Auto Waterers Problems

[lestra]

Though I have mentioned this in another thread I thought I would make one just for it, so others can find info easily.
Has anyone else had issues with finches not being able to drink properly from those auto waterers that fit on the outside of the cage and a little bit pokes through to the inside?
My boy died as he couldn't drink from it and I realised too late, his breeder said she had never used them so doubted her birds would know what they were. My girl finches (from a different breeder) are fine with it but the boys can't use it.
Just thought it might be a common problem and other newbies may need to know.
They now have a minimum 2 sources of water at any time and I am never taking the bath out for more than 5 mins again.

[iaos]

Are you able to post a photo or a link to an "auto waterer" so we are all on the same page.
Cheers

[Diane]

As standard I have open self waterers where there is always a trough of open water with a 10 litre reserve. This can get messed up a bit as the birds have no respect for their drinking water at all and tend to bathe in it along with some other less savoury habits.
I have used the metal ball type ones for liquid vitamins and I have just bought some of the ones that deliver water via the lid when the bird places their beak on it. The birds all find out how to use each type eventually.

[Myzomela]

I think the problem Lestra is using these watereras with birds that are not used to them.
I always provide seed and water in open dishes for new birds, both on the ground and at perch height, to make sure they can get easy access, especially when first settling in.
Then I introduce the other feeders/waterers and only remove the open dishes (if needed) when I have seen them visiting the new dispensers.

[Tiaris]

Here, here. Most birds are creatures of habit & can't be expected to adapt to unusual drinking or feeding devices with no alternative - cruelty through neglect. Even if other birds are using the unorthodox utensils/dispensers, learned feeding behaviour takes time & a patient approach by the aviculturist with basic open food & water always provided until all birds are regularly seen to be using the new feeders.

[vettepilot_6]

Agree with Tiaris.. Have a trio of pure normal RFPF and put them in the Isolation cage with ball type waterer (guinea pig rat style)and noticed they were hanging off the wire trying to drink out of the actual bottle....so I thought I'd better put different style of waterer in (ended up Glass jar which can be used for seed or water) and as BB said they were all other it bathing drinking like typical young parrot finches do....alls well

[lestra]

Lesson learned.
I read soooo much on Gouldians but not about waterers. 16yrs since I had finches so a little rusty as I have only had parrots in the last 8 yrs and had a 8yr gap between birds.
I am not techy but will try to find a pic online to show you the waterer.
I now have 2 water sources in the cage and they are all drinking great.

[vettepilot_6]

This is the style I use in my isolation cages now... easy because I dont have to disturb them for couple of days.... http://www.ebay.com.au/itm/2-x-BIRD-FEE ... 2a1e1586e4 although I get proper glass jars with the mason feeder cheaper at the local pet store..go figure

[Misso]

sorry to hear, how long do you think the bird was without water for?

misso

[lestra]

Just over a day.