Nelson is a very succesful Champion breeder in Monson, Massachusetts. After only 12 years in the hobby birds from his stud are making a mark on the show bench in New England.
With Nelson at the Garden State BS Show where his skyblue cock won Best In Show
Some
of the things I do in order to be competitive with a modest number of birds,
some of my opinions, tips, what works for me, points of interest, things to
contemplate.
Foraging: The article written by Bob Wilson on foraging I found very interesting.
I actually use an abbreviated version. I purchased flight cages from Mike Abbate at Abba Products.
A 24” x 16” piece of 1/4” plywood is placed on the 32” x 21” grate on the cage floor. This leaves an outside area that allows the waste to fall into a sliding tray beneath the cage floor.
On top of the plywood board I build a box. The sides are 1” x 2” pine and the floor is 1/4 “plywood. The box size is approximately 8” x 15”. I place the feed in the box. The birds get into the box.
They
peck and forage, and whatever feed is kicked out of the box is picked up
again and eaten on the board. Virtually no feed is wasted. Anything that
ends up in the bottom sliding tray is truly waste.
I really like the birds to be down on something solid. I find it better for their feet and tails and they are much more comfortable. I notice they spend very little time, if any, on the grate if they have a choice.
Incidentally,
these boards are scraped clean twice daily and replaced every 6 months. The
boxes are simply bleached, sun dried and lightly sanded and they are ready
to be used again.
Illness:
I completely agree with the article written by Rick Spiers. I view a sick
bird as a threat to my aviary. Very rarely do they completely recover.
Feeding: My birds get only a seed mix and millet to eat.
Everything else is added to their water; i.e. Braggs Apple Cider Vinegar. Vitamins are given once every 10 days.
When parents are feeding their young they are given about 1 teaspoon of scrambled eggs in the morning.
I
have a very limited preventative medication routine. From where I sit, my
birds seem to be as crazy healthy as anyone else’s (quality of life). They
also seem to live just as long.
Breeding:
Always record egg laying
dates. No breeding cycle should be wasted. Infertile pairs also have to earn
their keep by becoming feeder pairs.
Tips:
Before starting my
nightly routine, I put 2 or 3 birds in training show cages, whether I feel
like it or not.
Keep
in mind that all of the suggestions in this article are my way of doing
things. In most cases, it’s probably not what or how you do something, but
how firmly you stick to your routine.
Closing Remarks:
In parting, may I
suggest to try making the hobby what it’s meant to be. Share time, ideas,
stories and friendship with as many budgie breeders as you can. Simply care
about making a friend in the hobby. Who knows? Maybe one day we can all be
united again.
God
Bless,
Nelson Carpentier
