Aussie Finch Forum

Hi guys,

Wasn't sure which agenda I should put this under, Hope Health is the right one. Sorry if it isn't.

Over the last six months I have seen the loss of some really nice young RFPF (Pieds and Normal). It always seems to be right after I remove them from their parents. Usually at about 4 weeks, and they are all weaned and feeding themselves. I'm guessing its a stress thing when placed in the holding aviary with other young RFPF. Obviously, the birds already in the holding cages are older than the young birds going in. So, I'm thinking that this is an issue? Can anybody suggest ways of decreasing this stress?
Maybe things you do in your holding aviaries to minimise it!

Cheers

Hi Finchingit,

Several things to look at:
- leave them with their parents for another 2-3 weeks even if you feel they are self sufficient...so long as they are not preventing the parents from going back to nest and the parents are not showing aggression towards the fledglings this cannot hurt
- is your holding cage over crowded
- Increase the number of feed bowls in your holding cage when you introduce additional birds....the older birds may be dominating the food source and the newbies may not be permitted to get enough food by the other birds...hope that helps...regards, Paul

I only remove young when needed, some young will stay in my aviery with their parents till next breeding season. When I place my young in holding flight I like to use the same types of feed dishes as the young are used to it and placed in similar place as the flight which they came from, this makes it easier for the young to know where to look for food and water. Over stocking holding cage is another issue which Paul mentioned. If possible I would look at adding some brush for cover so the young can hide and feel safer or at worst stress perches. Extra dishes for food and water will help so no dominance around food or water. Hope these points will help.

A couple of points that will help with answers. How easy were they to catch? (were they chased around to catch) What time of the day was it done?

Cages are all 4.5m long and 1.5m wide. I suppose sometimes there is a little stress involved in catching, but I think I get it done pretty quick. Sometimes there is that stubborn one, but at worst, probably take me a minute to catch.
All my bird movements are done by 10 am to give the birds as much time as possible to get use to their new environment.

Well you have covered the timing thing right - so try the other suggestions and good luck.
LML