Aphids

[desertbirds]

Been collecting a few aphids over winter for the lat few years now and they seem to be a favourite suppliment for insectivorous finches. Anything to watch out for feeding these bugs ?

[Mickp]

Have found that my waxbills really enjoy the aphids, especially cordons and st helenas

[Tintola]

They are a great live food source because they are green, black or red and contain chlorophyll. I use them when I can, but I make sure that they come from a non poisonous plant as the aphids may be immune to the toxicity but the birds might not be. Also make sure that they have not been sprayed with anything toxic.

[desertbirds]

Good point, our local council is pretty good in that they dont spray a lot and they use dye when they do. Ive checked and the area i collect from never gets sprayed just graded once i awhile.

[Mickp]

None of my family are allowed to spray their rose bushes and when they start whining about the aphids I go round and prune the plant/s for them.

[Pete Sara]

I have just planted some roses in the aviary for the reason of aphids not just to keep the dish washer happy with flowers.....pete

[finchbreeder]

Never spray my roses, just get a paint brush and "dust" the aphids into a small bowl and down the avairy and pick the thistles complete with aphids each year too. They all love them.
LML

[Redwing]

I like the paint brush idea finchbreeder, will start and do that with my broccoli plants.