Aussie Finch Forum

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' birds

Hope 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

No need to start a new topic as the heading suggests why with a ???.

Many years ago i did see some Beautiful firetails in an aviary of D. Myers of Newcastle NSW. The late father of Mr Myers was given a scientific permit to hold in captivity for the study of vocal,characteristics of body colour and behavior among other things. He did breed them but had many loses, and it was for this reason that he recommended that they are not suitable as aviary subjects.
As you said Arthur, as time went on breeders who could afford the high prices and had influence over Governments like Don Bourke did prove that they could be bred by very well experienced aviculturists but on an advanced licence to this day. Craig

Craig52 wrote:I probably haven't answered your question very well in regards of their price but they are a problem bird to keep in my experience and imo. Craig

Quite the contrary, yourself and Arthur summed it up perfectly!

Saw a bloke today about some honeyeaters, he mentioned he paid $600 a pair for REFs recently, so prices seem to coming down with recent successes...

I know some one who had 6 breeding pr of Red ears was quite successful breeding these and priced to clear the young recently. He now unfortunately has one breeding hen left.Things can turn around very quick with these birds. The same with beautifuls so i am told . They say they will never be a common species in aviculture. I think it will take decades yet, to even get them anywhere close to secure.

will never be a common species in aviculture. I think it will take a few years even decades yet, to even get them anywhere close to scarce.
Either you mean a few decades to get them to the reasonably obtainable stage or I am confused.
LML

Dont you love pre empt text.

ROFL

gomer wrote:. I think it will take decades yet, to even get them anywhere close to secure.

They will never be secure and their future and the future of other rareties, lies in the hands of the few who will specialise in one species . . and I can see most committed aviculturists steering away from them, and high priced exotic finches and softbills, towards our native softbill species for any number of reasons . . as laws allowing their keeping become more liberal . .

However, currently NSW and SA are so far in front of the 'poor relation' other states . . 'particularly the pineapple state' . . that it is a travesty

But that is a horse of a different colour

Talked to $bill the other day and he said that he just sold 3 Lime split blue gouldian for $1500.00 each,Limes on their own sold for $1000.00,he sent a picture of the new motor bike ,garyh

Well he he takes after his name doesn't he,are you sure he's not a politician. Craig