Peckedhen

Too late Chrisss, someone's already done it.......in the States!! ;D ;D http://www.birdwearonline.com/gallery.html

They vary....23-26 days.

Thanks Clockman. Yours next Wed/Thurs Lee. Sue

Photos of first round.

2008 Young birds almost ready to go to new homes.

That's good. Invalid.....do let us know how the bird goes on.

Yeah, I understand that and agree that the owner should have the decency to contact the finder. The bird comes from Ireland so, in all probability, the owner won't want to pay for it returning. :-/

Why contact the owner again? He obviously isn't concerned about having his bird returned; the finder of the bird wants to keep it and it's not going to be racing so, is a transfer necessary? :-/

Thirsty bird eating little...isn't that a sign of cocci? If the others think it is, then a tablet of Appertex will hopefully sort him out.

You might find it easier if you wrap him in a towel burrito style. Open his beak gently and pop one one bean in at a time. Push it towards the back a bit then close the beak - about a teaspoon of seeds is plenty. We really need to find out what is wrong with him and start treatment asap.

If he's not eating, his droppings will turn green. It is possible to pop seeds down his throat as long as there is no canker. (The yellow cheese like substance).

Personally, I'd keep him in, if he's not well; he does not need to expend energy keeping warm, you can monitor how much he is eating and note the state of his droppings. Have you tried offering him some seed?

I have sent you a PM. For a start open the birds beak and see if there is any yellow cheese like substance in there and let us know.

Cheers.

Is it still OK to put garlic in the water when they are feeding young? :-/

I've read a lot of bad news about Amtrak but, I used them yesterday and was pleasantly surprised. The young birds were collected in the afternoon and delivered before 10 am. The girl on the switch board couldn't give me a specific time for collection but, the guy who covers this area couldn't have been more helpful. He gave me 15 boxes though I only asked for six and also gave me his mobile phone number ss that, in future, I can find out an exact time for delivery or collection. :)

Thanks you for your kind words Mandi, I'm pleased that you're so happy with them. Sue

Thanks for the advice everyone. :)

I have a yearling cock paired to a proven three year old hen. She is one of my best hens and he is a lovely bird but, the eggs have been clear twice now. How many more chances would you give him? :-/ :-/

It's exciting isn't it? I remember my first babies - I looked at them that many times, it's amazing they survived!!! ;D. Good luck with them.

Well done Ben. It's worth a try to get it in Saga and good to see a youngster being proactive in keeping the sport going. Sue

Ben, I wouldn't put your address and phone number on an open forum. If it's not too late I'd advise you to remove it. Sue

You think an eggs exciting? Wait till you get your first babies! I'm still as excited, as each pair hatch, now as the first time. :)

Succinct as ever Fifer.

I used them in the past thinking they kept the eggs and ybs warm as clay nestbowls don't hold much warmth. This year, I've put a handful of Easibed in the bottom, straw and tobacco stalks - the birds seem just as happy and the ybs are thriving.