This Month in the Aviary

IT IS NOW AUTUMN IN MELBOURNE DURING

MARCH, APRIL & MAY.

WEATHER IS GENERALLY MILD

Average high for Autumn in Melbourne is 20 C (68 F) and the average low is 11 C (52 F)

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Well it is a month into Autumn and I think the last of the hot weather is behind us here in Melbourne. We have a a few days of rain which has been great for the garden! I know my Gouldian colony loved the hot weather during Summer, especially those ten days in a row over 30 C. 

I have had a disastrous start to the breeding season all because I did not swiftly address a mouse problem and one week turned into a month and before I realized I had mice causing havoc in the aviary! Mice wee and poop on the floor and in the seed and that causes quick transfer of disease to the finch colony.

I had adult Gouldians die, Gouldian hatchlings perish in their nest and like wise with the Owl Finches. I have now exterminated all the mice and the aviary seems to have returned to normal but tomorrow is now April and the damage for this years breeding season has been done. It has been a valuable lesson for me after all these years and I only mention it as a warning to others who have not experienced it. I don't normally worm the aviary occupants at the start of Autumn while they are breeding but because of the mice I have wormed them this time. Usually I last worm them on the first day of December (Summer) and then again at the start of Winter and Spring. 

I successfully hand raised three hatchlings from about 11 days old and they are now fully weaned and flying in the long holding cages with four other adult Gouldians now. They were so dependent on me but now that they have weaned they have reverted back to being wild and do not fly on my hand to be stroked anymore. It was a very time consuming effort but in the end I thoroughly enjoyed the experience and it is very rewarding to see them so independent and healthy now. 

Well it is time to spray all the finches with Lice & Mite spray and continue to keep their indoor area dry and clean! And vigilantly watch out for any tell tale signs of MICE!

Enjoy the cooler weather of Autumn and I will be back to chat in Winter! 

Good birding to you all where ever you may be....