Aviary Birds in Colour [antikvár]

Introduction Aviculture is a hobby which has been carried on for centuries ; birds of many species have been taken from the wild and acclimatised to aviary conditions. Now when we are aware of the many pressures inflicted by man on our wild creatures, we should be considering our hobby in a different light. Certain species are becoming rare, and others are likely to do so if birds are removed in large numbers from the wild. We cannot afford to keep birds in captivity for their beauty alone or even for seeking any competitive status. More than ever before, all aviculturists should have a goal to aim for - the successful breeding of as many species as possible. Aviculture can no longer be merely an absorbing but aimless pastime. It is the responsibility of everyone who owns potential breeding birds, whether they be a few pairs of finches or a valuable collection of rare species, to ensure they are given every opportunity to nest and successfully raise young. The challenge is enormous, and the reward will be the satisfaction of knowing that one has succeeded in persuading a pair of wild creatures to accept an artificial, man-made environment to the extent that they are happy and confident enough to settle down and rear a family. While studying birds in captivity the aviculturist can obtain information of considerable scientific value which may not be available from observations of birds in the wild. Recording of activity, display, feeding techniques, breeding etc., is an important role the aviculturist can play in conservation. Initial expenditure will depend to a great extent on the kind of birds which make up the collection. Obviously an aviary to house some of the larger parrots is likely to cost a good deal more than one which will be occupied by a pair of small finches or softbills. Apart from the aviary itself there is not a great deal of basic equipment which needs to be purchased. Food and water vessels can be improvised - discarded plastic food containers are fine - some cages will be necessary to provide temporary accommodation for newly obtained birds, and a hospital cage is a valuable acquisition. Apart from the cost of the birds themselves, that is about the limit of necessary expenditure. Of course, the chances are that one's enthusiasm will flourish and the first small aviary will eventually be joined by others. No one can foresee the lengths to which a dedicated aviculturist will go in the pursuit of his hobby. One thing is certain: no matter what the expenditure, in terms of satisfaction and constant interest the return will far exceed it. Accommodation As the tide of this book implies, all the species described and illustrated are regarded as suitable subjects for outdoor aviaries or, in some cases, conservatories. For it is only in this more natural environment that regular breeding success is likely to be achieved. Cages have to be used from time to time. They are essential for newly imported birds which would quickly succumb if put outdoors, even during the summer months, as soon as they arrive. And there are other occasions - illness or accident, perhaps - when close confinement is essential. But we should regard cages as only temporaiy homes for any of the birds included in this book. All too often a garden aviary ends up as a somewhat unlovely construction of wood or metal framing supporting a sagging sheet of wire-netting. Despite the most ingenious design ideas it is a little difficult to get away from this basic fact. Fortunately, where the majority of aviary birds are concerned, it is not only possible but highly desirable to make use of growing plants in and around the finished structure. Not only