Preparations for the breeding season

23 Jul 2010, 22:45

Asking out of curiosity and the improvement of my own husbandry.

What do each of you do prepare for your finches breeding season? What do you do to prepare the individual birds (preventative / other treatments and diet) and what do you do / if anything to the environment you want them to breed in (aviary/cage/nesting sites).

I would like to get it right this time round. Each season brings new unwanted surprises for me. Last seasons surprise was a protozoa infection and I lost quite a few youngsters before I figured out what I had. I don't want to repeat that scenario.

Any and all view points will be much appreciated.

23 Jul 2010, 23:49

I plan to worm them all in the next few days as Im seeing some serious nest revovations happening , a few handfuls of swamp grass and some feathers will be put in also , lots of food variety and come Spring wean them of the high fat seeds.
Not much really they tend to do their own thing come breeding time ...Of course I will be watching for any signs of serious aggression but not expecting any dramas as I have a reasonably peaceful aviary apart from 2 Goulds asserting their authority even though the other inmates don't seem to be to bothered by them.

24 Jul 2010, 08:59

jusdeb wrote:revovations

Do you mean you turn nests around and around deb.

Any way as deb said + sterilize nesting baskets/boxes and spray with Coopex to prevent lice/mite infestation a couple of days before putting in.Of course breeding diet.Then tie hands behind back to prevent nest inspection.

24 Jul 2010, 10:46

yep haven't you heard of revolving restaurants Buzz

my birds get a 360 view

26 Jul 2010, 16:27

I was planning on getting some new boxes this season... I don't know if I will be able to afford the high society 360 deg view ones! Usual Gouldian boxes with secure entrances will have to do.

Thanks for the replies thus far. Do either of you do any preventative treatments such as for cocci or protozoa? I have been advise to do such before the breeding season.

26 Jul 2010, 16:50

I have a regular routine with worming and feed turkey crumbles with my shot seed witch has cocci treatment in it.

26 Jul 2010, 17:53

Nope just worm them , anything else gets treated as needed , touch wood there hasnt been any other problems

26 Jul 2010, 21:14

Coci is more a problem of warm wet areas. Eg. the top half of Australia. Too cold to be much of a problem in the southern half I would think. Keep your avairy floor clean and dry and don't over crowd are the best prevention methods.
LML

27 Jul 2010, 08:45

coccidiosis is a major problem around canberra, and also in Tasmania

27 Jul 2010, 10:40

Learn something new every day. Always though it had to be hot and wet.
LML