New Bourke's chicks

[Virgil]

I am pleased to report that the second clutch from the normal Bourke's produced three chicks from six eggs; (their first clutch produced only 1 chick from six eggs and I was worried about the fertility of the male - who is about eight years old now).
I am keeping all these offspring in hopes of having a hen to mate with my 'new' normal male split for Rosy. He is currently with the two Rosy's (supposedly a pair, but who/how can sex a Rosy?). In about four months, I hope to know which of the young I want to keep and which will be available for new homes.
Virgil

[Shirley]

Congrats! You can DNA them after around weaning age - or younger - I use avianbiotech.com $19.50 ea blood on a blotter.

[Virgil]

Thanks Shirley. I will look avianbiotech up on line and go from there. The Rosy's are supposedly old enough to be breeding (a year old), so I should have them tested asap.
Virgil

[Virgil]

Bourke's Update:
First I had the Rosy Bourke's DNA sexed by AvianBiotech as per Shirley's recommendation and I have two hens.....
Currently one Rosy hen is in the nest box with the normal male split to Rosy, but no eggs yet. I will be mating the other Rosy hen to my now widowed male.
My normal hen died on the nest when her three babies were only about two weeks old. Thanks to Shirley's expert advice I have been hand feeding the babies. I lost one because I had to leave town for two days and the youngest did not survive. The other two are not eating from a dish and welcome me with open wings at feeding time (I have cut the feedings to 2 or 3 times daily now. They are caged with their older sibling in hopes they will learn to eat from him/her. I am currently keeping all three young normals to mate with either the Rosy hens (if males) or with the normal male split for Rosy (if hens). Meanwhile I am looking for a reasonably priced nice guaranteed male Pink.
Virgil

[Shirley]

Hi Virgil --
I'm glad you had success with your babies, and so sorry the youngest didn't make it. Thank you for the updates! :wub:

[Virgil]

The two baby Bourke's are now eating from a bowl on their own. They still insist on formula which I make up twice a day for them. They should be weaned by the end of the month - feeding them has certainly kept me tied down.
I am very excited to report that there were three eggs in the Rosy/Normal Split nest box.
BTW I have never observed Bourke's mating, but obviously it occurs. Does in occur in the nest box?
Virgil

[Shirley]

yes and it also occurs in plain sight. They do tend to be rather discreet, though. Congrats on your babies! I'll bet they are very tame!

[Sue]

Congratulations!!! and sorry about the baby.

[Virgil]

Well I now have 11 Bourke's! The two hand fed chicks are weaned and are so very friendly that I doubt if I can part with them.
The Rosy hen and split male fledged 4 chicks - 2 rosy and 2 split for rosy. Unfortunately the other Rosy hen and my old normal male produced 5 clear eggs so I broke up the nest and put them both into the community flight. He is about 10 years old and I wonder about his fertility. Thus, I am looking for a mature Bourke male - preferably a Rosy or a Pink. Otherwise I will have to wait for my three juveniles (who are all sibs, but from two clutches) to mature - am sure there should be at least one male amongst the three.
Any Bourke match makers in NW Indiana?

[Jean]

They are beautiful Bourke's! :heart:

[luisa]

Congratulations, sorry about young died baby but you have a lot them more.