DIET CHANGES

The most important changes I have to share are those I have made in the birds' diet. Look on the Housing/Diet page to see the highlights. I am hoping to use more natural ways of keeping the birds healthy, without lots of supplements and medicines. So far the birds have taken to almost all the changes and are eating the new things I give them.

I love the new perches I found in the country.
I baked them in the oven to kill any insect pests and they were
ready for the birds to try out in the new flight cage.

HERB MIX FOR BIRDS

Since November '03 I've been giving the birds the herb mix from TwinBeaks Aviary. The birds really seem to go for it. I give it to them 2-3 times a week and each dish is almost clean by the next day. I'll know over time if the herbs actually help them fight illness before it gets really serious. I know herbs act that way on me, so I'm trusting it will be the case with my birds. I really like finding a more natural way to treat my birds, rather than antibiotics or other strong medicines. As of April '05 no serious illness among the birds. Hurrah!!

OWL BREEDING TIME

In April-May '05 I'll set up my three pairs of owls for breeding. The males are already practicing their songs and have started to tear up the newspaper on the bottom of the cage for nests. I bet they'll be glad to be back with their lady loves. It'll be fun to see who has chicks first. I'll keep you updated.

Elfie II and Elfina
Fion & Fionna
Sean & Lucy

EUROPEAN GOLDFINCHES

In mid February '04 I got a pair of European Goldfinches. They have settled down very well and the males sing more and more beautifully. Since their first molt this winter their colors are so beautiful and their feathers are in much better condition than when I found them in the pet shop.

GREEN SINGING FINCHES

The latest addition to the birdroom as of Summer '04 are a pair of green singing finches. They're not really green, but have yellow markings. The most spectacular thing about them is their song. Both sexes sing, but especially the male. I have fallen in love with their canary-like song. This winter they had their first try at breeding. No chicks survived. I've also a lot to learn about breeding this species. But they nested in an open canary nest, laid eggs, and hatched one baby, which did not survive. They are long-lived birds, as much as 20 years, so there are plenty of breeding seasons left for them.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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