BIRDROOM & FLIGHTS
The birdroom started with the 8x6 wooden shed, extended to 16x6, then 16x9, and when we moved to our present address, a 8ft extension was added to make 24x9, there is a centre front door, with 2, 8x3 inside flights. 44 breeding cages, nest boxes are box in a box, no concaves are used as thick layers of sterilized shavings are used, a sink unit , ( a must in any bird room ) for cleaned, and daily fresh water, a great time saver, strip light's are run of timers, as are the 2x12" extractor fans, and the radio, "I think a must to create noise levels" night lights are 2x15watt red pigmy bulb's, on all the time, last but not least a good Hoover makes cleaning out so easy.
The deep litter system is NOT used during breeding, cages and flights are cleaned out if possible wee
kly, easibed is used instead of shavings, to reduce dust,, inside flights are washed and cleaned and sanitized with Aviary Scrub, to eliminate the risk of cross infections, feeding trays and dishes are washed and replaced weekly also, or sooner if becoming soiled, as a safeguard feeding areas in the flights and cages are always cleared of uneaten soft food etc, for hygiene purpose.
Water drinker's on cages and by flowmatic clip on drinkers, and open dishes in flights, water is changed daily, unless medication is added.
The Feeding system is the same in all cages, all cages have white plastic raised tray's this allows chicks to rest and feel secure on leaving the nest box, tonic, main seed mixture is in hoppers, these hold enough seed for approx 6/8days, versa lager grit, and tonic seed are fed in white plastic dishes, are topped up every 3 days.
Flights, large seed hoppers are used, holding about 12lb of mixed seed, also square(cat litter type)plastic trays are used to allow all birds ample feeding space, so no bird is refused or bullied at feeding times, grit is given in hoppers, for hygiene purpose's.
Soft food is fed twice daily, in finger draws only, and cleaned every other day, to stop the risk of bacteria build up caused by stale food.
Cuttlefish bone is used in all breeding cages, iodine blocks are not used, and this is replaced by Vanodine, liquid iodine given twice a month in the drinking water.
Vircon S, is sprayed rigorously in the bird room each evening as a preventative, before lights out.
Outside flights, are favoured, a must for fitness, exercise and feather condition, most of to allow young birds to grow and mature naturally, these measure 9,x9,square,with thick Perspex , to protect exercising birds from heavy rain, showers, again ample perching is a must to allow birds to relax in comfort, thick apple branches are replaced yearly, for additional perching and allows hens to chew and strip the bark ,this helps them to into breeding fitness. Thick layers of heavy shingle cover the floor's and is washed monthly with hot caustic soda, and bleach, to prevent infection build up, new shingle is added each spring.
