FINCHES
BIRD ROOM - My bird room is one room in my small bungalow. I try to go in only to feed the birds each day and occasionally to check up on them. I've hung denim curtains around the cages to give them privacy and to make a nice background for viewing the birds. I have full spectrum bird bulbs over each cage. I have bought manzanita and chola perches, but, in general, prefer using perches that I get from fallen branches or driftwood. I bake the wood at about 300 for 30 minutes to make sure there are not harmful insects or fungi and then put them in the cage for the birds. I attach thin plastic sheets around the bottom of each cage to act as a seed guard. I have started sprouting canola seed for them to eat and put pots of it in each cage when it is ready. I hang silk ivy in various places to give the birds a place to hide and find privacy. I also separate my birds by sex when they are not breeding, making a large cage for females and one for males.
Dima on the perch he usually shares with Mr. Gibbs |
Liam, dilute back cock, with Mr. Gibbs, blue cap cordon bleu |
FIRST BIRDS- ZEBRA FINCHES- Upon first seeing a zebra finch some 9years ago, I was captivated by what was to me a very special energy. The charm these birds have for me has not abated since then. My first birds were a pair of zebra finches, Dima and Liuba. They had a clutch of 6 babies which were all raised to adulthood and sent off to new homes. Liuba has only recently died, the end of an era for me. But Dima has become close friends with a Mr. Gibbs, a BLUE CAP CORDON BLEU, who also lost his mate. They are often found perching close together. And I still enjoy hearing Dima's rooster call throughout the day. I also have a pair of SPICE FINCHES, Chaco and Cocoa, who are very affectionate with the owl finches. Spice finches are such beautiful birds that I am glad to have them among my finches.
Left side of the bird room: breeding cages on top of large flight cages |
Right side of the bird room: breeding cages on top of two large flight cages |
SOCIETY FINCHES - I got a pair of society finches to act as foster parents to any gouldians whose parents wouldn't raise them. Since observing their remarkable mothering instincts, I stand in awe of these birds. They will feed almost any baby finch I put in their nest. Of course, in the case of Pippa and Laeli, they, for some reason, wouldn't feed them. But I was lucky to gain a pair of devoted finch friends. I realize that the societies feed other babies out of instinct, but in my tendency toward anthropomorphism (giving animals human traits they may not really have), I feel that they do it out of love.
Mr. Gibbs, Liam and Elfie, male owl finch in the guy's cage |
Society finches at the fresh food bowl |
BIRDROOM CHANGES- As of February '04 I've added one more 3-row tier of breeding cages. The new one is in front of the window. I hated to lose the light, but progress requires sacrifices. The birds are happy and the birdroom is not too crowded.
View in my garden
Please e-mail me if this site does not function optimally. Copyright © 2003 Mary Delle LeBeau |
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