Ruddies

[Jayburd]

My ruddies now have a nest - will post pics when i get around to it

[toothlessjaws]

John,

i have had the same problem - with a strawberry hen she looked perfect in the cage when i bought her, but got her home and found she couldn't fly. i remember the seller being rather rough and careless with catching her, and whilst i understand how delicate and tricky they can be to catch - birds being damaged when caught for you after you agree to them its something that infuriates me. the other problem is that if the bird is caged, you have absolutely no way of telling if it can fly or not prior to taking it home.

anyhow, i kept my bird in a small cage for about 3 weeks hoping the small space would allow her wing to heal but it never did. she is perfectly healthy but i can see that one wing is held a touch higher than ususal, im guessing it was broken when she was caught and has healed this way. still, apart from being very timid due to her disability, she can hop and flutter up into the branches to roost with the other birds and her mate. sadly however i don't think she will breed unless i try a cage.

i just got home a new OB hen who appears to be doing the same. struggling to fly. i'm hoping i don't end up with another flightless bird...

[cranberry]

I hate hearing stuff like that. You spend all that money on good quality birds only to have them harmed by some thoughtless person. Is there any way you can go back to the seller and let them know? That's why I plan to hook up a trapping cage inside the aviary for that very purpose. Have a look at bluebutterfly213's post to see how she rigged one up.

[JohnP]

That's why I plan to hook up a trapping cage inside the aviary for that very purpose. Have a look at bluebutterfly213's post to see how she rigged one up.

What do one of these look like and where can they be sourced. I am always very nervous at trying to catch the birds for the very reason I fear injuring them and as a result their capture with nets is very distressing for both me and them

[Mickp]

John have a look at this link
Feeding & Catching Cage
takes you to Diane's post about the one she made

[JohnP]

Thanks Mick, and well done Diane.

[finchbreeder]

That's using your initiative Diane. Lucky me I inherited a proffesionnaly made finch trap from my Dad.
LML

[fincher]

hey finchbreeder is ur trap one of the old style ones that were wooden and a lil wire as they were the best very hard to get now days only can find the wire mesh ones now which arnt as good

[southy]

I have been reading these posts about this ruddie with interest as I know the bloke who sold him(he drove me to the sale) & I met the bloke who bought it at the sale.
What I do know is that the ruddie was perfectly healthy before it was caught & taken to the sale obviously it was hurt at some time transferring it from cage to cage to cage.These things happen especially when being caught by inexperienced & nervous handlers it is never easy catching a bird in a small cage but as you gain experience & relax very few injuries happen.
I know sometimes when I catch a bird in a small cage it might look rough but because I am relaxed & I get a feel for the birds very fer injuries happen if any.
What you have to remember these birds are tiny & to sprain a joint is easy.
I am starting to rave on a bit here, when all meant to say was sometimes these things happen but with confidence it gets easier.
Another point I will bring up is I am strictly against using traps in aviaries as I have never being able to only get the bird you want in the trap first up therefore you are unnecessarily stressing a lot of birds unnecessarily.
USE A net & get confident with it.

[JohnP]

Hey Southy, good post. The good news is that Kev is fine and flying around quite well, in fact he is chasing the other ruddy cock I got on the day. I agree that sometimes the birds can be little buggers to catch in such a small carry box and like every bird you buy at a show you are working on trust that they can actually fly before you commit to buying. Alls well that ends well.