Rosie, above, is covering three babies. Photo was taken today, Nov. 25, 2012. Our hen Rosie's third clutch this year was delayed because I moved them to a different room after their second clutch and even gave them a different nest box. They had to readjust, so she didn't immediately return for a third clutch like our other hens did. Everyone else's are fledged and even sold, but her last three are shown below. I banded the two oldest this morning.
Although it is winter in the Pacific Northwest where we live, as long as there is enough light, warmth and adequate healthy food, birds can reproduce any time of the year. It is, however, best to limit your pairs to two or three clutches per year. It's physically draining, mostly to the hens, but saps the dads too. Make sure they have plenty of calcium sources available. See other posts for more information on that.
Slightly blurry photo above because this camera doesn't do well up close. However, I have a new digital camera coming soon! Ordered from Amazon, it will also take video's which I'll be able to post.
Hurray!
Above is their daddy, Pretty Boy. He is out of Bonnie and Clyde. Bonnie was out of Rhett and Scarlett (see the connection?). Clyde came from a bird show and his eyes are smallish, sort of flat at the bottom. Pretty Boy inherited that slightly "squinty-eyed" feature. Most of our other Bourkes have large, round eyes.
Two young Bourkes, a Rosy and a Normal. Both were bred here and have our typical large, round eyes.
May all your eggs hatch and your babies grow into beautiful birds.
Peace and Blessings.
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