Where to get dry brush

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karlisa
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Posts: 164
Joined: 26 Aug 2017, 21:28
Location: penrith

Just setting up a new aviary and wondering where do people get their dry brush bunches from for nesting ?
Thanks
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Rod_L
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Posts: 495
Joined: 05 Mar 2018, 15:30
Location: Mandurah WA

I used live plants and green grass from my property. The grass dries out and gets used by the birds to build nests.
death to all cats & ants
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finchbreeder
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Joined: 27 Jun 2009, 20:00
Location: Midwest of West. Aust. Coast
Location: Midwest of West.Aust.Coast

Like Rod, mostly prune my garden, and occassionally snaffle some prunings from Mums garden. Then there is the rare foray into the bush next door. Growing native shrubs and seeding grasses is a good idea for finch lovers.
LML
LML
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noah.till
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Joined: 14 Nov 2018, 20:47
Location: TOOWOOMBA/ HIGHFIELDS, QLD

I collect as much as I can....when my mum isn't looking ;-)
Downs Bird Breeders Association and Queensland Finch Society Member
2018 Australian Birdkeepers Magazine Young Birdkeeper
Javan Munia, Black Rumped Double bar and Aberdeen Breeding Project
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Loz_82
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Posts: 47
Joined: 26 Oct 2011, 14:45
Location: Perth, WA

A lot of the guys in WA use the usual suspects like Tea-Trees (Melaleucas) and Bracken Fern but a few have converted over to BottleBrush (Callistemons) as they hold there leaves forever and seem to work well with the birds. Most, as well as myself don't re-brush every year as the Bottle Brush keeps its leaves & holds its form very well and can get away with it for 2-3 years. Just a tip don't cut the bottle brush when it flowers as the flowers (stamens) will drop and make a mess on the ground. Best to cut it before spring - early summer say October - December. There are many varieties but the most common and best is the larger "Kings Park Special" variety.
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matcho
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Location: Sydney
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KLW,

I am sure that in your location many of the street trees consist of the bottlebrush and Melaleucas as previously mentioned. Just keep an eye out for when the local council are doing their trimming of these or the cable, electricity companies are trimming as well. You would be surprised how much is available but you have to be in the right place at the right time. Good luck.

Ken.
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karlisa
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Posts: 164
Joined: 26 Aug 2017, 21:28
Location: penrith

well that worked out good cause i have a massive bottlebrush in my front yard ! looks like i'll be paying it some attention lol
thanks for all your replies
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Brisbane_Finches_333
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Joined: 02 May 2019, 20:47
Location: Brisbane, QLD

I usually collect heaps of Black Tea-Tree (melaleuca) foliage from the local park.
Aidan [] Junior Moderator [] Breeder of Native and Foreign Finches
Queensland Finch Society Member
2019 ABK Magazine Young Birdkeeper Winner
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finchbreeder
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Joined: 27 Jun 2009, 20:00
Location: Midwest of West. Aust. Coast
Location: Midwest of West.Aust.Coast

Vine prunings like Mexically Rose (which is best pruned vigorously) work well if put into a wire cylinder. Cylinders can be hung sideways or up and down.
LML
LML
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