Oveseas perceptions of Aussie Aviculture

[Diane]

The government takes too long to do most things. Dont think the term "Pro Active" is part of the government manifesto......whoever is in power.

Was thinking a very loose co-operative.
Specified list of birds.
Members prepared to sign up to the co-op. Possibly a small fee, shows good intentions (could be donated to finch research)
Each member would have to fund the purchase of the first pair themselves.
Breeding records to be kept. By the breeder. (By a third party?)
Free exchange of information and breeding records.
Members would offer a percentage of the hatchlings to others in the co-op. Percentage to be agreed upon by members of the co-op.
Birds would be offered at no cost (other than freight) to others that have joined the co-operative. Sort of a "Pay it forward" approach.
Those who offer birds can either take the offer of other birds or store their credit for later.



Just throwing ideas around here.
Any one have any idea if an egg exchange would work? Might make it more work as fosters would have to be in sync.
We need more thoughts and ideas, doesn't matter how outrageous it might just spark an idea with someone....

[GregH]

I think it's a great idea. I'd like to think it can work as longs as people don't think keeping finches is a business and not a hobby. I'm hoping to get something going here - have a read of my http://www.finchme.com/2010/03/24/zombi ... ilippines/post on Finchme.

[dRAG_jUNKIE]

I think you might be onto something there Diane

[jusdeb]

Would be awesome to get something going reality here for me is ( and prob ably others ) distance and $$$$$ .

[Diane]

I feel that we chose to keep them in cages/aviaries so it is up to us not to keep them into extinction!

I agree with the Dollar and Distance comments, but there has to be a way to minimize at least the dollar aspect. Also with the bird being "free" money could be spent on the freight. Or get a few breeders locally to set up a smaller version and join the co-op jointly.

Another couple of thoughts.....

members with genetic knowledge could offer help in the way of a plan that would ensure the widest possible gene pool.

Members who "don't play the game" i.e consistently don't offer young birds will be excluded from getting other birds from the co-op.

[jusdeb]

Definetley Di if they dont play by the rules then OUT this would have to be a selfless operation and anyone straying from the original concept would need to be taken out of the equation ....its way too serious to have greed ruin it .

[Jayburd]

sounds like a great idea.

However, the species we choose is just as important.

Should we maybe choose an endangered (in the wild) australian finch, and an endangered (in captivity) foreign finch?
However, the monetary value on todays markets will affect the number of forumers willing to participate. The idea of paying for the first pair is something I completely agree with, but if something $$$ is chosen, who would want to spend so much?

Also, the idea of free (apart from freight) birds, would that apply to everyone or only to those who have already paid for their own first pair?

Again, the program would have to be a long term one, as the breeding of sufficient numbers of birds would take many seasons to achieve, depending on various factors.
More things to think about according to your individual catering, include compatibility with other species, nesting needs, etc. Many people would not be able to provide, for example, the specific needs of the Red Crested ollandoodlebird. so that's something anyway.


Maybe some candidates:

Australian:

Black Throated (parson) Finch

Foreign:

Blue Cap Waxbill
Aurora (or Red Faced Pytilia?)
Aberdeen Finch (might be too late?)
Red Avadavat (not yet endangered, but if not helped will probably go the same way as it's $3000 p/p relative, the green avadavat!)


anyway, just some thoughts...

[Diane]

All sound, valid points Jay.

The steps already suggested and those in your post, along with others that would no doubt arise would have to be talked out with those who are interested in going ahead with it.
Apart from the initial postings it has gone quiet on the subject and I thought members were backing away, so I wasnt going to push, its all just ideas at the moment.
Any more thoughts or ideas or solutions on the subject are very welcome.

[jusdeb]

Well Ill fess up ...I love the idea however 2 ops in one year and another coming up puts buying more birds at the bottom of my priority list , anyhoo I hope something does come of this but it will need people with time $$$$ and to be able to commit .

[finchbreeder]

Idea is great and my time is yours. Just don;t know that I am close enought to anyone else who wants to do anything and I sure don't have the space. But if there is anyone round here who wants my help in time and record keeping speak up.
LML