Budgerigar Breeders | Why use wire cages? - Adrian Duck - January 2006

Why use wire cages? - Adrian Duck - January 2006

The advantages of using wire cages are firstly atmosphere, the birds can see each other and seem happier. Secondly hygiene, being easier to keep clean, having pull out trays underneath. This also means fewer disturbances to the breeding pair, so I feel this is the way forward for me. The cages I use are made by Moncaster.

At the end of my breeding season, the cages can be dismantled, taken outside and power washed. While they are drying off I can thoroughly clean the shed and emulsion the walls so within a day I am ready to start again.

I also have a bank of wooden/melamine cages with central pullout dividers which I also use for breeding but mostly for babies when they are first taken from the parents and later for my show team, but as these are higher maintenance regarding keeping clean and repairing for breeding I would eventually like to replace these with wire cages and larger stock cages.

Each year I list a few of the most essential characteristics which I feel my stud needs to make progress. My objectives may also include numbers to be paired, varieties to breed, the date when the breeding season should start as well as eliminating flecking and feather problems. In fact the list can include any aspect of the hobby I feel strongly about. I think it would be stupid and unrealistic to try to influence too many different aspects in one breeding season. I find it is vitally important to write my objectives down as a reminder of ‘the way forward’. This is just one small measure to help me keep my eye on the ball. I am a very competitive person and take everything that I undertake seriously.