Introduction
.
Before buying any finches or waxbills, you will need to decide which species you want to keep, bearing in mind that these birds should all come from similar environments e.g. dry arid regions, forested regions etc.
Your next step is to find as much information as you possibly can on the birds you have decided to keep. Search the Internet, read books and magazines, ask known breeders, ask members of the club. Unfortunately information on some species will be difficult to find. However assistance can be obtained from experienced club members or from knowledge of the geographical regions that they are found in. By establishing which geographical region the birds come from, this will enable you to assess which foods are most predominant in your birds diets, namely grasses, fruit etc.
Before releasing any new birds into your aviaries first ensure that they are quarantined for at least 14 days. Quarantine could either take place in a specific aviary set aside for this purpose or in double breeders, this however depends on the amount of space you have or the finances you have available to create a quarantine area.
All new birds will be susceptible to stress and it is therefore imperative that this be eliminated as soon as possible so that they can settle down and recover. Whilst in quarantine you can treat these new birds for worms and other parasites etc. and ensure that they are healthy before releasing them into your aviaries, thereby avoiding contamination of your breeding stock.
Action to be taken Level of importance
Introducing new birds to your aviary.
1. Ring all new birds for future identification. Use colour code. 2
2. Ensure that your aviaries provide shelter in the form of shrubs grasses, blou bos etc.
where the birds can feel safe when threatened. 1
3.When releasing new birds into the aviary, do this in the morning so that the birds can settle, locate food, water and shelter before sunset. 1
4. Provide termites and other forms of live food in abundance, as all waxbills
and finches rely heavily on live food, not only when breeding but also in their daily diets. 1
5.A shallow birdbath is required to encourage bathing ; regular bathing
improves birds health and wellbeing.. 1
6. Your aviary should be positioned in such a way as to provide as much sunlight
as possible for your birds as well as being protected from the elements. 1
7. Always ensure that there are enough sheltered roosting sites so that your birds can escape inclement weather and are able to roost in a sheltered environment at night. 1
8. Provide a low wattage night light in the shelter of the aviary to enable birds that have taken fright to settle. It also enables them to find food which enables them to regulate their body temperature in winter. A 15w globe is recommended. 1
9. Supplements such as Avi stress, Effective Micro-Organisms can be applied to the drinking water to boost immune systems and to combat harmful bacteria and enhance nutrition absorption. 2
Summer Regimen. (Ensure all of the above are in place).
Fresh softfood is to be provided every day. This should include items like grated carrot, and Brocolli, Garlic cloves,Cede mix, Avi-plus, sprouted seed, etc. This softfood should be protected from the elements. 1
Plant grass seed either directly in the aviary or in pots/trays as feed for your birds
remembering that in the wild they feed predominantly on grass seed heads.
Protect the young grass growth from the birds, giving it a chance to develop 1
.
Provide live food in the form of termites, mealworms, fruit flies regularly.
During the breeding periods ensure that live food is always available. 1
Plant Nasturtiums, Chick Weed, and Dandelion etc. to attract insects into your aviary as well as providing natural anti biotic when your birds feed on these plants. 1
Always provide a variety of nesting materials and nesting sites so that the birds can
choose where they feel more secure and to prevent squabbling. 1
Always ensure that the group of birds being kept in one aviary are compatable to avoid intereference and bullying. 1
Winter Regimen.
There should not be any changes made to the Summer program for Winter as finches and waxbills normally breed from late Summer going into Winter. Birds from Central Africa as well as Northern Australia are predominantly Winter breeders due to the fact that their geographical areas are then cooler and more conducive to breeding. 1
. It is most important that your birds have access to sheltered early morning sunshine in
the winter to help them recover from a severely cold night. 1
Conclusion.
As serious Aviculturists, we are responsible for the successful propagation of the species we keep. Soon these little gems may no longer be available to us so it is imperative that we apply all the knowledge we have in keeping them healthy and productive.
It is also vital that any new experiences gained by Aviculturists are shared with club members and are documented for future reference.
Due to the iimport and export bans imposed by some countries, one can no longer rely on an
endless supply of birds and therefore it has become necessary to specialize and establish
excellent breeding stock amongst like minded aviculturists.
Level of importance
1. Absolutely Neccessary.
2. Necessary ( If possible).
RAS always welcomes new members. Should you like to know more about joining
Please email
megapower@icon.co.za
