toothlessjaws wrote:[being natives, and indeed natives of the southern states, its always surprised me that these two firetail species are amongst the cream of the crop. I would have expected them to be very common. Craig do you know what it is of those factors you mention that has them commanding such a high price?
Probably the main reason for their scarcity, and consequent high price, is that they weren't available to the 'great unwashed' (ordinary aviculturists) until relatively recently . . compared with others that have been available 'forever'
Unfortunately, though understandably, most newcomers to our hobby have little knowledge of its history; and thus of the debt that is owed to their / our pioneers
This reference will give some insight into the Beautiful Firetail
https://journals.tdl.org/watchbird/inde ... /view/2401
A review of Don Burkes contribution to the AFS (Sam D's) video series will yield further revelations . . and give insight into the sorry bureaucratic attitude that 'genuine' conservationists in most states face
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JCQAIjw ... e=youtu.be
The Red-Eared Firetail, while officially bred by a private aviculturist in the 60's was basically legally unavailable, with the only captive stock being held by the Perth Zoo
Strangely, while these birds were 'legally unobtainable' they appeared on the 'schedules' of Victoria, Queensland (whose 'authorities' basically cut-and-paste Victorian policies), and possibly other states, as 'kosher' . . perhaps through sheer ignorance, or perhaps as an 'up your nose'
Then, somehow, through some deal or other, a private person in WA legally got some from Perth Zoo, and before long some went to Victoria under permit, and then to Queensland . . and so on
Another factor that worked against 'ordinary' aviculturists was that most of the people who were given special 'scientific permits-to-keep' recommended (for reasons best known to themselves
) that the 'plebs' should not be given opportunities with these birds, because of their specific aviary requirements, food requirements, and their reluctance to breed . . (all proven by subsequent successes to be highly exaggerated . . though they are certainly not beginners' birdsHope that helps . .
There would be many 'old' forum members who could add to, and / or correct the above . . and I hope that they do so
Way off topic . . . but perhaps a "History" topic could be considered
PS . . Craig I was obviously typing while you were posting . . will read with interest what you have to say
Craig