How to Develop Your Abilities for Breeding Finches in Captivity

Breeding finches is an interesting challenge for those people who want to succeed to produce healthy and vivid offspring. Breeding these little birds has become a much outspread activity around the world due to the priceless feeling of having new, featherless cute members of your home. Breeding is more complicated than simple keeping birds, because it requires more patience and some specific conditions. The challenge should be seriously taken by two sides, which will enlarge the chances of success.

The first side is you. You should be positive that you are ready to provide your finches all they need to become parents.

Birds are the second side of the story.

Firstly: They need to belong to different sexes but the same type.

Secondly: They have to be mature and ready for breeding, if it is not the case, they may fail to raise their young successfully. An unprepared couple may easily abandon their eggs, but the situation isn't unsolvable if you give the responsibility to other finches that will be foster parents and society finches are the best example for this.

And the thirdly, very important thing: They have to be compatible for mating. In some cases, birds are not eager to make that kind of relationship, due to various factors. In that case, they won't show interest toward each other and an aggressive behavior is also possible. I just listed some basic requirements.

Finches kept in aviaries have all chances to practice their own natural behavior, which means they can freely mate and rear their fledglings. On the other hand, conflicts between males are possible in order to gain females attention, but it depends from the level of inborn aggression of your finches type.

Cages are also an excellent option for breeding; a large number of finch enthusiasts are able to raise finches with great success, when keeping them in smaller, indoor cages. However, boxes and nests are necessary, because they require privacy for mating, without exception. Otherwise, producing offspring would be impossible.

Different types of finches have different mating habits, but most of them do have some habits in common.

For example, when the courtship period starts, females ask for different kinds of food from their potential partners. Male finches use their bills to bring nesting materials for females, which are usually more occupied with nest building. During this period, males show protective behavior toward their female mates as well as they are defensive on the territory around the nest. Marking the territory by the females is very unusual.

An average laying period is 4 to 6 days. The time needed for incubation also varies, usually between 9 and 16 days.

Females are very careful with their eggs and they won't leave them during the period of incubation, which is very hopeful sign because it results with stronger bonds between the parents and the bouncing little finches. During that period, finches need additional food full of proteins and other highly nutritious ingredients. Live insects and egg food are very good choice.

Although finches are great parents, they usually wean their young by pushing them away and it is very common if the adults plan a new breeding. However, that kind of aggression between generations is very mild.

Some types are monogamous during one breeding season, which means they won't accept eventual partner's replacement, while others may have different mates.

Well, my friend, it seems you are able to breed these birds with great success. This is however a little part of that you should know about finches and their breeding, but it is also provides you with basic information that should be upgraded. You can do it. Good luck!

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Poultry Diseases - A Major Threat to the Food Industry

Poultry diseases are infections that affect domestic poultry. It may be bacterial, fungal or viral and may be transmitted to other animal species. The disease may also spread through water or soil contaminated by the disease. Chickens are most commonly affected with poultry diseases. Other birds that are also susceptible to these diseases include turkeys and ducks.

It causes serious problems in poultry markets as the infection spreads. Because the disease may also be able to infect humans, it poses a serious health concern. Eating the meat of diseased animals or birds can cause further infection. There is also an increase in the diseases transmitted from poultry to other birds. These diseases can affect the liver, heart, kidneys, intestines and skin.

These diseases can cause abnormalities in eggshells which can lead to abortive eggs. Other symptoms of poultry infection include diarrhea, loss of appetite, depression, tremors, arthritis and nephrosis. Some examples of poultry diseases are: Viral diseases: Newcastle disease, infectious bronchitis, Gumboro disease, avian influenza, and avian Pox. Bacterial diseases: Fowl cholera, colibacillosis, infectious coryza. Fungal disease: Aspergillosis, gapeworm infection.

In the event of poultry being infected by any disease, there are certain necessary measures that must be taken. • Diagnosis of the infection can be done by various methods like hem agglutination, inhibition tests, and noting a sudden increase in mortality, symptoms and lesions. • Vaccines are available to eradicate infections. Those birds that are thought to be infected should be isolated to prevent the infection from spreading. • Good slaughterhouse waste management can prevent the spread of these diseases to an extent.

Surveys, examinations and constant monitoring of poultry will make earlier detection of diseases easier. A veterinarian can suggest whether affected poultry can be slaughtered normally or whether special measures must be taken with them.

These diseases rise from year to year. This may be due to incorrect waste management. Efficient management of waste can be achieved by screening waste. Poultry should be monitored for health and growth-rate at steady intervals. Drooping birds is one of the primary symptoms of poultry disease. In addition, observing the feeding habits of poultry may indicate any health problems. Because poultry diseases can infect humans when not carefully managed, it poses a major threat to the food industry. So slaughterhouses, poultry farms and consumers must take care to practice healthy food habits in order to prevent poultry diseases.

When it comes to poultry disease, the first name that comes to mind is the Newcastle disease. This particular disease can infect humans and cause eye problems such as conjunctivitis, which is accompanied by flu-like symptoms. Certain other avian diseases like chlamydiosis, bird flu and salmonellosis can also be transmitted to humans. Usually these diseases are treated with antibiotics. Remember that, if infected, it is necessary to get proper medical attention before it becomes too serious. It is important to buy chicken, eggs or other poultry products after checking the health of the poultry or making sure the products come from a reputable source.

The poultry market constitutes a major income in every country. An increase in poultry diseases can seriously decrease the market value of poultry products. Waste management rules that are not strictly enforced result in waste management malpractice. Adequately enforced rules will result in better waste management which can help in decreasing incidents of poultry diseases.

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Finch Bird Characteristics

True finches are small, colorful, boisterous birds belonging to the Fringillidae family, which also includes the subfamilies of Ploceidae, Estrildidae and Passeridae. There are many other birds that carry the finch name but belong to other families such as the waxbill, sparrow or bunting finches.

Finches have become very popular pets over the years with Gouldian, Zebra and Society Finches leading the way. Finches are known for the vibrant, beautiful plumage, their mating song and their social graces.

Full-grown finches range in size from three inches to eight inches in height and can reach between ½ ounce to one ounce in weight or between 16 and 27 grams.

All true finches have nine main feathers on each wing. These feathers give the finch birds flight and project out along the outer edge of the wing. True finches also all have twelve tail feathers which are split into two sections and have a forked impression.

Most finches have round heads and torsos but some species have more of an elongated body. Due to breeding in captivity, finches come in an endless variety of colors and patterns. While some are a beautiful red like the Strawberry Finch, others are more subtle in color like the Society Finch and still other finches have striking colors and patterns like the gorgeous Gouldian Finch also known as The Lady Gouldian. The actual shape of their beaks varies and is dependent on the types of foods they eat.

Finches generally have two types of calls, flight calls and mating songs which can range from a very simple 'meep' sound to a very complex combination of beeps, chirps and warbles.

Finches are very social birds; they need the company of other birds to be truly happy and to adapt to their environment. If the bird is kept by itself, it will become lonely and depressed. This will usually lead to illness and death. It is important to the bird's health that finches are always kept in pairs.

Another very important characteristic of finches is activity. These little birds are built for hours upon hours of continuous flight in the wild. They exhibit the same need for constant activity in captivity. These birds need room to roam and reach full flight. If they are kept in an environment that doesn't allow them much room for flight, again they will become depressed and ill.

There are over a hundred finch species, and each species has their own colors, patterns and personalities. Finches are so popular because of their plumage, song and the fact that they are very easy to care for, a joy to watch and make a valuable addition to any family.

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Spice Finches: Considerations When Breeding

Spice Finches are comparatively easy birds to keep, offering quite a bit of amusement as they choose to "zoom" rather than fly about. They can be crossbred, especially interbreeding with the society finch, Breeding them can be difficult under certain conditions. Luckily, there are a few points that can make the process more successful.

Spice Finches are Monomorphic

Interestingly, they are monomorphic, which essentially means that males and females are difficult to tell apart. Therefore, if you mean to breed, it is recommended that you buy six to eight birds at a time. Only the cocks sing so if none of your birds are singing you have nothing but hens.

Breeding Diet

Like most domesticated finches, spice finches thrive on a customary finch diet of seeds supplemented with insect protein. For breeding purposes, there are a few things to consider. First, as is the case with all finches, the dietary requirements of the mating couple are important as they must be well nourished to feed the offspring. While breeding, and especially after the nestlings hatch, supplement the diet with additional insect protein. Mealworms are an ideal choice.

In addition, breeding finches love greens, so try and make lettuce and spinach a daily food source. Calcium should be supplied in the form of a cuttlebone or crushed egg shells and grit should be available daily. Mealworms provide terrific balance to a breeding diet and can even be fed to the young. Remember, when you are breeding your birds they are also feeding their young. Whatever you feed them, you must consider the diet of the hatchlings as well. The most important thing is to infuse a large amount of protein in the diet, especially until the young birds leave the nest and are essentially on their own.

Restrictions

The spice finch is a bit difficult to breed indoors as they prefer wide open spaces over confined areas. For instance, most spice finches will not breed in small cages. However, if you are set on breeding indoors you can be successful with a few modifications. First, you may have to adjust the lighting and monitor humidity conditions. Larger flight cages are ideal for indoor breeding as are indoor aviaries. Offspring take longer than usual to reach maturity and in most cases, it is twelve to eighteen months before they reach sexual maturity.

Spice finches are terrific birds. They are easy to maintain and can provide entertainment for hours. While breeding spice finches can be difficult, learning some basic information can help even the novice breed successfully.

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Easy Ideas for Creating Your Finches Aviary

Are you building a finches aviary at home? If so there are a few things you should take into account before you start; space for your finches, enough safety from the outside world, and how you can make your own life easier in terms of cleaning and maintenance.

When constructing a finches aviary most of the materials and tools, such as lumber, wire screening, sandpaper, barbed wire, a saw, a staple gun, nails and a hammer, can be found around the house.

Sand down the lumber to make it splinter free, make frames that will be the front, back and sides of the aviary, cover each one in mesh and screw them together. Remember, as small as finches are they need a lot of space for flying so a good size for an aviary 40 inches high by 20 inches wide.

Finches come from dry grassy areas so sunlight is important, but not direct sunlight, also avoid cool breezy places. Use gravel or sand to keep the floor of the cage dry and also sub-drainage should they get rained on if the aviary does not have complete roofing.

Plants can add a nice effect within the finches aviary but keep them to a minimum because you need room for the finches to move freely and also dampness comes about in shaded areas.

You also don't want more cleaning to do, even with plastic plants to be cleaning bird droppings off leaves or around the base of the plants.

If putting plants outside the finches aviary make sure they are not tall enough for possible predators to climb in if it is not completely covered, and also far enough away for them to be safe.

For safety-sake have a concrete footing around the perimeter of the aviary with a layer of metal sheeting about one meter high attached going around the aviary.

When it comes to accessories provide them with a few perches to land on or fly from, a nest box to sleep in, dishes to bathe in and feeders for food and water.

To keep in time with their natural day/night cycle you could install a night-light, turning it on and off at regular times throughout the day, or even getting a timer to do it.

A finches aviary will give them plenty of space and simulate their natural environment but if this is not possible than a cage will be fine. Even a 'Flight cage' is good because it allows them more space to fly than with a regular cage. Both regular cages and Flight cages can be purchased from pet stores or online, they can range anywhere from $50 to $600.

This is just a brief look at how to start, you can get more information from pet stores, online articles or websites. It doesn't have to be expensive either. As long as remember the above points taking into account what you can provide your finches and what kind of budget you're working to you should be fine.

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Bird Dust Air Purifier - 4 Filters It Must Have

Bird dust is generated by powder down parrots. They include the African Grey, Cockatoo, Cockatiel, and some Amazons. This fine white powder is essential for the healthy growth and development of their wing feathers, but it can wreak havoc in your home and in your lungs and your birds' lungs.

An air purifier is the least invasive and most effective way to constantly remove the dust. Here are 4 filters it must have to be effective.

HEPA---This type of filter is designed to remove microscopic particles that are invisible to the human eye. And even though dust is probably your biggest concern, dander is a potent allergen for humans and can also clog your bird's air passages.

By definition high efficiency particle arresting (abbreviated as HEPA) filtration must be able to remove 99,997 out of every 10,000 particles down to.3 microns in size. This is the same technology that hospitals use to insure clean air. A filter that can remove dust and dander with 97% efficiency gives you a huge advantage.

Carbon Cloth---Birds are incredibly sensitive to gases, odors, and chemicals. In fact these pollutants can be deadly in the smallest of doses.

This sensitivity to gases was proven true for many years when miners would take canaries into the mines. If and when the canaries died it was an indication that air quality was becoming unhealthy and it was time for humans to leave.

Fortunately, this practice was stopped years ago, but the effect that gases have on birds continues to be true. Carbon Cloth was developed by the British Military as a response to chemical warfare. And because it is a cloth it also provides additional removal of particles.

Large Particle Pre-filter---This is usually the first line of defense against particles and is a cotton-like filter that is designed to trap household dust, pet and human hair as well as pet dander. Having this filter first means that the other smaller gauge filters are not filled needlessly. Instead they are reserved for smaller particulates that the large pre-filter is not able to trap.

Medium Particle Pre-filter---Found right behind the large particle pre-filter, it is best at trapping pollen and mold and mildew spores. And whereas these are not bird-related pollutants they are undesirables for both people and birds. And the added perk for all of these filters is that even though they reduce bird-related particulates, they also eliminate normal household contaminants.

A cleaner that has a canister containing these 4 filters will be best at making the air cleaner for birds and humans. And that's the beginning of happily ever after for everyone.

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