Bit the Bird Fair Bullet

[Paulette]

Well, I took the plunge and signed up for a table at the bird fair on Sunday and sold some birdies. :whistle: I took my 4 young zebra finches, 3 young budgie hens, and 6 lovies (3 of Hope's and 3 of Tweety's). Sold everybirdie except 2 of Tweety's babies. With the exception of a few disapointments...Not bad at all. I was suppose to share a table and split rent, but ok not a big deal....I'm a big girl. Some buyers were impressed with my handout...I also took pictures of the parent birds which most people didn't have the slightest clue or even care, but those who breed birds were interested. Several people said that my birds looked more healthy than others so that made me feel really good. The only problem is I came home with more than 2 left over birds. :blush: I bought 2 budgies, a blue female for Lucky and a male that I didn't need because I have more males than females, but he's a stunning lime color and I couldn't resist. Plus....I got a pair of green peach faces that are supposed to be a breeding pair, layed eggs for my newly found birdie friend with no babies, but had babies for the previous owner before her......but a man showed me how to sex my lovies by the pelvic bones(I had been totally doing it wrong and no wonder I just didn't get it---they all feel bony to me).....and I truely believe this pair are females (that was my second disapointment). One of them has a puffy vent and If I were a betting woman, I'd say it has recently been laying eggs. I'm sure they need to build up their calcium levels.....and have a good period of rest. I suspect that Sunny and Peaches are both males, they've had a nest box since Oct. they seem like the only likely mates for these 2 green peach faces(red faces) which are ADORABLE by the way. Especially since I just read that you should not breed two red eyed birds together if you want healthy babies, according to Vera Appleyards Lovie handbook. I'll try to get around a post some pics this week.

[HeatherH]

I cant wait for the bird fair down here :)

[Angelwing]

Especially since I just read that you should not breed two red eyed birds together if you want healthy babies, according to Vera Appleyards Lovie handbook.

Hmm, did the book explain why?


I'll try to get around a post some pics this week.

You'd better!

Sounds like you had a good time at the fair. I wish there were bird faires here. :(

[Janie]

..but a man showed me how to sex my lovies by the pelvic bones(I had been totally doing it wrong and no wonder I just didn't get it---they all feel bony to me).....and I truely believe this pair are females (that was my second disapointment)

Paulette, what he taught you does work.....50% of the time! :lol I know that people do say you can tell by the pelvic bone but if they get it right, that was the right half of the 50% thing. If someone checks and says it's a male and then that male lays an egg....that's the wrong half of 50%. It's a real hit or miss.

Glad you had a good experience at the show. :)

[MrsDutchy]

I found out today that here in Holland they aren't allowing any more bird fairs/shows at all due to the bird flu in europe. Urgh I was so loooking forward to going to my FIRST one next month, but no more :(

[Paulette]

Thanks Lisa...it was an experience....all things considered.....and I just might do it again. The book says breeding two red eyed parents is not considered a good practice. your healthiest clutches with the highest percentages of lutino babies will come from the pairing of a lutino hen and a green split lutino cock.

My Sunny is a lutino and my Peaches is a seagreen creamino with apricot brow. But as Janie said the pelvic feel is only 50% and a man felt of Sunny and Peaches in July when I was buying them and said Sunny definately male....Peaches young female, but as I recall he wasn't sure and I do think the bird people like to help each other make a sale. If the birds are too young you really can't tell and their bones are so flexible, and I believe that was the case for Peaches.....now that I know some of the behaviors plus the pelvic feel....I think she's a male. I can't see putting money into feather/blood testing if it is not 100% sure either....and from the buzz around here, it isn't. Ultimately that cost would have to be passed on the the buyer. I'm not sure people would pay. And well, I'm hands on and to each his own....now that I know what to feel for....the person that explained it to me before didn't make it clear. It is quite simple, but some birds are harder to tell, in my experience with my birds, the hard to tells one are too young. Time will tell.

Gina....someday you get to visit a bird fair. At least people are taking precautions with the bird flu.