bathing

[Rogerb]

just an observation over the past few days IV noticed that my whyda cock has very long baths sometimes as long as 6or 7 minutes he gets totaly water loged all over then hops out to dry himself of and preen all the other birds pop in for a qwik splash :???: MR B

[PAUL HEARN]

Hi Roger,

It has been stated that in the wild cock Whydahs in full breeding plumage of certain species have been easily collected after a heavy downpoor due to being waterlogged.

It must be true that considering the extra feathering during this period that more care is needed in keeping this clean and free of Parasites in order to successfully breed, but the downside is that waterlogging during the rains must account for the deaths of many cock Whydahs in their wild state.:-(

Paul.;)

[kenny]

hi paul
thats really interesting.as when you watch most birds they always make sure they dont get too wet because the survival instinct kicks in as they know they need to fly off quick in the event of a predator being nearby.so they must be very confident birds to get saturated to the extent that they are unable to take off


ken

[PAUL HEARN]

Hi Ken,

Unfortunately in the case of certain cock Whydahs in full breeding dress they have very little say in the amount of rain their feathers can handle.
Whydah cocks such as Jacksons and Red Naped/Collared etc use areas of long Grasses to display their courtship dance in order to attract hens, if these Grasses are saturated with rain then it wont be long before the cock Whydahs are too.:roll:

It has been stated in the past that cock Giant Whydahs were easily collected after heavy rains and that hens were rarely caught through conventional methods using mist nets etc.

Paul.

[Rogerb]

hiya folks sorry to say I might have to take my cock whydha out of the flight as he was seen atacking a cape sparow hen today :evil: MR B

[kenny]

hi roger
hope you kicked its little bottom mate


http://bestsmileys.com/kick/2.gifken

[Rogerb]

hiya kenny so far so good mate keeping an eye on him no probs so far this all took place the day after the chestnuts were moved maybe it was a cace of the big boy has gon now IM cock of the roost :-?

[PAUL HEARN]

Hi Roger,

I hope all works out well regarding the Cape Sparrows and that the Whydahs will go on to breed eventually.

Paul.;)

[Rogerb]

thanks Paul Laura and I are thinking of doing the same thing as we have on the left as you walk into our back garden one long Avery on the right that can be spit it 2 if needs be that gives us 2 more flights plus a lot of space for Elsa to play in this will be a autumn winter project hopfully be ready for next years breading season going for it I will get it right this time :-D :-D

[PAUL HEARN]

Hi Roger,

Having seen your existing aviaries I'm sure the new one will be as good as the others.;) I'm sure the new aviary will be ready for next years breeding season and I hope you get some good results from the Starlings when they have their own space to breed in.

All the best mate, Paul.:D

[Rogerb]

hiya paul nearly finished mate just got one pannel to fit and a bit of cementing to do it will be ready for the weekend I will get laura to put up the photos the fight is 9 foot long by 3 foot 8 ins wide by 6 foot 6 hight should be ok for 2 birds got to get hold of some plants ect now will post soon MR B :D :D :D

[PAUL HEARN]

Way to go Rog' The Builder!!:D

I'm sure the Starlings will be singing the Mc Donalds theme tune when they settle in there, "badababbadaa I'm loving it".:lol:

For good but cheap plants mate, try the In Excess Garden Centre on the A31 not far past where Alan and Vera live.

Paul.;)

[Rogerb]

cheers mate its all up and fnished all but the air lock :smile: we will take a look at the plants exsess this weekend :smile: the flight has beenreal hard work but I have loved every minnit of it if I could do this for a living man I would be like a pig in sh..t :smile: :smile: photos to follow soon

[PAUL HEARN]

Hi Roger,

I'm pleased you have built the new aviary so quickly mate, and I'm more pleased you have enjoyed doing this so much.:D

I'm sure everyone looks forward to seeing the photos mate, I know I do.;)

I can only wish the BBC would see the advantages of producing a programme showing the art of aviary design, until then mate you will have to stay employed by Asda.:roll:

Paul.;)

[kenny]

hi paul/roger
i cant wait to see the photos either i like new projects. i like to see how people redesign stuff to thier benefit

ken8)

[Rogerb]

thanks for the interest in the new flight yesterday and today rain stoped play for a few hours :cry: just got to fit the door in got to go softly cos of birds sitting on eggs :grin: laura will post pics soon as she has time :grin: MR B

[Rogerb]

had to take the whadas out of the Avery couple of days ago as he was going for the new fleglings tink he had a b in his bonnet all three whadas are in the indoor avery with plenty of fir to hide and nest in they are well fed and seem very happy :D will keep you all informed as to ther progress :D MR B

[Waxbillman]

fingers crossed for you mr B

i really hope for the sake of aviculture and yourself with all the effort you have put in that these highly attractive birds finally somre day breed for you

Matthew