Next Steps Of My Management Refurb

When JON ASHBY needed a change in equipment to give his recently weaned youngsters a fighting chance on their own, there were a number of factors to consider to fit his requirements. Thankfully, he soon found something suitable – in the birdroom of another C&AB contributor!

TRANSFERRING fledged and weaned offspring away from their parents is fraught with peril. You must monitor those recently moved birds with close attention. This is because they can “go backwards” quickly and stop feeding completely or sufficiently to properly nourish themselves. This can be down to several factors including the stress of a new environment, bullying from other birds and not being able to find their way to the feeders in the cage.

It is important to offer babies as many food options as possible in easily accessible feeders. Some youngsters will take to cracking certain seeds over others, so the wider the variety on offer, the more chance you give them. High energy seeds, such as groats, are a good idea and I also give my babies Japanese millet and lots of millet sprays. These are widely accepted and the birds can consume them easily.

Having had a very average breeding season this year, I have placed an even greater focus than ever on the journey my 2019 babies have taken from the breeding cage perch to adult flight.