Aussie Finch Forum

Send some of that rain this way Deb. We have just recorded the driest Spring in 60yrs. Or so the record keepers say, haven't been arround long enough to confirm it myself.
LML

I see theres bushfires over there F/B wish I could send you some rain weve had the wettest spring in a dogs age here . Kinda think Id rather have the wet than your heat ...hope you get a reprieve soon.

A way of keeping ants at bay from food trays.Modify to your requirements
One rectangle metal tray say 100mm x 250 mm x15mm. Another metal tray slightly larger and deeper.
Use a couple of Magnets to raise the bigger tray just above the lower trays edge.
Place ant dust or ant poison in the lower tray.Thw Ants need to walk thru the dust to try and get to the upper tray and the food.
Result dead ants and no contaminated food.
By using Magnets the trays can be parted easily.
Ants around the aviary simply spray Coopex regularly and you will restrict them.

Coopex is working , awesome stuff ...

I use the system that EOrix described and it does keep the ants out of the food trays but my aviaries are still full of ants. I use Mortein Ant Sand (I have to bring it back from Australia - they probably still use DDT here!). I'd like to spray Coopex more often but my supplies are precious and limited (again I have to gring it back with me) but given all birds nesting in my aviary at present I think I need to use one packet now.

Yes its a great idea , Ill keep it in mind for sure , touch wood the coopex is holding them back at the moment .

I have been using this for ants and have had good results
http://www.birdsnways.com/wisdom/ww36eii.htm

Baited borax is a popular method in Australia as well as the USA it seems. Unfortunately not all species fall for it whihc is why we reach for the Permethrin (active of Coopex).

If you can find the nests use coopex if you can't use borax, simple.
LML