings-aviary.com/

I've pasted the link here a couple of other places...mostly just to share what some of our prices can be.

Some of them, I'll warn you, can be steep...while others are very reasonable. They DO have white sovcieties, though..albeit they are a little expensive.

I believe the lady's name is Mandy. They;ve always been quick to respond...whether it is with my supply orders or emails.

It may be more cost effective to go halves with your friend. Also...pay close attention to their shipping regarding method and pollicy. They do guarantee their birds live, though...which is a good thing. They have a nice shipping box that seems well-equipt for shipping.

If these guys will not work for you...I will see what else I can do. Im not comfortable with shipping, but hey, a nice vacation spot such as Colorado, lol, can be something to shoot for, right???

I'll try to mull over a few more options...you know, to see if I can come up with anything feasible, cost effective and safe for the birds.

[Ladywolf]

Thanks Nikki I do appreciate all your help and guidance! I'll check these folks out and see what the prices are. Hey yeah if you do decide to ever come this way I'll hook you up with my breeder friend as he has many more birds to look at then I do. And he is reasonable and I trust him. I'm also checking with someone to see about a yahoo chat/site for Strawberries.....I mean start one and see what we come up with.
Roxie

[Strawblady2000]

Roxy...

Sounds good. There is one yahoo group: http://groups.yahoo.com/group/StrawberryFinch/

But, it's not very active. There's some good reading here, though. You may notice some urinary olympics, but it does have other people's expereince here. You have to email them to join...once youre approved, and if you have the setting on, you will get every post and response emailed to you and you can respond to the whole group by replying to the email.

I know Matthew is a member there too...not sure if anyone else from here is, though.

[Ladywolf]

Strawberries eggs were none fertile.....told you them birds are smarter then me LOL. Try again in May.

Roxie

[PAUL HEARN]

Hello Roxie and Nikki,

It seems that the situation of sharing information relating to Strawberry Finches in the US is quite dire really, I hope that between you that you can put something together to improve the situation.

Roxie, I'm sorry to hear your Strawberries eggs were clear, but as you say better luck next time.
And I share Nikki's shock in hearing of breeders asking $250 for a pair of Strawberries,:shock: in the UK we are expected to pay up to £45 for a pair, I just hope that the serious efforts by members of the Waxbill Finch Society and others are rewarded so that the price stays around the same.

From reading posts from the both of you I'm sure you will manage to come up with a great Website and Forum devoted to Strawberry Finches,:D but how about including other Waxbill Species too, after all you may be in the same boat as us in not having any more imports from Africa too?:sad:

Both of you have the common interest in establishing Strawberries and other Waxbills in US Aviculture and the ideas that need to be covered on a Website/Forum, so I hope you do contact Carl the Webmaster here, I know I'm biased but he really is a good geezer and I'm sure he will help you out, not only on how to set up in the first place but also follow up advice if and when needed.;)

Please give it a try and I'm sure you will know that all of us here will back you up as best we can.

Paul.

[Waxbillman]

hello Nikki and Roxie

i have created a new thread dedicated to Strawberry finches (Red avadavats) in the breeding projects forum. until you create your own site (IF) feel free to use this section to post your observations, how you bred them that sort of thing, then everyone everywhere in every country can freely use it and see it, the only problem with yahoo sites is that they have a fairly limited viewing potentional, where as this forum gets hits on the search engine.
may be the feathered friend site can be the home of the online red avadavat breeding project, it will pull in more members and also save the time and trouble of creating your own. maybe you two could pass on the site address to more people over the pond, and then we get more members world-wide, so we can all work together and share all of our experiences??

Matthew

[kenny]

hi nikki
my post was not neccessarily aimed at just our american freinds as there are websites in this country where the members come on a website and will not take anyones advice as they think they know it all....................you know who you are


ken

[Ladywolf]

Paul I will seriously consider this and look into the matter. My husband and two friends of mine all know how to set up a website and they are good. But I just started with finches and I'm not very knowledgeable. So this is what I propose....if we can do this I would like for you and anyone else at this site to be apart of the US site too...what do you think?

Roxie

[Ladywolf]

Matthew sounds like a good idea to me but can you tell me what do I click on to get to that site?

Roxie

[Waxbillman]

hello Roxie, you can find it on this very site, its in the breeding projects bit, further down the forums

Matthew

[PAUL HEARN]

Hi Matthew,

Well done for setting up the Strawberry Finch Forum under Breeding Projects.;-)

Roxie and Nikki,

You could both use this section to direct fellow US Strawberry Finch breeders to share information regarding personal breeding experiences and maybe set up a US based breeding register too.:-D

Although Feathered Friends is a UK based Website and Forum, all of us here glady welcome input from members on an International basis, after all the hobby of Birdkeeping is Universal.

I'm sure that UK, US and other breeders of Strawberry Finches would welcome the opportunity in exchanging breeding practices for everyones benefit.

But if you use this section to tread water before creating your own US based Website and Forum, I'm certain many of us here in the UK will be willing to support you if and when you decide to do this.:wink:

Paul.

[kenny]

hi roxie
i am sure a few members from this site would like to support your site when its up and running

ken;)

[Ladywolf]

I will be glad to have everyone here there as soon as I find out what needs to be done and such..... Thank You Kenny

Roxie

[Ladywolf]

Matthew, this is going to sound so girl......this new place that you made...that is the place where we share what we do for our birds before and during breeding season? Like what we feed them, set up there nest, so on and so forth? Just want to be sure before I start typing again LOL.
Roxie

[Ladywolf]

Never mind I found it and found the rest of the postings too, sorry.
roxie

[Waxbillman]

:lol: no problem, you've got the jist of it

Matthew

[kenny]

hi roxie
you can even talk about make up on there aswell


:-D :-D :-D :-D


ken

[Ladywolf]

what happened to our new subject under Breeding Season? Did it get pulled?

Roxie

[Waxbillman]

should still be there Roxie

Matthew

[Strawblady2000]

Good Grief...where have I been????

Miss a day or two, and you all go off getting into mischief!

J/K

I think all of you have wonderful ideas. Thank you Roxie, Kenny, Paul and Matthew!

Great idea about setting up the breeding projects thread, Matthew. I do like the forum feature better as oppesed to the yahoo groups...for reasons Matthew listed regarding search engine hits, etc.

Roxie, if you know about and have the resources to do this, you go girl! I dont really have connections with this...but I do have lots of info.

Also, when it comes to the breeding projects thread, lol, how much info do y'all want??? I've gone as far as detailed charts, etc, lol, that show behavior, diet, daily routines, etc. Works great for comparing clutches, hatch times, and etablishing a pattern to recognize, which is very important, IMO, when nest checks are just not feasible with this species. Now, contrary to the know-it-all American attitudes (LOLOL) I'll make it clear that this is all just MY experience...not a golden standard, lol. What works works, what doesnt doesnt...and if you're smart, lol, you'll not try it if it doesnt work. Suck a joker, I am today!!

Matthew has the most experience with berries...(still love your paper) and between his advice and everyone elses here who keeps any and all finches, advice has been worth its weight in platinum. Thanks everyone.

[Waxbillman]

thanks Nikki

i don't know where it went to the strawberry breeding project thread, though i can assure you it will return,

Matthew

[Ladywolf]

Thank You I hope it comes back soon...it disappeared after I wrote my two cents...hope I didn't offend anyone....LOL I'm just learning.

Roxie

[Waxbillman]

its back with us, though you'll have to post again

[Strawblady2000]

Lol...it reminds me of EVERY time I go to write a long post or email....my 20 month old son has a knack for hitting a magic key on the keyboard and erasing the whole friggin thing!! He'll be in the other room and somehow knows I'm writing something of great length...like a homing pigeon in a diaper.

LOL!

[laurab]

I assure you Nikki, it was nothing you said...again I apologise for the inconvenience caused.

[Strawblady2000]

I assure you Nikki, it was nothing you said...again I apologise for the inconvenience caused.

Hiya Laura,

You mean Roxie? I hadnt had the chance to post in it yet.

:p

Heck, I know y'all well enough...not much offends this rowdy bunch.

LOL!

Hope youre having a good day, Laura. Congrats on your nest buildings!!!!!!

[laurab]

I really believe I am loosing the plot. When I came home from work today I went to get changed out of work clothes; I looked everywhere for my socks only to find I already had them on!

Tonight I took my watch off to do the washing up and now I can't find my watch......and no, I am not wearing it.

I have just had over a week off work and it would appear it has done me no good whatsoever!! :sad:

[Strawblady2000]

LOL!

I'm not laughing AT you, I'm laughing WITH you!!!

Well, dont feel bad, I often say that I'd loose my head if it wasnt attached.

And then there are those days where I cant even find my a** with both hands.

[Ladywolf]

How funny Laurab, I have 3/4 timers...I can't remember 3/4 of the time LOL. But my birds...well thats another story.
Roxie

[laurab]

I'm gonna go and have a lay down :smile:

[Waxbillman]

its ok Laura, i'm sure when i get to your age i will be as forgetfull, your on a steady roads to sinility i'm afraid:grin:

Matthew

[laurab]

It is a worry, especially after loosing my Nan to Alzheimer's :sad:

[Waxbillman]

hello Laura

i'm sure your just over worked, your too young for all that.

Matthew

[laurab]

Considering I am at work now, you could be right; but there again should'nt I be working and not looking at FF :grin:

[Waxbillman]

:lol: i hope your bosses are not monitoring you activity on the net

Matthew

[laurab]

I wasn't at work long before I took ill and had to come home again! I knew I wasn't right :cry:

[Waxbillman]

oh right, hope you get better soon

[kenny]

hi laura
sorry to here you are not very well,hope you are better soon

ken

[laurab]

Thanks guys, it's nothing serious...allergic to work maybe ;-)

[Strawblady2000]

Hiya Roxy...I saw you logged on, so I wanted to ask how it was going. Are your berries showing any signs of going back to nest?

[Ladywolf]

They have been nesting yes....have you any new babies yet again....for that matter does anyone? He "kissed" her once and she went right to nesting...so I don't know, I'm not as curious this time LOL.

Roxie

[Strawblady2000]

That's great news, Roxy. My last pair had one clutch and went kaput...male molted. But, I have another pair at nest now. Been sitting about a week consistenly...so, I'm guessing onthe 15th of May, I'll hear something if the eggs were fertile. Such a long way off, but as I know I'll be tempted, their cage is high atop a flight cage, so I cant see in the nest even standing on a chair, lol.

Not sure if they mated successfully or not...but I walked in on them kissing on the cage floor one day last week. At least, I think that's what they were doing, lol!

Good to hear they went quickly back to the drawing board. Monitor when they start sitting pretty consistently and count out about 13-14 days. When mine start incubation, they dont sit as tight...so each day that pases more and more time is in the nest. Then within 3 days of doing this, boom, there is almost always 1 in there and if they are both out, it's only for a couple of minutes.

Oh, be sure to list your name and contact info in the strawberry registry thread in the breeding board that was set up.

Check in soon.

[Ladywolf]

Contact info????

ROXIE

[Strawblady2000]

Hi Roxie,

LOL, contact info in this case just means make a post in that thread with just your state and how many berries you have. If someone is interested, all they have to do is send you a PM on here. No private info needed.

[Ladywolf]

Congrads on your website up and coming. Now for other news.... I feel like such a bum for not posting anything about my strawberries...I feel so lame! I have only two birds, one pair and they have laid eggs twice but nothing so far. Their are only 3 people in the state of Colorado (in the usa) that raise Strawberries (that's a sad stat of affairs right their). One is my friend and the one I bought my strawberries from. So I hang my head in shame because I envision you all having these great, huge wonderful avairies with lots of birds. And their outside too! I guess I'm to chicken for that. Got to watch out for varments here! And their not just mice! I like having my birds close to enjoy them and study them and the sounds they make, just like the ones outside. Anyway, I will post one day, when I feel brave.
Roxie......it's IE Nikki...LOL not Y...LOL

[Strawblady2000]

RoxIE, lol...

Dont hang your head in shame....many people here DO have large setups...and I'm quite envious, lol, but I do not. So, dont feel shameful, as I don't. I'm here to learn and that's all that matters! Please dont stop posting...it gets lonely being the only American that posts regularly!

About your berries....do you know the lay date of the second clutch? I'd love to hear what happens with them, although it may be a couple of weeks before you hear anything from the nest. I too have a pair on eggs...if my records are correct and if they are fertile, they should hatch this weekend. Not sure how many eggs or if they are even fertile, but, I'm hopeful!!!

All of us feel breeding frustrations alot of the time. Matter of fact, I just combined all of my goulds in a large flight in an attempt to further condition and with hopes they re-pair into breeding couples with fertile eggs (as opposed to blank eggs or the hen just closing her eyes when the males try to court (havent we all been there, lol).

The fact that there are only 3 of you in Colorado makes it even more important to pull together our resources!!!!

So, dont get down about how many birds you have or anything like that. Even though most members are on the other side of the planet, the resource and friendships have proved invaluable! Not to mention being in company with people that have the same passion for every bird.

Please let us know about your berries!!

[kenny]

hi roxie
nikki
is right i only started with two zebra finches and that was all i had for quite a while the more i read the more i got into it and the more i got into it the more birds i got but i havent got a vast amount the whole idea is to breed them.its poitless filling cages with lots of birds and not having any where for them to breed and then nowhere to put the youngsters.dont be putting yourself down either or i will come over there and smack your bottom

ken

[Ladywolf]

Did you say you would come over here and and smack my bottom? Hey I'm a biker chick....need I say more? LOL!!! I will post just need to get charged.

Roxie

[Strawblady2000]

BWAAAHAHAHAHA!!!

That's great, Roxie!

Any news on your second berry clutch?

[kenny]

hi roxie
thats the ticket get your self motovated and caryy on posting

ken

[Ladywolf]

Strawblady...I'm a mild mannered lady in my civies....but when I put on the leather...look out LOL....NIkki the Strawberries had another dud clutch...think it was a" to soon set ". I didn't think they would hatch anyway. Kenny, think I'm motivated now! Put my name in the resgistar for Strawberries!

Roxie

[kenny]

hi roxie
thats the way !you will get there in the end mate,just wait and see

ken

[Ladywolf]

Waiting not seeing much but I do think we are going to take and sell a bunch of birds right offAnd I do believe Al wants to trade Strawberries out with my friend again. Who knows this is getting frustrating but hanging in there.

Roxie

[Strawblady2000]

Just keep on hanging in there!!!!!

I read that your male is going into eclipse. I was dissapointed when mine did too...seems like the season was far too short, lol. I wish I could help to pinpoint what keeps happening with your pair. I've got a "troubleshooting" list, but sometimes, nature is beyond all lists, lol.

Hopefully trading them out gives you a better combination.

Hey, you have bronzewings, right? There's been some great discussions about them lately...and if I remember correctly, you have breeding experience with these guys too. If I'm wrong, just give me a long-distance slap, lol.

Would love to hear about them too!

[kenny]

hi roxie

please keep hanging in there,you are not the only one who appears to be having a bad season this year its happening all over the place

ken p.s.if you give up now i will come down to your house and slap you as well


:lol:

[Ladywolf]

Well the Strawberries are a bust this year....he went into molt and now nothing, nothing at all. Now what?

Roxie

[Ladywolf]

Nikki are you asking me about the Bronze Wings? I do have two pair and they have been busy getting their nests just right. But these are first time layers, the very first pair I had did it all on their own with no help or additives or anything. I think they do best in hot humid weather though. Since it's climbing in the 90's here these little birds have gotten busy...email me sometime miss your emails.
Roxie

[Strawblady2000]

Well the Strawberries are a bust this year....he went into molt and now nothing, nothing at all. Now what?

Roxie

Hi Roxie,

I completely understand your frustration!!!!!! I've got a pair of gouldians...1 clutch after another that is clear. My problem is that they're bonded, so repairing is just as fruitless!!! I would KIL for this pair to lay good eggs! But...they're just not getting it right. I think, in this case, it is the hen. I thought it was the male getting older, but he's only 4 and has proven himself for another breeder. My hen is a little over a year. They lay...and at least this last time, she did her part of the sitting, but alas...nada!!

As for the berries...there are a couple of things I wanted to ask you. Do you know how old they are? Also, are you positive they aren't realted...such as sibling from a different clutch? I ask...because there are 2 possibilities...either eggs are infertile to begin with (for various reasons) or there is a lethal genetic factor somewhere (also for various reasons...but the key reason is relation). It sounds far fetched, I know...but anytime birds come from the same source, it is a possibility.

I didnt realize how short the berry breeding season is!!! I was a little dissapointed when my first pair bred...thinking they would have another clutch right away, so I sold all of the babies...and what do ya know...the male molted right afterwards. I was bummed.

Well, if you hang on to them until late fall, he should molt back again. Make sure to keep him on a high protein diet to help with molt. After molt, you can go to a more austere diet. Then, come August or so, raise the protein back up as well as the calcium. This should stimulate him to molt and go back into season. Sprouted seeds are also a good way to do this.

You had mentioned trading them in for another pair from your friend. See if he can check his breeding records and swap one out with one that you have. Your hen should take a break, so in the meantime, all you can really do is enjoy their antics and singing.

I cant wait to hear more about your bronzewings! I think Paul has a bit of experience with them...I cant remember for sure. Those guys are so cute! Like a strawberry sized society! First time layers dont necessarily indicate difficulty, though...so all you can do is sit back and let them do their thing! I know...I hate the sitting back part, lol...and it is SO hard at times!

I swear...we birdkeepers are subject to a new illness...Avian Stress Syindrome. Whether it comes from waiting to see if eggs are fertile, to hovering over a cage to make sure someone's not ill, to losing sleep trying to troubleshoot why the heck this or why the heck that!

Avian Stress Syndrome. Yep.

I will email ya! I miss them too. I havent done much emailing lately, so please dont think I was ignoring you!!!! I like having a fellow American on here to yap with!


Hope you have a wonderful day. Talk to ya soon!

[laurab]

Whilst my Strawbs seem very happy in the aviary, they are not producing, nor attempting to reproduce any young.........any suggestions?

[kenny]

hi laura
if you are supplying all the right food and nesting material and they are fit and well..there is nothing you can do...well nothing i can suggest usually the way i look at it when i get a new bird, as soon as it starts to sing....not neccesarily to attract a mate,i deem that it is hapy as i dont think a bird will sing in a strange place unless it is fit and well and likes the place it is in as i have ..and am sure a lot of people have purchased birds that have never looked at home in a cage or aviary when they have got them home.....so as i say if they are eating well and moving about well enough i dont think there is anything more you can do .....unless matt knows different


ken

[laurab]

Hi Kenny you're right, their happiness is all that matters. ;-)

[Waxbillman]

i cannot shed any light on why they are not breeding, they look a stunning pair to me.

May be its just one of those things, do the pair like each other? do their mutual preen?

Matthew

[Strawblady2000]

Laura,

I honestly cant think of anything that you havent provided them with...they don't make "Spanish Fly" for birds, LOLOL!!!!! If they did, it certainly would make breeding a lot easier!

You've got the healthiest berries I've ever seen. The only thing I can think of are the things out of your control, such as daylight hours, temp, and such.

[Ladywolf]

Hey look who blew in......ME!!!!!! My birds have gone to nest again and the male even isn't in color! But this is not unusual....this is their last chance for this year....hope this time it works.

Roxie

[Waxbillman]

welcome back stranger, and fingers crossed that they go all the way this time

Matthew

[Ladywolf]

Thanks Matthew, I hope they do too! Glad to se you all still here missed ya. Now where do I go to post about Bronze wings and society's?

Roxie

[kenny]

hi roxy
welcome back,i should think the foreign finch section would be your best bet


ken:wink:

[Strawblady2000]

HI ROXIE!!!!!

Glad you're back!

Great to hear they've gone back to nest! Keep us posted on any progress.

[PAUL HEARN]

Hi Roxie,

Great news with your Strawberries going to nest and it's great to have you back here again, I look forward to reading your post on the Bronze Winged Mannikins too.:D

Paul.:wink:

[Ladywolf]

Paul do you have Bronze wing mannikins too?

Roxie

[PAUL HEARN]

Hi Roxie,

Unfortunately I don't have any Bronze Winged Mannikins, but I'm still interested in anyone elses success with them.

Paul.;)

[Ladywolf]

Hi, I have a question for anyone...my strawberries are "the berries". He made the nest and she laid 5 eggs the 6th one she didn't make it to the nest so it drop to the bottom of the cage. That's no matter. The matter is, he builds the nest and them he goes in and takes all the nesting material out and leaves just a tiny bit. I checked the eggs and they seems to be turning but does anyone see there birds doing the same thing? Or find nests with hardly any material in it? I have no idea if these eggs will hatch...when home alone she sits all day, as soon as AL comes home shes of the nest, sometimes the male will set but not as much as in the beginning, like in the spring. Just wondered.

Roxie

[Ladywolf]

okay...my strawberries did the wildest thing. He built the nest she laid eggs, he tore the nest up she laid eggs more. When I took the nest out I couldn't believe my eyes! She had over time laid 12 eggs :shock: , man was she an egg laying momma! I know it's two clutches, but didn't know she had it in her. Anyway I took out 3 of the eggs and put them under another female, we'll see what hppens.:wink: Who knows maybe something will happen.
Roxie

[Ladywolf]

I even took a picture because I couldn't believe how many eggs she laid in a short amount of time.
Roxie

[kenny]

hi roxy
where is it then i cant see a picture :confused:

ken

[Ladywolf]

Kenny I can email the picture to you if you like. I don't know how to put them here.

Roxie

[kenny]

hi roxy
sur you can if you want to,my e-mail address is on my profile,if you like post it to me and i will put it up on your behalf if thats ok with you

ken

[kenny]

hi all
this is the photo of roxies strawberry finch eggs ..as reported earlier in this thread


ken



http://www.feathered-friends.co.uk/vb/attachment.php?attachmentid=544&stc=1



&d=1159317140 (http://www.feathered-friends.co.uk/vb/attachment.php?attachmentid=544&stc=1&d=1159317140)




sorry guys and roxie i couldnt get the picture to paste for some reason but if you press both links you will see them all

[Waxbillman]

theres are fair few there Ken

Matthew

[Ladywolf]

Thank you Kenny for putting that up, and yes Matthew she laid quite a few there, I know its two clutches, but were laid back to back. I wish Scooter (m) would settle down so she could sit. I think I'll take them back to the breeder so he can have babies there.
Roxie

[PAUL HEARN]

Hi Roxie,

From the photos it seems that some of the eggs could have been fertile?
Rather than take the birds back to the breeder do you have any Bengalese/Society Finches that you could possibly use to foster the eggs?
If not then I would suggest you bring some in, it would be a shame for you to give up on breeding the Strawberry Finches.:-?
The other option would be to buy another cock Strawberry Finch for breeding with your hen with the hope that he wont interfere as much as your original cock?

Paul.;)

[Ladywolf]

Hey Paul I thought of fostering the eggs and I did and two hatched! So if I have to foster them out I will, but I'm very concerned if they will know there own kind? Any ideas?
Roxie

[Waxbillman]

hello Roxie

i have fostered out avadavats in the past without getting them imprinted on bengies, just put them with their own kind as soon as you can

Matthew

[Ladywolf]

Thanks Matthew...I will do that..so hoping these are Strawberries that hatched. My Crested (dark) Chestnut Society I know laid two of her own eggs with the four I had traded. I hope I picked the right ones to take out. Oy vey...Oh well can do it again come spring and for sure have babies, LOL.

Roxie-Thanks

[Ladywolf]

DOES ANYONE have any pictures of baby Strawberries in the nest? And as they are growing up? I would like to compare the pictures to the babies I have in the nest now...I'm 85% sure that they are baby Strawberries...someone help?

Roxie

[laurab]

I only wish I could help, but my pair have never got that far!

I am sure Matt will be able to help you ;-)

[Waxbillman]

hello Roxi

i don't have any pictures unfortuntily of them in the nest, and if i did, i wouldn't be able to upload them

the are small, resemble goldbreast chicks if that helps olive brown wings and backs, their fronts are lighter, they have 2 bars on thier wings

Matthew

[Ladywolf]

Okay, well I got a better look today and it seems as though they are not strawberries, the crested must have laid two more eggs, I do believe them to be hers of course. But what a color change. Anyway...I'll try the strawberries again in the spring...thanks for trying to explain to me what they look like.
Roxie

[Ladywolf]

Matthew how many diff species of strawberries are there? And is there a website that has pictures? If you have their names I can look them up. Just would like to know.

Roxie--I have societies in my Strawberries (joke)

[Waxbillman]

hello Roxie

Amandava amandava
Amandava punicea
Amandava flavidiventris

Matthew

[Ladywolf]

Thank You Mayyhew for your help!

Roxie