Must be a dilute.

Possibly so, I don't know how much individual variation there is within each mutation. I also wondered if he inherited a dark factor from his mother (because it looks like she has at least one) and how this might skew the coloring in different parts of the body.

Hmmm... I don't think a dark factor would affect the wing color at all. Dark factors and violet factors affect the feather structure, which changes the appearance of melanin in the inner core of the feather. The wing markings are caused by melanin on the outer layer of the feather and are not affected by structure. That's why the markings look black (which is the true color of the melanin) and not green or blue. When there's less melanin in the outer layer the markings look grey because the melanin has been thinned out enough for some of the white feather structure underneath to show through.

Here he is being a big boy and eating on his own with his sisters.

He's a VERY handsome boy. I'd love to have a budgie that looked like that, although I also wouldn't mind if the purple color was a bit darker lol.

I don't know if it's true or not (actually it seems kind of impossible) but I've read that budgie parents don't feed the babies after they fledge. So he may be weaned pretty quickly.

Eh, I wouldn't know. I never raised baby birds. And if I ever do, they would most likely be cockatiels. You know how I feel about my tiels.

And I believe his sister, the third baby, is already on hold. Someone must love her violet.

He sure is a beautiful colour for a budgie...
I've never seen one like that...
Send him to me.... I'd luv him

I'm sure you would. But unfortunately, Beck needs a buddy. He's coming home with me.

I'm almost done with his quarantine cage. I figure that while he's separated I can let the little guy start a bond with me before he's introduced to other birds.

And, finished with the quarantine cage. I tried to make it a nursery theme since we all know I like themed decor. I think it went swimmingly. I had to deep clean it because Beaker and Jaid felt the need for several inspections. Now all it needs is baby _______.

WAITING!!