Shaftails and RCCB more pics 10/12

[cindy]

Donna, I forgot to mention, we had a bit of a challenge sexing the Shaftails. The breeder's wife took her time (about 20 minutes) to catch and sex for a good pair, she wanted to make sure we had a pair and not two of the same sex. She was very patient in catching the perfect birds and gave me a few choices of females. The picture posted does not do them justice.

[dfcauley]

Donna, I forgot to mention, we had a bit of a challenge sexing the Shaftails. The breeder's wife took her time (about 20 minutes) to catch and sex for a good pair, she wanted to make sure we had a pair and not two of the same sex. She was very patient in catching the perfect birds and gave me a few choices of females. The picture posted does not do them justice.

Shaftails can sometimes be difficult to sex. But once you hear the male sing there is no question. I think it is a very beautiful song.

That is GREAT prices on those birds.

Waiting for more pictures once they settle in.

[cindy]

The male finally stopped singing, he sang all the way home in the car, and for the first few hours, some of the calls are funny. I love watching them. The female likes the green zip ties around the plant stems, she is pecking them ( I trimmed the excess ends off, they are on good and tight so she can't get a toe caught).

Both pairs are eating and checking things out. The RCCB are shy for sure, they hide in the big leaves in the middle of the cage. I love the blue on the RCCB, so cute.


All my other birds are singing and hopping around and flitting everywhere. I think they can hear the newcomers from the other rooms.

[earlybird09]

Sounds like they are settling in nicely! Congrats! I to also look forward to seeing some more pictures once they settle in! Do you plan on breeding both pairs in the future?

[cindy]

I do plan on breeding them. I am in no rush, I figure if they givem little chicks that is a plus if not I just enjoy them. The male Shaftail is already poking and singing to the female, I think he is getting cozy with her, trying to ask for a date. She better say yes cuz there isn't to far she can go to run away.

[earlybird09]

well there ya go! He is trying. Maybe things would move a little faster if he offered her chocolate and flowers? Also if he payed for dinner and a movie?

[cindy]

Hey I will throw in the lobster and champagne!

[earlybird09]

Kudos to you!

[CandoAviary]

Congratulations on you new family members. They look very nice and I know they will love their new home with all the care and love you give. I am sure they will settle in in no time.
Those were some good prices also

[cindy]

Thanks Candace. The Shaftails have some very different calls and whistles. My dogs keep barking from the other room when they hear them, one sounds like our neighbor next door when he calls the dog!!! My dogs go running to the window looking for the guy and his dog...ha ha it was just the Shaftails.

[L in Ontario]

Hope I'm not too late to join in and say Congratulations on all the new birds. They look and sound wonderful! Way to go Cindy - terrific choices you made today!!

[cindy]

Never to late Liz, thank you. They are settling in nicely. I had to add another tree branch in the Shaftail cage, for some reason the female had trouble flying to the upper branch from the one in the middle of the flight.

My daughter helped hold the branch in place, her arm was in the cage through the door, the shaftail stayed up at the top and watched. They got bold and came down closer to her.

I was working on the back to fasten the end to the bars, they didin't stir, just watched. I could not believe they came down for a closer look at my daughter. They are bold and friendly. I can be right next to the cage and they don't mind a bit. All three of us are very happy with our new additions, my daughter love the shaftail.

It was a good day for sure!!!!!

[Sally]

Congrats on all the new birds--sounds like you did very well with prices, too. I love the CBs, first had a pair of RCCBs back in the 70's. They won't keep hiding forever, just need to get comfortable.

[cindy]

Sally, I went in to water the RCCB this morning and they where flitting around checking out the canary twig nest in the plants.If I put my hand in to change the food bowl they fly to the nearest plant and wait, unlike my GBreast which fly frantically all about. They have a soft song. Can't wait to move them from the back room and have them join the other birds.

The Shaftail have a few very unusal calls and sounds, some are a bit funny. I tried to get better pics today,

[CandoAviary]

They look awesome and your cages too