PAUL HEARN
07-20-2006, 09:58 PM
Hello all,
Due to the tragic losses of nestlings experienced by Laura and Ken in the last couple of days, I thought I should suggest lowering nest boxes and baskets in aviaries for this reason alone.
Many of us fall into the habit in placing nest boxes and baskets at the highest point in our aviaries, to a degree I'm guilty myself in this habit, but I have also noticed that many dome nesting Mannikins and other Finches will build free standing nests amongst low growing shrubs etc between two-four feet from the floor of the aviary.
If you have any unoccupied boxes or baskets at the higher levels of your aviary then lower them to heights between 2-4ft from ground level, this should help eggs and youngsters to make it through the high temperatures we are experiencing at the moment.
If you have nest boxes and baskets that are currently occupied with either eggs or chicks then I would suggest that you lower them slightly every day so not to alarm the parent birds, hopefully this wont result in the adults deserting their eggs or chicks and ensure losses due to heat exhaustion are eliminated?
Another point is the situation of cup nests, if they are artificial then hopefully they can be moved gradually to a more shaded position?
I have provided essential shading for the Japanese Waxwings due to their discomfort of high temperatures, but I need to take action to ensure other species have more protection from the heatwaves we are experiencing at the moment.
My aviary block roof is covered with corrugated plastic sheeting to avoid flooding of the floor area during heavy rain, but it doesn't afford the birds comfort during these extremely high temperatures.
Having said that, certain sections of the roof have been painted with white emulsion to deflect some of the direct sunlight, I'm now tempted to paint the roof entirely with a watered down white emulsion paint to deflect the direct sun.
All the best to you all, Paul.;-)
Due to the tragic losses of nestlings experienced by Laura and Ken in the last couple of days, I thought I should suggest lowering nest boxes and baskets in aviaries for this reason alone.
Many of us fall into the habit in placing nest boxes and baskets at the highest point in our aviaries, to a degree I'm guilty myself in this habit, but I have also noticed that many dome nesting Mannikins and other Finches will build free standing nests amongst low growing shrubs etc between two-four feet from the floor of the aviary.
If you have any unoccupied boxes or baskets at the higher levels of your aviary then lower them to heights between 2-4ft from ground level, this should help eggs and youngsters to make it through the high temperatures we are experiencing at the moment.
If you have nest boxes and baskets that are currently occupied with either eggs or chicks then I would suggest that you lower them slightly every day so not to alarm the parent birds, hopefully this wont result in the adults deserting their eggs or chicks and ensure losses due to heat exhaustion are eliminated?
Another point is the situation of cup nests, if they are artificial then hopefully they can be moved gradually to a more shaded position?
I have provided essential shading for the Japanese Waxwings due to their discomfort of high temperatures, but I need to take action to ensure other species have more protection from the heatwaves we are experiencing at the moment.
My aviary block roof is covered with corrugated plastic sheeting to avoid flooding of the floor area during heavy rain, but it doesn't afford the birds comfort during these extremely high temperatures.
Having said that, certain sections of the roof have been painted with white emulsion to deflect some of the direct sunlight, I'm now tempted to paint the roof entirely with a watered down white emulsion paint to deflect the direct sun.
All the best to you all, Paul.;-)