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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Your Finches Cage Is Its Castle

Finches make great pets because they have so much personality. They are fun to watch because they are lively and usually appear very cheerful. So they have always been on my short list of kinds of pets I want to have and continue to have.

Because of their level of activity, the size of their cage becomes one of the most important parts of owning this interesting pet. You know how you feel when your own home starts to feel cramped and cluttered. Your finch friend feels the same way so plan for a minimum of two and a half feet in length. Longer if possible since the finch gets their exercise by flying.

Who knew finches need exercise just like I need exercise. I have to walk or jog, however, to get in my laps as we used to call them in track. We had to do so many laps before our exercise session was done.

For your finch they need short flights so have the cage and the arrangement of the things in the cage, feeders, swings, water, or perches arranged so they have those open, uncluttered places where they can fly.

Imagine if your track was filled with hurdles, it would be stressful for you to run so do not stress your finch by putting things in its way. It will reward you by continuing to be active and healthy.

Where I live recently they had the annual road-race and each year it increases in numbers of runners. One of my friends ran but prepared in advance by hydrating well the day before and the morning of the race. She did not experience any pain while running but said many around her were complaining. While they were getting water along the race course, it would have been easier on them to have hydrated before the race started.

You finch needs to be well hydrated too so be sure you put separate dishes of food and water and monitor them closely so your feathered friend does not run out of either but especially the water.

Finches like to have a place to perch. Provide various sizes so your finches feet can also be exercised. If you did not have any physical issues but only exercised your arms, your legs would be really cranky with you. While your finch doesn't get cranky you still should provide the items it needs to remain healthy. Many finch parents do not take very good care of their finches so I want to encourage you to think through all of the things that will allow your finch to be extra well cared for and healthy.

Some perches which do extra duty are cement perches which keep your finches toenails trimmed, but if this is the only type you provide it can be hard of the finches feet over time.

Natural perches from branches of trees or bushes are a nice change for your finches feet and certainly easy to find in your local area. Use a bird protector disk to keep mites from traveling in on the branches or being introduced to your finches cage.

Your finch loves toys in the cage to play with so select a few toys at a time and change them out occasionally to give your finch variety. Some ideas might be swings, ladders, beads and mirrors.

Another extra important thing about your fiches cage is to keep it clean. A weekly schedule will help you stay on track with this task. An additional cage to move your finches to while you are cleaning is a great idea and will help both you and your finches.

Tools and supplies for cleaning the finches cage are:

hot, soapy water rinse water paper towels, newspaper or brown paper bags for the bottom of the cage for easier cleanup

Use to clean the cage and all the accessories you have in the cage. Let everything dry.

When everything is dry it is time to bring your finches back to their clean home or castle and your enjoyment of them can continue as their enjoyment of a clean home. We all like to be refreshed.

Speaking of being refreshed, put a small shallow dish of water for them to bathe in several times a week. I know when I finish exercising I want a shower so your finches want to bathe too.

And there you have it, your finch now can have a castle in your castle. I guess I could add, just for humor sake, and you can both live happily ever after.

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Owning Wonderful Finches As Pets

Finches as pets are very popular with a lot of people, they look beautiful with their varied colours and patterns and have unique personalities and a cheerful bird song which is lovely to listen to but never too noisy.

Our modern world is getting increasingly busy so it's great to have a pet that is colourful with personality but also independent and easy to take care of, it is a great benefit. They are content to fly around their cage or aviary happily entertaining themselves.

Due to their natures finches as pets rarely get lonely when left alone for long periods of time, which is ideal for the owners who cannot always be at home. As long as the finches have enough food and drink, and their cages or aviaries are clean with their accessories and materials organised they will be fine.

Because they do not always connect with people when it comes to handling them to clip their toe nails it can take a while to tame them, but with time it can be done. They don't usually bite but if they do it is not dangerous or painful.

They are very sociable and close with their own groups so it is best to purchase two or more, even as many as six. Getting mostly females is best because having as many males as females gives them more chance to breed frequently, giving you problems with overcrowding.

Finches as pets get on well in their own groups but not always with other species of bird. For example, parakeets or Budgies can be aggressive towards them or even kill them so make sure you keep them separate. Even go as far as putting their cages in separate rooms, do not put them next to each other.

The main varieties of finches are the Gouldian finch, the Zebra finch and the Bengalese (Society) finch.

Other finch breeds include the Chinese Grossbeak, the Red Headed Finch and the Cutthroat Finch.

There are also certain Australian varieties such as the Painted Firetail, the Diamond Firetail and the Plum Headed Finch.

Each have certain unique traits, some are louder than others while some are more aggressive than others. Some have certain distinguishing colours and patterns, but all are generally active, hardy and made to fly a lot.

When owning finches as pets the basic things to remember are providing them with enough food and drink regularly, cleaning their cage or aviary regularly, having enough accessories and changing them around often to give the birds variety, a few perches for them to fly to and from and the right materials for the inside.

Most things can be purchased or found at home and there are also many resources available online or at pet stores.

Finches as pets are wonderful, independent, hardy and beautiful birds to own, for the newcomer or experienced bird owner. They come in a wide variety of colours and patterns and have a lovely bird song. They are a great addition to anyone's home.

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Birdwatching Secrets and Tips: Encouraging Birds to Your Garden

It is relatively easy to encourage birds to any garden as long as it provides the three essentials of food, shelter and water. The most important rule is to make sure food is available throughout the year and not just in the winter. Nuts, seed mixtures and fat balls are all welcome but do make sure any feeders and bird tables are cleaned regularly to prevent the spread of viral diseases. Avoid chemical cleaners and instead use using boiling water. Equally important is to provide the right ecologically friendly environment to encourage insect food. Cutting back or eliminating chemicals and pesticides used in the garden will help and birds and other predators will make sure there will be very few problems with pests.

Although an open, well-maintained lawn will give a clear view and offer a perfect hunting area for birds but flower beds, neat borders and an over tidy garden do not offer much of interest. A bird friendly garden should ideally include plants that offer a good source of food and if you allow the seed heads to stay on plants, it offers an alternative source of food for birds in winter. Cut back these seed heads in early March as new shoots are emerging. Most trees and shrubs attract and support insects and shrubs that produce berries will give food in the colder months, although it is worth noting that many yellow berries remain uneaten and it is probably best to concentrate on plants producing red or black berries.

The best bird garden boundary is a hedge left untrimmed in the summer. An untrimmed hedgerow offers a variety of benefits. Hawthorn or hazel are ideal but almost all hedges will offer a good habitat for birds to shelter, nest and feed. Aside from any berries the hedge produces, dead leaves and debris shelter spiders, woodlice and centipedes and in the hedge itself, leaves stay attached to offer warmth and cover in the colder months. A word of warning. It is best to avoid thick leaved evergreens such as laurels and rhododendrons because they take too much light from the ground and there are too few insects underneath.

Finally, a few notes on providing water. All birds need water and get some through the food they eat. They don't sweat but lose water mainly through excretion and they need to replace this. Many garden birds also need water to take care of their plumage which, apart from its obvious use in flight, provides insulation and regulates body temperature. The battle to maintain plumage is a constant one and bathing is an important element in their attempt to keep their feathers fully efficient. Most birds prefer shallow water for bathing, placed in the shade with a reasonable amount of cover.

Follow these tips and you will encourage birds to your garden all year-round.

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Tips on Caring for Your Parrot

Many people believe it is very challenging to care for birds. Some people go against this belief and consider taking care of birds as a job lot easier than taking care of other animals, specially cats and dogs. Animals like cats and dogs are more expensive than birds and they also require more human attention.

Even though keeping birds is an easy task but you need to get hold of some bird care tips. Before buying a bird you must know how to care for it. The most essential thing that you must ensure is that the parrot is provided with highly comfortable surroundings.

An ideal cage for a bird should be quite spacious, with its sides three times as large as its wingspan. The size of the cage is really important for the birds as they require space to spread their wings and to work out on a regular basis. This makes them happy and keeps them in good physical shape.

Besides, one must remember to purchase a cage that is prepared using a non-toxic material. Majority of birds have a habit of chewing the plastic coating that is present on their cages, which can prove to be fatal for them. For this reason, many specialists within the field advice to use cages made of metal rather than the ones made of plastic.

Furthermore, hygiene is an important factor that needs to be taken care of in order to keep the birds healthy. For this reason, it's important to have the living area of the bird sparkling clean. It is better to clean the cage of the parrot everyday but if it is not possible then it needs to be cleaned at least two times a week. To ease the cleaning process, you could purchase a spare small cage in order to keep the bird there till the original cage is properly cleaned.

In case, if you own a variety of birds, you can also place your parrot in an aviary. However, you must ensure that the birds go along with each other well otherwise they can end up hurting each other as some species of birds don't like other species of birds to enter and live in their territory.

Apart from all these things, you will also require the pet parrot care products to ensure that proper care is provided to the parrot. Birds are just like little kids, they require relaxation and enjoyment, so it is essential to provide them things like bells, toys, mirrors, plastic made bones and many more things to play. You must make sure that all the toys are made of non-toxic material.

It must be ensured that the toys of small sizes are not given to your pet bird because it can choke them. However, these toys won't fulfill the place you have in a bird's life, so it is essential that you interact with your bird on a regular basis or your pet bird might get bored or even depressed if left alone for a long time.

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Parrot Facts to Entertain

There is so much to know about parrots, but you must know the parrot facts from fiction. Maybe you know some things about those famous African Greys you've seen on television, but there is so much more to know about the parrot family in general. Coming in amazingly different sizes, shapes, colors, and intelligence levels, they still share some things in common.

1. Those beautiful birds known as parrots that come in green, blue, red, yellow, orange, even hyacinth, are made up of 350 species.

2. Almost all parrots are monogamous. This is somewhat unusual in the bird world. Even birds that mate for a season are known to be "promiscuous." Laying white eggs, parrots like nesting in tree holes or cliff cavities when in the wild. When living with people they must be provided with nesting boxes.

3. They are some of the most intelligent creatures in the animal kingdom, and the most brilliant of birds, in addition to ravens, crows, and jays. African Grays, particularly one bird known as Alex, can associate words with meanings and speak in simple sentences. They can calculate and answer brief questions with up to 80% accuracy. Experts disagree whether this comes from the bird's understanding or not. Some think the trainer, consciously or not, signals the bird in some way to give the desired response.

4. Without the vocal chords that mammals have, they make their sounds by blowing air over their tracheas that have 2 halves.

5. Strangely enough, their beaks are unhinged. This is not the case with any other kind of bird.

6. At least one parrot, the New Zealand Kea, is able to skillfully work with tools.

7. Parrots in the wild spend huge amounts of their day foraging, requiring large amounts of energy, and for this reason they require an enormous amount of stimulation when kept in captivity. They require as much attention as a three-year old human child, more than many pet owners are prepared to offer.

8. Almost all parrots, except Lorikeets, eat nuts, fruits, seeds, and small insects. Lorikeets, on the other hand, eat only fruit and fruit nectar.

9. They can live a very long time, with some of the larger birds living up to 80 years. Even the small budgies and love birds can live for 10 or 15. Many of these birds outlive their owners, making it necessary for more and more bird rescues to take place.

10. Almost half are endangered because of poaching, pest control, or capture for sale. In so many places in the world parrots are slaughtered because of destruction to crops.

Now that you know some parrot facts, have fun getting to know a real parrot.

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Things You Should Know Before Breeding Gouldian Finches

If you are thinking of breeding Gouldian finches it is very important to remember some things before you start. They are made to fly a lot so even though they are small don't overcrowd their home.

Nest Options

A nest woven out of natural materials is a good option. They look a lot like a nest would in the wild, which makes them very popular. There is also a bamboo version of this which is very strong and secure.

A wooden nest box with an outside perch is another option. The opening at the top will make cleaning easier, handling the eggs easier, and guarantee the security of the chicks inside.

Putting the nest on the outside of the cage or aviary will give you more space on the inside.

Breeding Methods

'Colonial Breeding' means having a lot of finches in one space. It is advised you only have five pairs together so you'll have a certain amount of control over what's happening without too much overcrowding.

When breeding Gouldian finches overcrowding is fatal to their health and will harm their natural immunity to disease.

'Selective Breeding' gives you more control over the breeding process by putting each pair of finches in their own enclosures. You won't have to watch them as much and you're not leaving as much to chance.

This option will be better for you and the finches down the line.

Compatibility

This is a key factor when breeding Gouldian finches. But how do you know they are compatible?

If a couple were born in the same year, have equal traits or roost side by side they are. If they remain separate and are aggressive towards each other they are not.

A male will make a whistling sound, standing tall and looking at the female while bowing his head and moving it from side to side. If she is receptive they are compatible, if she does not respond they are not.

Ready for Mating

If a pair have more energy than normal and vigorously flap their wings you know they are ready to mate. Another sign is the female's beak goes a blackish colour and the male's goes a pearly white.

Preparing Materials

A nest must be solid on the outside and very soft on the inside. Keep everything as natural as possible avoiding synthetics. Feathers are wonderful, dry grasses are also good.

Finches will collect anything to build their nest so make sure you don't use anything they can get tangled up in, cut away all excess.

Diet Tips

When breeding Gouldian finches the right kind of diet will guarantee healthy chicks. Give them a lot of protein in the form of sprouted seeds, egg foods or egg mix (Chopped egg shells boiled and mixed with vegetables chopped finely) and seeding grasses.

Keep in Mind

The right living environment, method or breeding, Compatibility, nesting materials and diet are all important when it comes to breeding Gouldian finches. Save yourself time and energy by remembering these starter tips and you will be fine.

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Reducing Bird Dust - 5 Strategies That Work

If you own a bird that produces a lot of dust, it can be unsightly and daunting to control. Powder down birds produce this white powder as a natural part of their growth and development. Here are 5 things you can do to minimize the dust in your life.

Limit the Numbers---The quality of life you can offer any pet is surely the number one most important thing for a bird lover. Only welcome into your life those for which you can provide the very best care. Having one or two that are well taken care of is better than trying to save them all and creating an environment that is less than desirable and/or unhealthy.

Know Your Bird----Be sure you find out all you can about every aspect of the bird you're thinking of adopting.. Choose a pet that can be happy in the space you have to offer. Knowing whether the pet you are considering is a powder down bird will help you determine whether it's a good match for your situation.

African Greys, Cockatoos, Cockatiels, and some Amazons shed a wing dust practically all their lives. If one of these birds has grabbed your heart, you should bring it home only if you are willing to deal with the added particles that they will send into your space.

The fact that these types of birds will require more clean-up should also factor into the number of birds that you adopt. Putting too many birds together in a space that is not large is likely to make everyone unhappy. And the added particulates from numerous birds can cause birds and humans to become unhealthy.

Be sure to note that Powder Down Birds can live for up to 80 years.. This should also be something to think over very carefully before you adopt.

Choose Low Maintenance Furniture---One of the best ways to battle the dust is to make it easier to clear away. Furnish your aviary with surfaces that are easily and inexpensively cleaned. Hard floors surfaces on floors such as linoleum, tile, or wood are more easily cleaned that rugs and carpet that tend to hold dust.

Furnishings should be covered in material that can be wiped with a damp cloth. Windows should be furnished with shades, blinds, or shutters rather than fabric that make it easy for pollutants to hide.

Clean Smarter---Use a damp cloth and mop to get rid of the powder. Go outdoors when cleaning the cage to prevent particles from escaping into indoor air again.. Vacuum rather than sweep, and if possible use a cleaner that has a high efficiency particle arresting (HEPA) filter that prevents the vacuum from blowing dust out into the room again.

Filter the Air-Continually filtering the air with an air purifier that is made to take out large amounts of particles is one of the most effective yet non-invasive ways to reduce the dust. Professional aviaries use HEPA or high efficiency particle arresting filters to take out particles as small as.3 microns in size.

Filtration is a good idea for birds and humans because it prevents the spread of disease for both. Clean air can drastically increase your birds' life span because it cuts down on the spread of disease and infection.

Constantly filtering the air can greatly decrease the amount of bird-related allergens in the air, and often prevent humans from becoming allergic or asthmatic by avoiding constant and prolonged exposure to the dust.

Description Bird dust can be unsightly and unhealthy. And it's not going anywhere as long as you have your birds. Here are 5 suggestions that will help you reduce the dust.

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Air Purifier For Cockatoos - 5 Features That Insure Effectiveness

Cockatoos make exquisite pets. They are beautiful and intelligent companions. What is not so great is the white powder that tends to cover everything around you. Breathing this airborne dust is a huge health problem for you and your parrot, and an air cleaner is a must. Let the following 5 features point you towards the most effective cleaner for your parrot.

Clean air should be first on the list, making the right air purifier essential. The following 5 features will help you choose the right cleaner for you and your parrot.

Dust Filters---As gorgeous as this bird is, it produces a ton of the white powdery dust. And you don't have to have them in the house for long to become aware of just how much. Fortunately for the bird, this powder helps their wings stay healthy. Unfortunately for you, it can mean hours of cleaning only to have more of it show up at the end of the day.

Using a cleaner that has filters that are specifically designed to remove high volumes of particles is essential in eliminating the powder. By definition this type of filter is known as a HEPA. These letters stand for a filter that has been rated as high efficiency particle arresting.

And the benefit of this type of filtration to you and your bird is that it is required to remove 99,997 out of every 10,000 airborne particles that are 3 microns or greater in size.

Variable Filtration Speeds---Some days there is just more in the air than others. It can be due to a number of reasons---they are more active, you are cleaning, or both.

But whatever the cause, being able to remove more particles at a faster rate drastically reduces the number that you and your bird are forced to inhale. Ultimately, being able to adjust the filtration speed will keep you and your avian friend healthier.

Being able to adjust the speed also saves money. When all is calm you are not forced to keep it on high and waste electricity and money.

24 Hour Filtration----This white dust will be around as long as you have your bird. Being able to leave the cleaner on continually means that it is never allowed to build to a level that causes problems.

In order for a unit to be able to run safely without over heating or malfunctioning, it needs to have a split capacitor motor that is rated for high revolutions per minute and long life duty.

This means that whether you are home or not, you know that you are providing fresh, clean air. A quick look through the technical specifications or the owner's manual will tell you if the unit has this type of motor.

Fresh Air Only---The debate continues about the use of ionization and ozone in air purifiers. Why take a chance that may affect the health of you and your pet? Everyone agrees that pure air is the best solution and HEPA filtration provides that.

Low Maintenance---Your cockatoo needs it to be low maintenance so that any free time you have is sure to be spent admiring its beauty, feeding it exquisite treats, or teaching it new tricks.

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Parrot Facts for the Young

Anyone who is seriously considering buying their children a parrot needs to do plenty of research on parrot facts before even deciding which kind to buy. Parrots make wonderful pets, for the right owners, but some are more appropriate for children than others. Even the more appropriate ones can take quite a bit of energy and attention in order to maintain the bird's health. They need even more attention than kittens or puppies.

If you have very young children, you might not be ready for a parrot at all. You might want to consider a more social finch, instead. They are colorful, sweet, and require very little attention, compared to any one of the parrot species. If your child is old enough to assist with feeding, watering, and cleaning the cage, though, he might be ready for the smallest, gentlest one, the budgerigar parakeet. They come in all sorts of colors ranging from green, to yellow, to white. You can even get them in varying shades of blue. They don't require huge cages or much space in your home, and they live about the same length of time as cats and dogs, 10 to 15 years.

If your child is a little older and is willing and able to take on more responsibility, then he might be ready for a cockatiel. These birds come in pale yellow and gray and are about two and a half times the size of a parakeet. Though their bills can be sharp, and they can, like most parrots, sometimes be a little surly, they don't pose the danger of the bigger parrots, like Conures and Macaws. These larger birds have beaks and talons that can do serious, blood-letting damage to children and adults who don't know what to expect. Generally, cockatiels are loving and social without causing too much difficulty.

The larger members of the parrot family should be left strictly for adult owners and handlers, however. Because they require so much attention, they won't necessarily just sulk in their bird cages if they are ignored. They will do whatever they can to demand attention. Such birds can be quite aggressive if not handled properly, and the difficulty in teaching children how to deal with such a challenging bird is probably not worth the hassle. But whatever kind of bird you decide to buy, make sure you get as many parrot facts as possible before you take the plunge.

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