Aviary Project

Working on a project to turn a few aviaries into a tourist attraction place. I am going way above my head on this. But just hoping to also set up a Straw-headed Bulbul (Barau-barau) sanctuary for non-profit conservation purposes. Wonder whether any of those wildlife trust funds would be interested in funding me ;-). Anyway working as if I have to self fund it from profit of the commercial side. Gotta leave this world thinking I tried to do something useful (shiok sendiri) hahaha! Good for the soul, I was told.

Interestingly it also brings to mind an important question. Can a small bird park be profitable? A few friends seem to think so. I certainly hope so....




This year, a friend of a friend in Batam managed to successfully raise 7 Barau chicks (and still counting) from 4 pairs of wild caught birds. He started his project since 2009. I wish to put on record, the time span of 2 years for the birds to settle down and start breeding (wild caught birds). At least for this case and his setup.

Batam is just a day trip from Malacca. Planning for a weekend visit there soon to view and record his setup. Learning never cease.... it would be a boring life if it does isn't it? ;-)

Uneven tail length of a Shama

Been trying to see whether with proper care, a Shama's uneven tail will grow evenly. After 3 molts in my hand, I would like to conclude at least for this bird.... it is not possible. Could be a genetic thing. Which means, I would have to leave it out of my gene pool.

Sell? exchange? maybe have to consider after it's molt.

Death of another Shama

Funny thing about all these cat attacks was, after the initial anger, when I analysed it, I could take several course of actions. Easiest was to leave poison laced baits. Over the years, I believe I have found one of the most potent poison around. The cat would probably die while chewing the food itself.

Sigh! .... should I do it just because I can? Initially, yes! that was the single thing in mind throughout most of the day. But then, wasn't it uttered by a wise man before that having power and not using it is a most difficult thing to do? I will choose the difficult path......

My prognosis looking at the crime scene and taking some cues from the C.S.I. tv series hahaha!....
The Shama was probably agitated by the presence of the cat and was probably trying to defend the female (in a cage inside the aviary, thus was actually in no danger). That is the only way a cat could get to the male. As he has the whole aviary to fly in. Why did he fall beside the aviary near the female's cage, it's leg which was found outside the aviary indicates its a neighbours cat. Shows that it is well fed and not actually looking for a meal. Ugly scene, it's nice to think that probably the Shama was killed because he was too fierce. A hero in my heart.

I have cat proofed the whole place using wire mesh.... windows, doors, air vents.... hope it is enough to stop the assault and protect the birds.

Economical Cages

The "force" is just too strong. My fondness for "Thai Style" cage need to be compromised so that I can test out my Jambuls in the local competition scene. But being unwilling to spend too much on cages (stingy lah!), I put off ideas of using the square cages commonly referred to as the "Penang" type cage.... until I found some cheap ones.

Bought 2. Both are unvarnished and it took me 3 days, spending an hour or so each session painting them ;-)
Hmmm.... if it works out fine, may buy another few more so that I could have a row of homogenous cages. Waiting to be filled up with birds :-D