Aviary Plants and Grasses - David Holmes

[Sime]

Hi Sime,the main ingredient is eggs and lots of them.It's also called Madera cake. Cheers Craig

Ahh that's what I thought. I bought one after watching the video this morning to see if mine took any interest, and that was a big no. Though I have no issue finishing it off.

I'll keep adding a bit here and there to see if they ever take to it.

[SamDavis]

I'll keep adding a bit here and there to see if they ever take to it.

It can take a long time for birds to take to new food. Often it will only be accepted by the birds you breed yourself, then all subsequent generations will continue to consume it.

[E Orix]

Sime
I use Sarah Lea plain "Pound Cake" the reason for this particular brand to others as it must also have a higher oil content as it
doesn't seem to get any where near as hard as other types while waiting to be eaten.
Sadly it is quite hard to locate so each year I call in to the factory excess shop and buy a years supply to freeze.
I must admit the first time I went and purchased 10 boxes( 120 cakes) the girl gave me quite a funny look, even
funnier when I told her what it was for. A local picked up last years lot but she still remembered me from the year before.
If you try it for your birds, cut a reasonable sized piece and just leave it on the aviary feed tray. It won't seem to be touched
then after awhile you will realise that it is disappearing.
Apart from Softbills eating it, I have it there for the finches and in particular breeding pairs. While they will feed it to their
chicks during the day it's main plus is that the birds can eat it at 1st light and get quick digestible product into their chicks
at the time they are near starving and calling for food. I cut the supply back in winter when I don't want birds breeding and
their austerity period as well.
They seem to like it better than any cakes I have baked over the years even when extra items were added.

[Tiaris]

Thanks for posting the video link Sam & thanks for the talk E.Orix. Was like attending the meeting without having to travel. Some really useful ideas there for the "one day" big aviary. Much appreciated.

[gomer]

Thanks for all your effort Sam to bring this here to share. Thanks David for sharing some of your ideas aswell. I am sure there was something in your talk for all levels. I enjoyed watching it and seeing some of the well thought out ideas.

[Sime]

Thanks for your reply David

[ianmckenzie]

David, can you post a list of recommended plants on here..? would be good...

[Diane]

As well as the plants mentioned in the talk there is also a list of plants suitable for aviaries on the forum, along with posted pics of plants and the ID of said plant pics.
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