Rehabbing my (first ever) Blue Gouldians!!

[GouldieFledge]

Thanks for the tip, Elana. I've been keeping an eye on the nest because I don't want them to have babies--if I find any eggs, I plan on removing them. I figured this would be particularly important being that she has the splayed legs.

I didn't realize that blue-to-blue breeding is still advised against though, so thanks--good to know for any future endeavors.

The only thing I've found in the nest (so far) is sprigs of millet, haha!

[lovezebs]

GouldieFledge

If they form a strong bond as a pair, it may not be very easy to seperate them. She may not be willing to readily breed with another male.

Yes, Blue to Blue is still not considered a good idea.
I'm assuming it's to do with the smaller gene pool, plus the fact, that some of them still do tend to be somewhat more fragile.

Usually, it's recommended that you breed a Blue with a split to Blue, to get Blue (or some Blue) babies.

As to the fact that she's a bit splay legged.
I do believe, that most splay legged birds become that way, due to being squished in the nest, so I don't think it would affect her breeding capabilities.

[debbie276]

Just an FYI ... splayed leg is usual cause from slippery nesting material. The chick's can't grip enough to get their legs under them in the first few days. It is not because they are squished under the adults.

[lem2bert]

GouldieFledge

Wow what a difference, you did a great job !!! They are absolutely gorgeous. I love stories with happy endings , and that video was so cute, happy , healthy beautiful birds, you can't ask for more than that.

[Jen]

GouldieFledge
What a great story. I just found this thread and how nice to get to a happy ending! The Goulds are beautiful. You did such a wonderful job! Incredible....

[lovezebs]

GouldieFledge

I was just watching your little video, lol.
Boy oh boy, your little fellow is a good dancer, my girls would have been very impressed by all the action

Your girl is interested, but not quite ready yet, seeing as she's not actively participating in the dance (although she is pointing her tail at him, the little tease).

[GouldieFledge]

lem2bert@Jen Thank you very much!!! It was really rewarding to watch their progress

@debbie276 thanks for that information, I had no idea. I had assumed splayed legs were some sort of genetic issue, like hip dysplasia in a dog or something

@lovezebs it cracks me up! He's very dedicated, practicing his thing all day long. She most certainly is a tease! Every so often, she'll give him a little tail twitching, too..but no dice

[debbie276]

@debbie276 thanks for that information, I had no idea. I had assumed splayed legs were some sort of genetic issue, like hip dysplasia in a dog or something

If you notice splay leg in a chick you can hobble their legs so that they are under the chick and it will correct it's self fairly quickly.

[GouldieFledge]

debbie276 good to know! What exactly do you mean by "hobbling"? I'm picturing Kathy Bates in the movie Misery right now...

[debbie276]

Sorry, it's a term used mostly with horses, to tie or strap their legs together. It holds their legs under them so they can't do a split yet still allows them to be able to walk.