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How old
Dec 5, 2004 10:45:01 GMT 10
Post by AussieBirds on Dec 5, 2004 10:45:01 GMT 10
I wasn't to sure where to post this topic but this is as good a place as any I guess. I will relate this to Cockatiels as they seem to be the most bred bird on our forum but if you have a comment regarding other species ofbirds please feel free to post your comments here.
How long do you keep your birds as breeders do they have a used by date? do they reach a point where they wont breed any more? And if so what do you do with the ones that are finished thier breeding life, is there a retirement home for birds? what happens to birds that have passed the breeding age?
I have a special aviary for my older budgies where they are treated with a bit of extra TLC and are allowed to just pass away from old age.
John
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How old
Dec 5, 2004 10:53:18 GMT 10
Post by Catbird on Dec 5, 2004 10:53:18 GMT 10
Hi John, I have the same. "Retired' birds are given much love and care in their older years. I'd never 'knock them on the head' because they no longer performed. They've been good to me over the years, and letting them grow old gracefully is one thing I can do to repay them.  I've noticed that some birds will stop breeding earlier than others, and some just need a break for a season or two. - Claire |
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How old
Dec 5, 2004 18:24:51 GMT 10
Post by josiedownunda on Dec 5, 2004 18:24:51 GMT 10
So far I haven't really got to that stage with my breeders as I got them very young but I know I have my original few pairs that started me off that will remain with me for life! I have 4 pairs that fit into that category now so I may have to be careful or I will eventually have to stop being a breeder and end up being a retirement village.LOL Not sure about the rest yet as some are fairly new birds and others haven't started breeding yet so I will have to see what happens. I guess if they get to about 4 years old and I have young off-spring coming up from them then I would consider selling them to keep the flock young.
Jo-Anne
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Post by lovemytiels on Dec 7, 2004 9:26:30 GMT 10
Hi John, When surfing the net looking for info on tiels, I came across a web site from America & he had a grey tiel caught from the wild of Australia & it lived to the ripe old age of I believe about 29 years & it was still breeding up to the year before it died. With some of my older & they are not that old (only about 7 years) old pairs I sometimes give them a year without breeding & I must admit with a better diet than they have ever had due to this great forum they are in tip top condition with one pair producing nothing less than 6 babies a clutch. I myself have what I calll my disabilty cage where all the birds that have some defect or another go & are looked after with lots of TLC as I cann't put down a bird just because it has no tail or a deformed beak etc. If they made it this far they all deserve a chance to live & be happy for how ever long they are with me for & this would also go for any tiels that can no longer produce offspring. Cheers for now Anna Olive
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Smiley
Bronze Member
Posts: 194
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How old
Dec 7, 2004 14:32:51 GMT 10
Post by Smiley on Dec 7, 2004 14:32:51 GMT 10
I also have some old ones that breed for me...They would be in there 30's.But I only let them have one lot.Birds will breed for you at any age,as long as they are in tip top condtion...But I think it will be the last time for the oldies.I have a very large avairy for them to stay in 12x8..I would never part with any of my mates..Some times when it is cold weather at night I bring some in.They just dont seen to cope all that well when it is cold..I have only lost one of my mates due to old age..He was 40 years old..Dear Samuel I still miss you  Natalie |
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