fetchingfinches

Welcome!

Lightbacks look very different- IMO. But can sometimes be confused with Silvers (Dominant Dilutes). Some people think they look like fawns- I dont agree at all. They should have a darker head, almost fawn back and white belly with black markings. Lightback, Fawn and Cream Same group slightly older: Here is a lightback female:

My lightbacks have had black beaks. Black tail, black beak.

Much love to you and yours.

Great Scott! I think you're right! Brilliant. On my way to enroll in comic-con. Till next time our 'voyages' meet again (I might have fudged those sayings- never got into star treck- was more of a star wars chick if I had to choose, haha!)

Emmy- you know you can always ask. Im happy to help. Interesting thoughts regarding transferring the babies- maybe I should take a break from avian science and switch to teleportation studies. Quantum physics here I come!

Confirm humidity is over 50% in brooder to prevent dehydration First 12 hours- NO FOOD (feeding at this time can cause death) 12-24 hours give electrolyte solution with a pinch of formula (still like water) every 2 hours (ensure yolk sac is digested before proceeding with thicker formula) 2-6 days 1 part formula to 3 parts water day 7 switch to 2 parts water to 1 part formula formula per feeding should be 10% bodyweight, crop should stay FULL with the exception of allowing it to empty once every 24 hours. I have very detailed instructions on my site: http://www.fetchingfinches.com/dedicated-breeders

I am not familiar with that product- I gave it a quick google and found 'some' information but it was rather vague. It says 'bakery products' so I am assuming it is not corn based and the protein amount seems good,. The instructions on the bottle however are for parrots- Mixing formula to that specification would increase the chance of death considerably.

Sending you happy thoughts.... again. Come join my flock- we can use a kind soul (instead of my scientific jumble... hehe) If you are in dubai in the next few months- I have 30 babies who need handfeeding !

I specifically say... and you heard me taught it instructions are not worth the paper they are written on. The box, especially if you are using Katee Exact (in my experience) is not meant for passerine. The BMR of passerine birds is generally about 65% greater than that of non-passerines (parrots), nutritional requirements are different and their body temperature is about two degrees higher (around 42°C) and therefore is digested differently. That formula is made for parrots- not seed eating ADHD little birds. People can argue one way or another. They may have used it with success.....but........ (this is a brash example) 'My father ate candy every day and never became a diabetic'. Doesnt mean that excess sugar is a good thing........and it doesnt mean that the choice of formula- or the ratio of administering is a good idea. Dont think that 'would still be here' That is a terrible thought Emmy- I know your heart, and I know you are sad but dont discredit yourself. He wouldnt have made it as far without you. *Many hugs your way from my flock. I use Pavodan (but I am adding many things or make my own with good success). But I would say try and purchase Lafeber's Instant Nutri-Start- many places will ship (too expensive for me to ship as I go through a tub of formula every 3 days!).

Where did you read to stop night Feedings? Formula between 3-6 days should be 3 parts water, 1 part formula. I elaborated considerably on my website, the 'dedicated breeders' section is pretty extensive. Try giving that a look (a lot of info I found online before is outdated). I finished a couple studies, and Actually was able to confirm a hypothesis regarding protein ratios (babies all grew to be 10% larger than their parents!). http://www.fetchingfinches.com/dedicated-breeders Again, so sorry about the little guy.

Corn based formulas are really meant for parrots- not seed eating birds - while people may use it, it is not ideal. I used a corn based formula in the past- but there was too much of a glucose fluctuation. I make it a point to not lose a single hand fed baby (still have a clean record, and I hand feed ALL my babies, currently there are 23 little ones and more on the way to give you an idea) so I was able to find a formula with a better base ingredient. But I looked at your other posts and images (blog)- the chick was severely dehydrated. And 'not pooping' means it was not being fed enough (at 6 days old- that is minimum 3 night feedings- I still keep it at 4). The crop should only empty once every 24 hours (while the chick is sleeping). It takes about 2-3 hours for the crop to empty. Hypoglycemia sets in minutes, not hours with these little guys.

Oh my... Just read your last post. So sorry

They can't go all night until they have pin feathers- at 6 days, it should be 4 night Feedings. And that chick is dehydrated! Yipes. Fluids now!

It is a indication of proper humidity/temp and stimulation/dietary. They should have the same amount of fluff. Check to see if it is matted down on the skin (can often happen). But if it is void, check to make sure you are not using a formula that is corn based. That 'leather" look is dehydration- no doubt about it. Take action now- make sure humidity is at least 50% and baby should be fed every hour (through the night as well) with a short break for the crop to empty overnight (4 hour break).

It is a indication of proper humidity/temp and stimulation/dietary. They should have the same amount of fluff. Check to see if it is matted down on the skin (can often happen). But if it is void, check to make sure you are not using a formula that is corn based.

Welcome!

Yes, they often will. Basically I have seen them feed anything that is crying... (including cocktails, lol)

@SarahR Just an observation: I only seem to have a problem with my Blackbreasted hens with nesting, they seem more moody (more territorial, and picky). Im experimenting with preventing disease (vermin) in the nests, so I have been using a combination of different materials, and add a herbal compound (Pau D' Arco and otherwise) to make sure pests dont invade the nests. So far, results have been very positive. As far as nesting material, I find the quail feathers interesting, do you gather them yourself, or do you order sterilized? So far I have used: Sisal fiber, coconut fiber, cotton pod fiber, jute, grasses (spelt, oat, barley, etc), horse hair, fresh flowers and torn tissue paper and of course the birds will utilize anything they can carry (millet strands, veggies, anything).

In this aviary space, I kept low density of birds... Im trying to determine the ideal space considerations for the finches. And then I can also keep a close eye on my penguin He built a nest- but his lady friend doesnt approve. So he keeps going, and she keeps taking it apart. So I have many enclosures with different setups. I have found that my finches, respond better to nest baskets- woven (parakeet size), in comparison to the boxes. Although I have one pesky ****** who decided that an external seed dish was a good idea: Needless to say- looks like that pair would prefer a next box, and that this type of exterior feeder is a waste of money. HAHA Then I offer a range of things (10 different kinds of things) for nest building, and they all seem to have a preference. There is an interesting article on nest building: http://cognitioninthewild.wptest.st-andrews.ac.uk/files/2013/05/Muth-2012-Zebra-Finches-build-nests-that-do-not-resemble-their-natal-nest.pdf

Congratulations. I only have one penguin cock, who is paired with a black breasted fawnhen in a small aviary setting (6 birds, big space). The penguin is the last to breed... he is a terrible nest builder, and territorial. lol Waiting for my favorite mutation babies.... and of course it is the last! Your father is a lucky man.

Or creams/silver. I have a group now, just a wee bit older than yours. Fawn, 2 cream and uber light cream (basically white) with no tear marks from a ds/LB and fawn.

Link doesn't work for me (on my phone) I'll try later on my computer.

Oodles more work. I have two differing opinions... Big question marks.... and honestly, still very, confused. Has to assume my cock is a DS LB. but some say it is not possible and many others say that it is.... But I am sure I have creams, and a fawn. But Saya, Im pretty sure lightback... but thinking male. Im basically running in circles.

Thank you so much Emmy, I think im in for a surprise... that my cock may not be what I thought it was. Yipes!