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| Feeding Chart for Birds |
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Black Crickets |
Brown Crickets |
Locusts |
Mini Mealworms |
Mealworms |
Superworms |
Waxworms |
Fruitflies |
Babblers
Including Perkin Robin |
*** |
*** |
|
|
*** |
|
* |
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| Barbets |
*** |
*** |
*** |
|
*** |
|
* |
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| Bulbuls |
*** |
*** |
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|
*** |
|
* |
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| Flycatchers Including Niltavas |
*** |
*** |
|
*** |
*** |
|
*** |
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| Fruitsuckers |
|
*** |
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*** |
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| Hornbills |
|
|
*** |
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*** |
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| Jays,Magpies |
*** |
*** |
*** |
|
*** |
*** |
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| Laughing Thrushes |
*** |
*** |
*** |
|
*** |
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| Mousebirds |
*** |
*** |
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|
*** |
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| Quail |
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*** |
*** |
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| Shamas |
*** |
*** |
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*** |
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*** |
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| Starlings |
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*** |
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* |
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| Sunbirds |
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*** |
| Tanagers |
*** |
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*** |
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*** |
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| Toucans |
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*** |
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*** |
*** |
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| Touracos |
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*** |
| Waxbills |
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*** |
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*** |
| Weavers/Whydahs |
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*** |
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* |
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*** = Best, base of diet
* = Occasional Treat
SOFTBILL
'Softbill' is an avicultural term used to identify four groups of birds other than seedeaters. They are the fruit eaters, omnivorous species, carnivores and nectar feeders. Nowadays, following restrictions on imports into Britain and other EU countries, many species are disappearing from our aviaries and are unlikely to be seen again. But there is hope, for some dedicated enthusiasts are already taking steps to bring owners of such birds together in order to pool resources and establish breeding programmes.
TOP LIVEFOOD
Mealworms are still the most popular and widely used of modern Livefoods. But if the birds were able to vote they would undoubtedly opt for waxworms. We know of only a few specialist feeders who will refuse these protein-rich and easily digestible larva. It goes without saying, of course, that they are probably the best natural rearing food not only for softbills but for many species of seedeaters including tiny waxbills.
DESERTION
Many bird keepers have contacted us over the years to ask for advice about parent birds which desert their broods- or worse, eject them from the nest within a day or so of hatching. Nine times out of 10 the cause of this distressing - not to say disappointing - behaviour is shortage of a suitable rearing diet. The breeding pair get through a tremendous amount of livefood during the nestling period and they feed their offspring at frequent intervals from dawn until dusk. Many a brood of chicks has been lost when an inexperienced owner has failed to provide sufficient food for them.
CATERING FOR THE MASSES
We are proud of the wide variety of Livefoods in our range, while many insects and larvae are available in up to six sizes - so you can match the Livefoods to whatever birds you keep. For example our adult locusts measure 55-70mm and would make a wholesome snack for a medium-sized Hornbill. On the other hand, tiny mini mealworms (13mm) will not give even the smallest waxbill indigestion!
LIFE IN THE COOLER
Crickets are notorious escapologists and will disappear in droves through the mesh of an aviary if given the opportunity. One solution to this problem is to freeze them. Pop the unopened container into the freezer when the crickets arrive and take out only as many as you need each time you feed your stock; don't take out more than you need for the uneaten insects will turn black and be ignored by the birds. The thawed crickets will be moist and appetizing and birds usually take to them quickly although they may be suspicious at first.
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