Aussie Finch Forum

Like Ihave said when I introduced myself, I am new to finches. The problem that I have is catching them, either to ring or to take juveniles out. I battle with the normal ring and net. (Bad reflexes ). Is there mabe an easier way to catch them? Any suggestions will be appreciated.
Thanks

I can relate to your problem, since being diagnosed with tendon problems in my wrist I cant swing the net like I used to
This is an excellent idea you may be able to put to use in your aviary.

viewtopic.php?f=84&t=15063&p=139485&hilit=+car#p139485

You might need one more to post to view the topic above, but you can see it in action on Youtube.

http://youtu.be/DKoWj4MFWTE

Dim the lights, then make a mental note of where the finch is in the enclosure.
Then turn off all lights (small blue light will suffice if needed). Finches have a hard time seeing in the dark, once the lights are off they become calm, you should be able to swoop them up pretty easily.

Feed them in a wire cage with the doors pegged open so they are used to going in it regularly. When you wish to catch out use it as a trap. Doesn't need to be automated or difficult - just a stick to prop the door & string/twine tied to it, sit away so they feel secure & start feeding, when the bird(s) you want are inside, pull the string. Very easy.

Tiaris wrote:... Very easy.

In theory!
I've had a rogue Ruddy cock in an aviary for well over 12 months that I just cannot trap. I swear he never eats! Anyway I've told a few people about him so a mate showed up the other day with a young hen Ruddy and threw her in. Seems I'm not getting rid of Ruddies after all!

I have another mate with very large aviaries who consistently couldn't catch his Red Strawbs whenever he tried to do a catchup. They just lived off the grasses & insects in the open flights & wouldn't come into the trap. BUT for most conventional sized aviaries it isn't hard to make a single feed station (in this case the cage) so the birds have no choice but to enter the cage - then it is very easy to trap them.

If like all sensible finchos, you have a safety door area, shoo the birds you want to catch into there and then catch. Of course again some smarty pants birds realise you are after them specifically and make it difficult.
LML

Another option is to catch them in the dark. Take a small red or blue light to find them (when it is dark) and make a note of the location. They cant see well in the dark, and become considerably more docile and slow moving... as well as does jostle the rest of the birds.

fetching wrote:Another option is to catch them in the dark. Take a small red or blue light to find them (when it is dark) and make a note of the location. They cant see well in the dark, and become considerably more docile and slow moving... as well as does jostle the rest of the birds.

Sorry but there is no way i would enter my aviaries in the dark,if i did there would be dead birds all over the aviary floors the next morning from crashing into the wire and other things.What size aviaries/cages are you talking about to catch birds in the dark,over here most finches are bred in large out door aviaries where the birds can get alot of speed up to do real damage to themselves. Craig

fetching wrote:Another option is to catch them in the dark. Take a small red or blue light to find them (when it is dark) and make a note of the location. They cant see well in the dark, and become considerably more docile and slow moving... as well as does jostle the rest of the birds.

Imo, this is a very BAD strategy for aviary catching. Movement in the dark spooks birds and they fly anywhere at breakneck speed to escape.
Even in cages they can break or dislocate a wing on cage bars.

Imo, they do not become more docile. They are simply unaware of your presence. The other birds in the room/aviary may also respond to calls from the spooked birds and take flight with nasty consequences.

I really could not recommend that method unless you're catching owls!!

Tom