Good news!

[Geoffrey]

The year's final batch of babies hatched recently (not sure what day, the mother almost never leaves the nest, and certainly not with people in the room). These belong to be most nervous hen, hence the belated birth announcement and inexact headcount. Last time she hatched 2, but refused to raise more than one. This time we think she has THREE!! I'm excited since she is my only mosaic female, and if I am lucky there might be one in the nest now (it would have to be female, since the male does not carry mosaic). I decided to leave the male and her first baby in the cage with her, which seems to have been a good choice. Mrs. Mosaic rarely has to leave the nest at all because her mate and the older baby bring her food to the nest! I'm hoping that with more birds pitching in, she'll raise all 3 babies this time.

Peachy's babies are getting in feathers as well, and all 3 are still going strong.

This brings the year's total to:
6 zebra finch babies (and an additional 3 born in the last few months of 2007)
8 canary babies

For 17 babies within the last 8 months!! I have 13 zebra finches and 12 canaries. :omy: :omy: :omy: (I don't tell non-bird people exact numbers anymore, they look at me like I am crazy).

I'll probably be thinning down the number in the near future (since the majority are babies that are destined for new homes), but before I do I am going to *try* to get a picture of each one. Be warned, a 25photo thread may appear early next week! (when I go home after the first summer school session is over).

[Shirley]

:emot-danc Congratulations!! :emot-danc

[Geoffrey]

Side note: Anyone want a canary? :p

[Eriisu-chan]

I want a canary!! Ship one over! :D

[CocosMomma]

Wow, congratulations Geoffrey! Make sure you get a pic of that baby mosaic!:thumbup:

... pay no mind to 'Isu... she wants EVERY bird she sees!!!!!!!
:rofl::rofl::rofl::rofl::rofl:

(Love ya, 'Isu!:tighthug:)!

[Eriisu-chan]

I love you too, Robin.

I've wanted a canary ever since my best friend's mom (quite a while back... 10 years, maybe?) brought one home... They're the ones that got me into birds in the first place. I loved going over to play, or go in the pool or whatever and hear that little orange guy belt out the cutest little tones...

Unfortunately, the friend in question lost a war with herself and passed away... I'd love to have a little feathered reminder of younger (not saying I'm old, here!) days when your only responsibility was putting on sunblock... :wub:

Plus, he'd be teaching great songs to my other birdies... and I'd get another fid to spoil and love forever and ever! :heart:

[Jim]

Congratulations!

Geoffrey wrote:
Mrs. Mosaic rarely has to leave the nest at all because her mate and the older baby bring her food to the nest!

Is an older baby bring food a common thing with canaries? Either way that's pretty cool.

[Geoffrey]

I don't actually know - not many people leave the babies in that long. I am assuming the older baby may be female, otherwise the male might be less cooperative.

I've had it happen once before when I left an older, female chick in the cage with the breeding pair and she just assisted in baby-care. The breeding male would NOT tolerate semi-adult male babies remaining in the cage, though.