Sharing of Information

[sdegiorgio]

Hi everyone,

I know that I am probably going to be ‘kicked and bashed’ about this topic and my opinions, but I am going to post them here anyway.

I recently made contact with someone about the purchase of some Aberdeen Finches. The response that I got was not great. I was told that the person who has the finches does not what his contact details given out. I can understand that the person wants to maintain his confidentiality, but how are we going to ever get the numbers of these birds back up in Australia if people do not share information. I was so angry when I saw the response email, and I am still really angry. What happened to working together for the good of the birds and for what we love? Why don’t people want to share information? I am sorry if this upsets anyone, but it’s like an old boys club!!! KEEPING SECRETS DOESN’T HELP ANYONE, ESPECIALLY THE BIRDS. People need to get their heads out of the sand and look at what they are doing to aviculture. If we don’t start working together, we might as well give up.

I am someone who is willing to put the time and money into these birds, but I have been shut down before I have even started. It is times like these that I wonder why I even bother.

Suzanne

[Pete Sara]

I am not buying into anything here , but sometimes its the old boys club than can turn things around. I am not saying I am all for it but sometimes its best not to give out info and have some clown thinking he can do a better job and help himself to your stock when your out .

As we have lost pure lines of birds from poor $ at sales or birds don't have the wow factor , let alone someone with money to burn and buy because they can ,they buy birds that die from lack of care ...

Sometimes numbers are not enough to be able to distribute to others just yet, I am sure things may change in a few seasons , you just have to be patient.

If some of these old boys can not do it , I can pretty much say Joe blow like myself and many others would have a hard time of it... Pete

[Finchman1]

I find that strange if he is the guy from the Hunter that has them he is one of the nicest guys you could meet

[Lukec]

Hi Suzanne

Don't be disheartened, there are many reasons breeders keep the offspring for " The Boys Club " as many species have been lost by being released to "many breeders".

Maintain your interest however, develop a program of focus for yourself with something a little more common, and display your skills through your nearest finch society, by proving yourself in this manner it will assist with your networking and gain you the access and opportunity to "The Boys Club".

I am certain there are few old boys that can attest to this on AFF and fill in the gaps.

Certainly don't doubt your ability and commitment.

Keep the fire burning as the passion in your post is what keeps this hobby alive.

Cheers

Luke C

[Buzzard-1]

Hi everyone,

I know that I am probably going to be ‘kicked and bashed’ about this topic and my opinions, .Suzanne

Hi Suzanne,
Everyone is entitled to their opinion, as for your issue, I take my hat off to the person who respected the wishes of the owner of said birds.
Aberdeens (Red Headed Finch) are still not re-established enough for these persons, who have put a lot of time and effort into bringing them back from the brink to let them out to just anybody. You may call it a "boys club" it is more a case of releasing to established known breeders.
It takes a long time to gain trust not only in the avian field but in many fields where breeding is involved.
The crossing with Cut throats by some breeders to earn a quick $$$ almost had pure birds lost forever in Aus, so I hope you can understand their reservations.

Cheers Buzz

[Lachlan1]

I agree, it can get frustrating at times especially if you are newer to the game. One good thing about these finches being harder to source though Is that people that are not ready for them will find it much harder to source them (not saying that your in that situation). I've talked to a couple of more experienced breeders that have bred various hard to get finches (Aberdeens, Orange Cheeked Waxbill etc) and they believe one of the main reasons these finches are so scarce is because the people that bought them had no idea how to breed them (among many other things). Just because we can afford certain species doesn't mean we should buy them.

Just keep working at becoming a better breeder and working towards a better aviculture and you'll get there. I do think as a whole we need to become much more open about information and remember why we picked up this hobby in the first place. Luckily people that are blunt and rude are in the minority.

I know they (Aberdeens) pop up at Singleton bird sale every now and then so if you get the chance have a look this year.

[Craig52]

I agree with every thing that has been said as i am one of those old boys and i wont just sell what i breed to anyone that comes along with a fat wallet.Yes i have advertised what i have on this forum,which could be a grave mistake as i had thousands of dollars worth of birds stolen before(blue gouldians)but to me you only live once and i'm not going to live in fear even though i was devastated at the time.
A mate of mine rang that guy with the Aberdeens and spoke at length with him but he also fell out with wanting to buy 3prs,he now doesn't answer his calls anymore so he has given up which is a shame really as he has a really big setup and has been breeding finches for years with good success.
Anyhow,i can understand how that guy(with the aberdeens)feels,he would have been absolutely swamped with calls from all over Australia with people wanting to buy his birds,i don't blame him for shutting down calls from just joe blows.

Cheers Craig

[BrettB]

Hi Suzanne,

I am afraid I disagree with you on this count.

I can understand that the person wants to maintain his confidentiality

- then you need to respect that.

KEEPING SECRETS DOESN’T HELP ANYONE, ESPECIALLY THE BIRDS.

- obviously not everyone agrees with this, perhaps bitter experiences have taught them otherwise. To suggest they have not got the interests of the birds at heart is a bit disingenuous, especially as most have spent many years trying to save them.

On a side note, if you are trying to get access to a "boys club" it is best not to start out with a rant on a public forum.

I am just saying ...

Cheers
Brett

[iaos]

Were these the birds previously offered at a public sale?

It seems odd that the seller is being picky who the birds go to after being at a public sale. Was the seller planning on turning buyers down at the sale if he didn't think they were up to scratch?

Cheers Ian

[wagga]

A persons rights for privacy is/is not the problem here??

Only it would appear that the attitude of the incumbent's interpretation in what the response to information pertinent to the original dialogue contained within this private Email.

Or could this be an example of a enthusiastic selling agent who is vetting all the correspondence concerning the suitability of the applicant to own these birds.

As others have mentioned or eluded to that gain another's trust in most situations requires a introduction from a known person/group/society/forum/club etc. Hence to enter my own property for example is by invitation only.

(ALWAYS be careful what you write on these social media sites as we are unable to retract a statement or photograph once submitted.)

Wagga