what would you do ????

[scotty]

I'm undecided what to do, I'm expecting Blush to breed, but who knows:confused: I,as a rule keep paper on the bottom of the cage, but when I change it Blush goes nuts!! now my delemma: should I put paper down so that IF she has babies they will be able to walk on the bottom with out getting there feet stuck, OR should I leave the bottom just bars, because it's easier for me to clean the cage, and not stressful for Blush???? :scratchch I like the idea of the papers,there cut just the right size BUT I have to fold it in half then open it to lay it flat ,Lee jumps on my hand to watch, BUT BLUSHhttp://content.sweetim.com/sim/cpie/emoticons/000201ED.gif (http://www.sweetim.com/s.asp?im=gen&ref=10) !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[CocosMomma]

If it were me, I would do whatever was least stressful for her. Is she really stressing out, or is she being generally unhappy and ornery that you are messing with her abode? But you can also wait to see if she does breed and then make a decision. If you have to, could you remove the grate and then lay down the papers?

In the past I have put newspaper through the paper shredder and used that to cover the bottom. Once the babies are big enough to be out of the nest, would they still be the size that they might get their feet stuck?

[scotty]

what ever I decide, I wan't to do it now so she's use to the papers, if thats what I choose to do. Soooooo basically what I'm asking is, COULD there legs get caught in the bars? and also I'm thinking that if paper are down then they can pick and feed on there own, because the food won't fall through.....am I making any sence :confused: ....if I'm not tell me :shrug2:

[Shirley]

Here's what we do. We leave the bottom just cage bars with the tray beneath the bars. When the babies come out of the nest box of their own accord, we put paper towels down for about 3 or 4 days so they can hobble around a little easier. Then they are perching. We no longer use the papers. We never worry about Bourke's stressing. Compared to the large parrots or Gouldian finches, they don't know what stress is. You may never see her breed. They are rather quick and private. We rarely see that sort of action. Now parrotlets... that's another story!

The best thing you can do is just do as you wish, without worrying, and without hesitation, and they'll be fine, they really will. :tighthug:

Put some Harrison's Adult Lifetime Mash in there for them to eat... now throughout breeding season and throughout feeding their babies. 24/7 in addition to their usual diet. When the babies come out of the nestbox, keep that plus millet on the cage bottom all the time until they can eat pellets and such. Millet and mash are the first things their little beaks can handle.

[scotty]

ok, I gottcha :heart: