Best way to catch aviary finches?

[steve23]

Hey guys,

Just wanted to know of ways other then chasing my birds around the aviary with a net to catch them

I have a bit of a problem catching my finches not because my aviary is too big, but rather I have a disability which prevents me from catching them. There just too dam fast

The reason for catching them is I'm 90% sure one of the Goulds is suffering from "air sac mites" he is making a tick tick ticking noise and also wiping his beak on the perches a lot. So if one has air sac mites all of the Goulds will most likely have them too unfortunately. So I called Dr Marshall Animal Hospital to see if I could get some S76 which I can, however they said they need to look over one of my birds to make sure. Which is fair enough.

So I have two choices, find a way to catch the suffering Gould and take him to the vet, or go with my 90% surety and find S76 somewhere online, in Australia preferably.


Any advice would be much appreciated

Cheers
~Steve

[wagga]

Steve What part of Sydney are from? As you are asking for help, a local AFF member might be able to come around and help you catch the gouldian.

[Diane]

Have a look here.
http://www.aussiefinchforum.net/viewtop ... 84&t=11032" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;
While that is a you beaut automatic one I have had success with a bird cage with a treat food inside, and fishing line attached to the slide up door, correct finch inside drop the fishing line and hope the slider door doesnt stick. Got to have a bit of spare time too so you can hang around an aviary with fishing line in your hand!

Found another topic dealing with the same thing, some different types of trap pictured.
viewtopic.php?f=45&t=9605&p=84661&hilit ... rap#p84661" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

[jusdeb]

Was thinking like Wagga ... Im sure if someone lives close they would catch the bird for you ..

[steve23]

Hey thanks for the prompt advice guys

wagga, I'm in Rydalmere which is next to Parramatta. That would be great for this time round, as you can imagine if I could net him myself I probably would be treating them by now.

That's exactly what I was planning bluebutterfly213, I have a trap from when a kid, but it's at my folks place up in Esk Qld. I just did not think I would be catching one soon after getting them, I've only had'em over a week...... Lesson learnt, be completely setup before one bird hits the aviary Doh!!
That cage/trap with their food in it looks like the go to catch one specific bird.

Thanks guys

[E Orix]

I have seen many people catching birds with a simple Canary cage.the ones with the drop down door.
Have a piece of string rigged so it will hold the door up and when the bird you are after enters let the door drop.
How do you get the birds in,simply put some nice seeding grass heads inside to atttract them.
For a Gouldian seeding grass or try a half baked egg shell,Gouldians love them.
If you don't want to sit and wait there are auto catchers but they are not selective
If I lived closer I would assist

[steve23]

Cool sounds like a plan E Orix,

I have a Canary cage, so I will give that a shot and let you know how it goes. it's true they love green grass heads, I will also nuke some egg shells.

Thanks again guys, I will try the Canary cage, I also don't mind if someone is willing to help me catch him, but I can have a go with the cage and see how it goes

[shox]

steve, if you use the cage, leave it in after you catch the bird(s) peg the door open and put food in, let them get used to going in and out, so when you want to catch they will feel comfortable going in, saves sitting around for hours in the future.

[Ripley]

hi Steve,

if you still are having difficulty in catching the bird, I would be happy to help, I only live approx. ten minutes away & I'm avaliable this weekend...
Just Pm me with your details & we could set up a time to catch the little bugger.

Cheers
Ripley

[MadOzzie]

When I use a budgie cage as a trap, I usually add some weight to the door with fishing sinkers. It makes for a quick drop.Without the sinkers, If the door catches at all on the way down it birds can escape and they dont go in again for a while.

MadOzzie