hi I might get cut-troats

[shanny2]

i had zebras before

[shox]

shanny2,

Bourkes are very easy to maintain, i have three pair and have bred 13 young since nest boxes have gone in since about end of july and our down again. All they require is good feed avigrain small parrot mix, greens such as endive, lebanese cucumber, sunflower seed. However how big is your aviary, they like a bit of flight room as they exercise mornings, lunchtime and evenings. I would only get one pair and a pair of either painted finches or star finches. You will need a parrot sized nest box. They handle all weather conditions well but i suggest a sydney sand not river sand based floor. They also like to bath frequently so a small bird bath would be ideal (take out in winter).
If your lucky a pair of normals can breed rosa bourke young.

[jusdeb]

Ive got rosy / creme splits gawjus little birds , make the best noises of all the neophemas . Can be a bit nasty at breeding season ( Ive got a husband basher here I have to watch ) .

[finchbreeder]

Yes, but would either of you keep Bourkes in an avairy under 2m square?
LML

[shox]

exactly finchbreeder as i said what size aviary does shanny have, they like to have some flight area,

[jusdeb]

Yes a single breeding pair only and I would not reccomend them as a first bird due to the aggression at breeding time . All my neophemas are in large breeding cages as single pairs . I have had long time and well respected breeders see my set up and approve of them and the birds are all healthy and breed readily without losing condition .
I truly beleive that birds monitored closely for signs of ill effect can be housed in alternative types of accommodation.

[shox]

I must be lucky deb, have had bourkes for many years have housed several pairs together, never seen them fight, have had cock birds chase another when first looking to mate but never fight. Must have a docile strain.

[jusdeb]

My girl was accidently paired of with a girl for 2 years before a long time breeder visited and pointed out that I had 2 girls , one was very boyish . Took out 1 girl and replaced it with a boy ...not a happy girl now she wants her girlfriend back and doesnt like the boy at all.
Know of people who have had Bourkes inflict fatal wounds on each other in large under stocked aviaries . And know a lady with a handreared , gentle as a lamb. Like you said different strains perhaps , guess they are like people some can just be nasty buggers
The key is to get to know your birds , watch them and monitor them , if they arent doing well then change things .

[shox]

deb,

at the moment only got young a week out of the nest with rosa"s not sure if cock of hen if you want a male for your unhappy hen , glad to try and get one to you when a little older

[jusdeb]

Thanx Shox she has a boy but sheesh she is giving him a hard time ...what do you reckon about taking out the nest box and giving them time to bond more ???