Success

07 May 2010, 19:55

I am happy to note that a pair of my Orange Breasted's have fledged four chicks, two of which are strong and healthy and two that are somewhat smaller and weaker. They have been out of the nest at differing stages this week but because I leave for work before they come out of the nest and it is dark and they are back in the nest before I get home I go with the reports my good wife tells me each day.........looking forward to the weekend to see for my self. The two weaker ones were just sitting in the sun yesterday so the wife picked them up and put them back in the nest before dark last night (shes a good girl).

The cock bird is approx 8 years old (not real sure as I inherited him) so this may be the first and only batch he figures in as he is from all reports very aged at 8 for breeding.

If I wish to tag the new chicks at what stage would this be best?..now or wait a while?

Might see what they are up to on the weekend and see if I can get a few shots of the the newbies.

08 May 2010, 18:13

cool! really happy for you.

(dammit, how'd you DO that!!!!!????

)

08 May 2010, 18:33

Congratulations on the newbies.Good to see the cock finally gets to pass on his genes.
Tag ?Take photos anytime to share.

08 May 2010, 20:34

congrats john, when mine fledged one was smaller and a bit scruffier but 1 week later he/she is well and truly catching size wise. Also one is paler in the breast, have u noticed anything like that with yours?

JohnP wrote:If I wish to tag the new chicks at what stage would this be best?..now or wait a while?

I'm guessing your talking about leg rings, personally I'd wait until they aren't dependent on mum and dad. At this age if u chase em' around with a net they'll either fly into something and get hurt or they'll get extremely exhausted as they arent use to long distance flying yet. Thats just my opinion, Hope this helps.

08 May 2010, 20:37

With ringing, I like to leave it as late as possible for the reasons already mentioned, but be careful not to leave it too late. You do want to be sure you still know who are mum and dad.
LML

08 May 2010, 22:05

Got to see the little ones myself today. All four are doing well apart from one scruffy looking character who obviously is the last hatching, had to place it back in the nest area this evening as it did not appear to fly up there under own steam as did the siblings. Going by the amount of white on the wings it is in my opinion around four days younger than the others. They all appear to be of similar colouring at this stage. I ahve taken some photos which I will upload once I get them off the camera.

On the leg ringing it makes sense what is siad about waiting a few weeks until they are stronger and more independent. Thanks for the feed back to all.

09 May 2010, 18:30

Just thought I would share my snaps of the new four with all and also let you know that I now have a fifth newbie in the form of a ruddy chick. Not sure how many yet as I don't like doing nest inspections but from a distance I can see at least one.

Scruffy.jpg

Newbies 1.jpg

Newbies 2.jpg

Newbies 4.jpg

Newbies 3.jpg

Not real good photos, need to get a new camera, might see if someone will buy me a SLR for some reason

09 May 2010, 20:45

That's a sight I hope to see again. But nothing yet.
LML