Aussie Finch Forum

if you have your copy of the March newsletter the seed sprouting article is included

I personally got a lot more out of the Mike's DVD than just sprouting seed. Many of his husbandry techniques shown in the DVD will be put to use in my own aviaries. I think it is well worth the $40.

I also remember the Around the Aviaries videos that Luke mentioned. Wish I could find where my copy went.

Matt

Matt
I agree with you.When it comes to avian knowledge in my opinion Mike Fidler is streets ahead of anyone here in Australiam and the countries I have spent time in. There are a few distractors in the UK but they simply take pot shots at him but aren't good enough to back up their own ideas.
The data he produces is world class and is fully researched,his passion for excellence is second to non.
If you do not like his tone on the DVD so be it, you are watching it for ideas not just to be entertained
I only wish he came out here 20 years ago,I would have been a far better bird breeder and we would still have a number of species lost for ever due to ignorance and lack of detail.
He and I are poles apart when it comes to avian methods yet we can discuss methods for hours he wins most times but on rare occasions I have a win.
I am looking forward to the possibility of a new set of DVD's as you never stop learning especially one on our conditions.
The topic of live food rearing will be most beneficial, but I hope the producers factor in climatic areas that effect production.
The more data produced the better breeders we become.As for spending $40 if you learn one thing which helps you breed a clutch of young you are well ahead already.

E ORIX
I strongly agree to your last comment concerning the $40. Whats $40 when you factor in the other costs associated with our hobby. Any tip or idea that benefits the birds well being, usually enhances the chances of reproduction. Hence the $40 is returned many times over.
We all must try to remember that we are the custodians of todays generation of birds, which we leave for the future generations to care for.
Wagga

I am about to spend some time with Mike Fidler if you would like me to ask a particular questions on your behalf put it online and I will try and get the answer or a comment from him.

main thing for me would be to thank him for sharing his knowledge the way he does, its great when an experienced breeder shares what he has learnt.
on a lighter note though, ask him to join the forum

E Orix wrote:I am about to spend some time with Mike Fidler if you would like me to ask a particular questions on your behalf put it online and I will try and get the answer or a comment from him.

Well you did ask. I'd like to know if he's ever kept any of the Philippine parrot finches? If he has he may have some tips on breeding them. While I've never gotten hold of them I'm considering putting in a research proposal to the DENR here to gring them into domestication as it seems to be beyond the locals (says me who's only on association with parrotfinches are Gouldians)! I think it's apalling that there is no local knowledge or experince in breeding local endangered birds. From what I've read the red-eared PF is probably the easiest to start with and it may be a good model for the green-faced whihc has gone through a catastopic decline similar to the Gouldian. Given his association with teh Save the Gouldian Foundation he may have some decent ideas that I could take to WWF or Harbon for funding too. he may even know of other funding sources.

Greg

I have been looking at trying a few products with his name to them lately,And was wondering which ones he uses himself on his Australian finches.
And a big Hi from us here aswell.

Greg
I do not know how but I missed your email and I have just returned from his place
About Parrot Finches,I am quite sure when he had his establishment in the UK he kept virtually all the species and bred most.
I will contact him and ask for you.
Gomer
He developed all and uses quite alot now. I watched him spray his mealworms with a honey and water spray then sprinkle calcium and his soft food
mix over them. the method is very very clever and the reason for the calcium is that mealworms have a high magnesium content and to balance absorbson calcium is required
The diet he uses is amazing and all has been tested over and over.
There are currently around 3000 Gouldians on his premises and virtually all have been bred on the premises
I don't think he will mind but he has been working on breeding bloods,both races and there are 74 chics on the perch for this season.
Also NOT ONE pair of foster parents were used.
Sitting down with him is amazing and you learn all the time.
All his products can be purchased thru Birds R Us.

Legend. Hero. God! Well maybe that's going too far but geez what an opprotunity and a resource you have with Mike. If you can do ask him about Philippine parrot finches I may get my opportunity one day to try and I don't want to fail like generations of Finipinos before me (Which is easy since I'm not Filipino). Today at the Cartimar markets I was appalled at the volume and types of illegal fauna both indigenous and smuggled from Indonesia. Of course had ther been a finch amoungst them I may not be so self ritchous but ther wasn't. I know many aviculturists hate raptors but how sad to see them chained in the dingy "pet-shops". Equally sad were the faces of the baby horn-bills and hill mynahs begging for food from anyone passing by. Anyway I digress. Mike's knowledge is legendary so if anyone knows how to keep and breed the Philippine parrot Finches it's him and if he doesn't I'm sure he has contacts. I'm so jealous E.Orix. If I werer a millionaire aviculturist I'm sure I wouldn't have his scientific rigour and I am a scientist!