There are many devices being sold out there in the market to trap birds. A friend gave me 2 bird traps that he made himself out of cheap wire mesh. I find them to be unique in its simplicity yet complicated in its triggering mechanism. Those who has tried to make one themselves will probably know what I am talking about.
The below trap is suitable for active birds that hop around among small branches. Better still if they are fruit eaters as there are in built 2 pairs of forks for fruits to entice them. The small chamber is to cage a bird to act as a lure.
The following one is suitable for a ground bird. With a triggering mechanism in the form of a small pedal to be stepped on. The size limits it to a small ground bird. For larger birds, the principles are the same but at a larger scale.
There are of course many other interesting devices, but I would like to highlight the two above due to its simplicity and the fact that they are one of its kind. Taking shape in the mind of a trapper and translated into a trapping device by using scraps to build.
I think, this friend of mine if he puts his mind to it, he could probably come out with a better mouse trap ;)
Tuesday, March 31, 2009
Sunday, March 29, 2009
Maintaining Birds (1)
I have been asked many times on how I cope with so many birds. the truth is, I can barely cope hahaha!
But maintaining a systematic schedule helps. Cleanliness is top in the list to maintain a bird in good health. Therefore, I would like to record some of my schedules down.
Oriental cages are mainly made from bamboo and newspaper linings are the commonly used material to maintain basic cage cleanliness. It is the same with me. However, newspapers could be a source of problem itself, especially if one uses too many layers of it and food, insect, dust etc gets trapped between the layers for too long. Making it a health hazard not only to birds but to humans as well.
For me, I actually count the umber of newspapers I use. 20 pieces, most of the time. Why 20? If I throw away 1 piece a day, it would take 20 days before I reach the last piece. That isn't too soon, nor too long a time for me. So when I reach the last piece, usually the bottom will be a bit dusty and I hose down the base with water to wash away the dust and what not. Then I dry it with a cloth and spray it with the normal aerosol spray meant for mosquitoes.
Now, the aerosol thing is also a matter to be debated as it could be toxic to birds. So common sense prevails - spray it quickly and directly at joints that could potentially harbours mites and do it far away from the birds. After that air it a bit and top up with another 20 layers of newspapers. So far I have never had a sick bird before. And all my experimenting with sick birds has to be sourced from outside.
I find some people uses too many layers. Less than 20 would be better, but that could be too much maintenance.
Next come the perches. It should have a thorough scrub down every two weeks. I used washing detergent and then scrub under running water to get rid of all the detergent. Used to use an anti-septic (Savlon) but nowadays a bit lazy, probably need to pick up the habit again.
But maintaining a systematic schedule helps. Cleanliness is top in the list to maintain a bird in good health. Therefore, I would like to record some of my schedules down.
Oriental cages are mainly made from bamboo and newspaper linings are the commonly used material to maintain basic cage cleanliness. It is the same with me. However, newspapers could be a source of problem itself, especially if one uses too many layers of it and food, insect, dust etc gets trapped between the layers for too long. Making it a health hazard not only to birds but to humans as well.
For me, I actually count the umber of newspapers I use. 20 pieces, most of the time. Why 20? If I throw away 1 piece a day, it would take 20 days before I reach the last piece. That isn't too soon, nor too long a time for me. So when I reach the last piece, usually the bottom will be a bit dusty and I hose down the base with water to wash away the dust and what not. Then I dry it with a cloth and spray it with the normal aerosol spray meant for mosquitoes.
Now, the aerosol thing is also a matter to be debated as it could be toxic to birds. So common sense prevails - spray it quickly and directly at joints that could potentially harbours mites and do it far away from the birds. After that air it a bit and top up with another 20 layers of newspapers. So far I have never had a sick bird before. And all my experimenting with sick birds has to be sourced from outside.
I find some people uses too many layers. Less than 20 would be better, but that could be too much maintenance.
Next come the perches. It should have a thorough scrub down every two weeks. I used washing detergent and then scrub under running water to get rid of all the detergent. Used to use an anti-septic (Savlon) but nowadays a bit lazy, probably need to pick up the habit again.
Saturday, March 28, 2009
Stock Reduction (3) - the photos
Medusa, going to be 3 years old this year:
A Yellow-vented Bulbul, kept from young by a friend:
A Thai mix Tekukur, suppose to be used for competition. turned out to be female. Laid 4 eggs so far ;) :
A 3 molt Magpie. Never fought before. May be a champion in the making hehehe! :
A 3 in 1 pikat according to owner. Can play "jebak", "tonggok" and "tanah". Too good to be true. So, have to go to someone who is willing to bring him to go trapping:
Hatched on Sept 2008. Still young, hopefully can improve on his "buang" jalan:
Very difficult to get this fella. Hopefully will do justice in his new home:
A Yellow-vented Bulbul, kept from young by a friend:
A Thai mix Tekukur, suppose to be used for competition. turned out to be female. Laid 4 eggs so far ;) :
A 3 molt Magpie. Never fought before. May be a champion in the making hehehe! :
A 3 in 1 pikat according to owner. Can play "jebak", "tonggok" and "tanah". Too good to be true. So, have to go to someone who is willing to bring him to go trapping:
Hatched on Sept 2008. Still young, hopefully can improve on his "buang" jalan:
Very difficult to get this fella. Hopefully will do justice in his new home:
Friday, March 27, 2009
Scenes at Bkt Serindit
This is a video of the Grik Tai Mong that was exchanged with Apollo 6. I think this is the last footage that was taken of him. As usual, due to lack of real competition from others, he is the most hardworking fella there. It was a bad time to film as it was windy and the branches swaying here and there. Otherwise, he has a good repertoire of songs. Better than Apollo 6 in my opinion....
The number of Mata Puteh brought there is increasing and hopefully it is sustainable. It should be sustained for a prolonged period to attract more players. Its a situation where, if there are not enough birds, nobody is interested and it won't attract more players. People fail to realise that they have to make the first move to be there, to support and to encourage. Things just won't happen if everybody sits at home. Therefore I must express thanks to the pioneers who is there week after week....
An unplanned activity.... the place attracted some finch lovers who took the opportunity to "chai" their finches there. So far, the Green Singing Finch and Greater Green Singing Finch has made their appearance. I think it would be a matter of time when the Grey Singing Finch would make their appearance, base on sales of finches locally....
The number of Mata Puteh brought there is increasing and hopefully it is sustainable. It should be sustained for a prolonged period to attract more players. Its a situation where, if there are not enough birds, nobody is interested and it won't attract more players. People fail to realise that they have to make the first move to be there, to support and to encourage. Things just won't happen if everybody sits at home. Therefore I must express thanks to the pioneers who is there week after week....
An unplanned activity.... the place attracted some finch lovers who took the opportunity to "chai" their finches there. So far, the Green Singing Finch and Greater Green Singing Finch has made their appearance. I think it would be a matter of time when the Grey Singing Finch would make their appearance, base on sales of finches locally....
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