Water and Galv wire- missing minerals?????

[Diane]

Hi

I noticed this morning my Gouldians are running their beaks across the condensation on the tin roof part of the aviary. The only thing I could think of was they wanted the water, there was fresh water available. Also when I put fresh water in the bowls and it runs down the wire a bit there are a couple of the Gouldians who cling to the wire and seem to sip the water off the wire. Wire not painted....yet.

Questions.

Is this safe.....if not any suggestions what to do?
Could they be missing any minerals vitamins that they find when the wire is wet. (Galv wire) I did read that article on Galv metal so Im not sure if this passtime would poison them or give them something they are missing.

I dont feed supplements, but I do give them a wide variety of food.
Seed mix, soaked and dry, canary seed, pannicum seed, lettuce, cucumber, carrot, fruit, boiled egg, crushed egg shell, grit, and the crumb mixture (I forget the name) the bird shop said the parents would feed it to the young. Also have been growing some kind of grass, grows in Queensland, the breeder gave to me when I got the birds. They also have cuttle fish and a commercial bird treat in the avairy.
I do get live food for the Senegal and Emblemas

Wow after re-reading that food list Im surprised I have room for the birds in there!

I dont think the Gouldians actually eat all this stuff, but its there if they need it.....maybe thats why my canaries are getting fat!

Diane

[regalado95]

I don't know if this is true but when a birds starts to do that its because they are getting calcium for their poop that gets stuck their they say that white part of the poop is filled with calcium but I'm not so sure

[gomer]

zinc is the only thing i know of on wire.And that can kill them if its newish wire.if the wire has not been weathered for twelve months,i would wash it with vinegar.then thoroughly wash with water.