All Entries in the "Feeding" Category
Drinking Water – Chlorine
Chlorine is a halogen – these can be killers above a dose of 100 parts per million in birds and small mammals.
Breeding Room Thoughts
In 99 per cent of cases it is your husbandry and lack of attention that is at fault. You are the provider and in full charge of your livestock. I have personally made many mistakes over the years and have tried to learn in the process, but when I make the same error twice, I really get angry with myself!
Nigel Tonkin on Bird Health
In this article, Nigel Tonkin (President of the Budgerigar Council of South Australia) discusses products he uses to maintain budgerigar health.
Solutions to Difficult Hens – Part 2
I remember the late Harry Bryan telling me to use hens as young as 5 months of age when they were fit and in condition. He said at the time that they breed well at that age, but might not do so later if left after the conventional age of 9-10 months minimum.
Solutions to Difficult Hens – Part 1
In my opinion, it is a matter of caring for your hens really well if you want success in the nest boxes. It takes a lot out of a bird being out of its normal “home” and this is one reason that one-day shows in the UK have become more popular.
Yeast & Cod Liver Oil?
Do remember that “Best in Show” was written by myself in 1974 and I would strongly advise you obtain “The Challenge” from me first so that all that you read is fully up to date.
Attack, Attack, Attack
There are a few breeders who have woken up that they have to attack quality now or give up. That is why I have attacked that myself and built up a great depth of quality so that breeders know they have a good chance of getting something to improve what they have at home. There are few aviaries around with the quality depth – perhaps only 10 in total in the UK.
Preparing to Breed
In the last 6 weeks I have been working to get the aviary “winterised”. A very cold one by UK standards is forecast. So, having a cedarwood exterior, it needs treating every three years without fail. That has resulted in it still being as good today as it was when I purchased it in 1971. It would be massively expensive to replace as it covers 1200 square feet (110 sq metres).
French Moult and Why You Get It
I am one of those breeders who believe in the old fashioned tried and tested methods of feeding. When it comes to feeding, it is THE vital factor to success. If it (the feeding) is out of balance by the smallest amount and by that I mean it is changed frequently and has an absence of essential vitamins to support the seed input, then failure will result in the number of chicks bred and FM will arise easily because YOU have allowed to do so!!
Fertility & Feeding
I have found that in my book “The Challenge” fanciers love to read the “juicy bits” but when it comes to the two most important chapters in the whole book – the ones on feeding – they gloss over them. They are the vital chapters because without taking them step by step and understanding what is required, then a failed breeding season is very likely.
