Introducing finches in orchard aviary to control fruit fly

[hapuku]

I have just completed a large aviary (32x12x6) over a fruit orchard.Being a finch nut of coarse I covered it with 12mm mesh so I can keep finches in while keeping larger fruit eating birds out. Wondering if anyone has tried using finches or other birds to target/control fruit fly.

Thanks Vince.

[Tiaris]

I reckon a softbill (eg Wren) would be far more effective for ongoing insect control.

[arthur]

I reckon that by using 12mm mesh you will have some unwanted guests controlling the finches that you wanted to control the insects

[VR1Ton]

Would have to agree with Tiaris on that, Wrens, Wood Swallows, Smaller Honey-Eaters, Robins, Whistlers ect, would definitely be far more effective in controlling insect pests than finches, not to mention year round control, as most finches only take insects in any quantity when feeding young, but finches would live quite happily with most softbills, especially in an enclosure of that size.

[TomDeGraaff]

Silvereyes, maybe as well.

[Tiaris]

Silvereyes are also partial to soft-skinned fruits though. Insectivorous birds in an orchard aviary is likely to result in poor fruit set due to lack of pollination (depending on the fruits grown but most require insect pollination).

[finchbreeder]

Finches like Orange Breasteds, St. Helenas, sound perfect. They will eat the insects in breeding season. And leave the bees and wasps that fertalize the fruit alone.
LML

[SamDavis]

i just want to see some pictures of this orchard/aviary... sounds AWESOME

[E Orix]

All you really need is a normal mixed collection of Finches and a few NON fruit eating small Softbills. limit Canaries and European finches as they will eat more than their share of fruit buds. I personally would be careful about putting Silver Eyes in the aviary for 2 reasons,one they like fruit and tend to spoil a lot and secondly those inside the aviary will attract those on the outside. They will work the seams and if the find a small gap and no time and you will have a flock inside. Don't release Bee Eaters in as you will have no bees to pollinate.
I have an aviary of similar size and I had to install black lights to attract more insects into the aviary. My plants are very healthy and don't require any protection from bugs what so ever. Don't try and plant a garden in the area for leafy vegetables such as lettuce etc as the birds get up earlier than we do.
Allow for a big shelter as the birds are fine when the weather is good but when it is cold and raining it forces the birds into a smaller area and that is when a big shelter is needed.

[hapuku]

Thanks all
I had the chooks free ranging through the orchard and it actually worked quite well with almost no fruit fly action but the problem was they would dig up the tree roots. The chickens scatch through the dirt and eat the fruit fly pupae. Adult fruit flies are trapped on the ground for up to 24 hours after emerging from the pupae as it takes this long for their wings to harden. I'm was hoping that maybe quail could do a similar job to the chooks with the addition of a mix of finches / softbills might do the trick.

Sam I'll see if I can work out how to download some photos.

Thank Vince.