Aussie Finch Forum

Let me start by saying I can't tell you how, what or why I was successful at weavers reproducing in a cage enviroment: anymore than I can tell you why some of my Turquiose and Scarlets do. Some do fine. Some mate, lay eggs, but won't sit. Blah Blah, the list goes on.
I think what separates me from breeders: is these are "my pet birds," that I buy in pairs. If they breed and have chicks: AWESOME: if not oh well, it least they're not lonely, and well cared for. As a friend said not all that long ago "Oo to the bird the ends up in a home like that (mine). At no time have I ever sold a bird. Bartered maybe.
I have spent the past couple weeks ripping my bird barn a part. Set the birds up in cages like the pets they are. I washed cages and cage stands. I disinfected all waterers, feeders, egg n biscuit dishes in bleach and soap. I love bleach. Use it to mop the floors too! Mmmm, smells so clean.
It's so clean out there you could eat off the floor! Ah, feels so good to get back to being clean and organized, the way I like it to be. I'm assigned each bank of cages a letter, and each cage in the bank a letter. I have setup records on each bird, in each cage, with info such as date of purchase, and where purchased. Along with copy of reciept if any, as well as date eggs laid and outcome of clutch, etc..
Damn, it feels great to be back to doing my own thing, the way I like to do them. In view of this, it is easier for me to see the direction I want to go, and what I need to learn to get there. With the acceptance of a member who said they "will make an Aussie breeder out of me yet," I believe I will get where I want to be.
I started putting Apple cider vinegar and garlic back in my birds water on rainy days. Why? Because I believe in the breeder and his passion for his birds and the ones I bought from him.
I started putting multi clens back into their waterers. Why? Because I believe it does retard growths in their water. It never fails, some of the birds always get seed in their waterers. And I change their water everyday.
The fact is I love birds, and I love babies, and I take the very best of care of them. This is how I enjoy my birds and other animals. It's really good feeling to be back on top of things the way I like to be, cleanliness and organization makes it easier for me to be sure that each species of bird I have needs are being met.
Regards

What an awesome write up BluJay well done,why shouldn't you do things your way if it makes you feel good.They are your birds and they are in your trust and if they breed well that's a great feeling but if they don't they are still your pets and they are the best kept birds in the Hunter.When i die i wont to come back as a bird and be looked after by you,i know i will be happy and healthy.Cheers Craig

Thanks Craig52. I do the best to my abilities. I think where I was going wrong is, I was trying to do what I felt everyone was snapping at me about, and ended up confused and frustrated. So I put everything back to where it made sense to me again. And what a joy. I read somewhere, you said pied red faced parrot finches should not be kept with regular ones. So now to get another large aviary cage to seperate them. When the times comes I will rely on your expertise on maggot farming. A fly box is high on my list. Regards.

Mmmm, just finished up with birds in the house. I have to say this white king bleach is just beautiful. Cleans and disinfects wonderfully, smells so lovely and fresh. Just makes everything feel and look better. Now, to bathe and groom the poodles.
Regards.

PS: I googled white king bleach, and found this about it.:
Australia’s No. 1 bleach, White King Premium Bleach is an all-purpose bleach which whitens and brightens whites, removes difficult stains with ease, kills 99.99% of germs, deodorises, removes mould and soap scum as well as moss & grime. It is a hospital grade disinfectant which means a hygienic and effective clean every time. Available in three sizes and three fragrances.
- See more at: http://www.whiteking.com.au/products/wh ... ach/#.dpuf

Knew there was a reason I love the stuff.

Poodles ears plucked, cleaned, nails clipped and bathed and blow dried. Woke up: disinfected lorikeet cages, striped yard, damn, all my chores caught up and done. I get to play with poodles and birds, all day today. Life's grand. Regards.

Hi Blujay,

Would the bleach strip paint off?
Just dilute per instructions on bottle?

cheers

Hi Shayne, I don't believe it would strip the paint off the cages. I started with two cages like in you photographs, which I bought from pet barn, and still use to this day: the paint is fine. I dilute the the bleach. I use 1/4 cup per 14 litre bucket full of water. I also add a couple tablespoons of dish soap. I don't use heaps of soap because the suds are harder to wipe off than poo, and also streak. Hope this helps. Regards.

Thanks Blujay,

This is today's job and on the way to pick up some bleach.