For this aviary visit we trip on up to Triabunna on the 'sunny' East
Coast of Tasmania! Here we were welcomed by Malcolm and Sherry - soon to be
Mr. and Mrs. Graham - and given the free run of their aviary.
Sherry hails from South Africa and has had a great deal of
experience in caring for and the breeding of a diverse range of wildlife.
Malcolm comes from good bird breeding stock and his father,
Tas, has a collection of breeding show budgies. Under Sherry's influence
Malcolm was reintroduced to the wonders of finch breeding and has become a
fanatic! At their 'Triabunna Finch Farm' youngsters are abundant and plans
are underway for, what can only be called, a fair sized aviary complex.
AVIARIES:
At present there is one large aviary divided into two flights. The aviary is
9.5 X 9.5m and is divided into one flight measuring 9.5m long by 6.5m wide
and another that is 9.5m long and 3m wide. The aviaries are of wooden
construction with ¾ of the roof covered with clear plastic and tin. The
sides are open but Malcom plans to close these in before winter and leave
only the front open.
BIRDS KEPT:
Malcolm and Sherry are 'feeling there way' at present and have started with
some of the basics. However, the Zebra finches have gone and their purchase
of Strawberry finches points to the way ahead! Double bars, Stars, Emblemas,
Blue-faced parrotfinches, Diamond sparrows, Plumheads, African Fires and
Orangebreasts have all produced young in reasonable numbers. The
Strawberries, Green singers, Aurouras and Masks have yet to breed but signs
are positive. Plans are underway for more aviaries and even more 'exotic'
finches - never a dull moment!
Pic.1. |
Pic.2. |
Pic.1. This shows the front of the aviary with its mouse/rat
proofing and the open area. Faithful guard dog Sam is 'on duty' so watch
out!
Pic.3. |
Pic.4. |
Pics.2 and 3. Internal shot showing nesting receplacles, growing
plants and tea-tree and open side wall and shelter.
Pic.5. |
Pic.6. |
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Pics. 4,5 and 6. A selection of shots showing a number of the bird
species kept.
**************
An Interview With Malcolm & Sherry.
1. How long have you been in finches?
3-4 years 'full-time'!!
2. What would be your favourite species?
Cordon Bleu waxbills
3. What is your least favoured species?
Bengalese mannikins because they were terrible parents and interfered with
other birds in the mixed collection.
4. What species would you most like to keep?
Blue caps, Gouldians & Beautiful Firetails.
5. How would you change your aviary designs?
Maybe some smaller flights for individual species and cover the sides in a
little more.
6. Which aviculturists have influenced your birdkeeping?
None to any great extent, we think it is important to check out as many
aviaries and ideas as you can and develop 'what works for you"!
7. Which Avicultural Societies are you a member of?
None at present but have liked what we have seen of the Australian Finch
Society Inc.
8. What species have you had the greatest success with?
Emblemas, African Fires and Double Bars.
9. Which species has given you the greatest problems?
Cordon Bleus, haven't been able to take a trick with them yet. But we'll get
there!
10. Your best moment in aviculture?
The first 'better' finches that we bred - our Plumheads.
11. Worst moment in aviculture?
Haven't had too bad a run - so far!!
12. Biggest influences over your birdkeeping methods?
Russell Kingston's books and experienced local finch breeders.
13. Favourite bird books or periodicals?
Australian Birdkeeper magazine, Keeping and Breeding Finches, and Seed-
Eaters by Russell Kingston.
By Marcus Pollard - Copyright remains with the author.
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