The Critical Process of Feather Molting in Gloster Canaries: A Comprehensive Guid – Darren Scerri (Malta)
Introduction The conclusion of the breeding season signals the onset of a crucial biological phase for our Gloster canaries—the moulting process, whereby they shed and regrow their feathers. This period is not only vital for the bird’s health and aesthetics but also serves as an important indicator of future breeding success and show quality. During […]
The Magic of Sprouted Seeds – Darren Scerri
Many fanciers ask me: What is the secret behind my successful breeding seasons? The answer: Sprouted Seeds! Incorporating sprouted seeds into your breeding regimen provides a natural and highly beneficial food source that supports all aspects of breeding success, from energy levels and reproductive health to immunity and overall vitality. Enhanced Nutritional Value Sprouted […]
Boosting Your Bird’s Immune System
The amount of information available on infections and diseases affecting birds can be overwhelming. Examples of common infections affecting avian species include Psittacosis, Coccidiosis, Mycoplasma, and Aspergillosis are just a few examples of the many infections that commonly affect avian species. Birds, when not kept in optimum health, become vulnerable to bacterial, fungal, viral, or […]
DEAD IN SHELL YOUNGSTERS
By Dr Colin Walker BSc, BVSc, MRCVS, MACVSc (Avian health) With breeding now in full swing I receive regular calls from fanciers that fertile eggs are failing to hatch i.e. that the embryos these eggs contain are dying through the incubation time. Many fanciers immediately think of Salmonella when they see this, when in fact all infections […]
How to use a crop tube / needle.
When birds fall ill, or young nestlings need additional feeding they need as much supportive care as we can provide which includes supplemental crop feeding / or administering medication. Knowing how to use a crop needle is critical under these circumstances. If you are not experienced in the use of this accessory then accessing the […]
Show birds – preparing for travel and stress
Experience tells us that the most vulnerable times in the lives of most cage birds occurs when they are being shown or sold. By understanding the biological processes going on in the bird during stress we can do a considerable amount to ease the stress on the birds. It is this stress which generally causes […]
Artificial Insemination of Avian Species
Selecting your Glosters
This is the time of the year to think about the selection of the birds you will keep for next year’s breeding. These are the most critical decisions that you have to make in order to improve your stud of Glosters. Although sometimes success is a matter of luck, there are basic rules that must […]
Helping our sick birds get better
There is nothing worse than the feeling of helplessness we feel when one of our birds gets sick. Many bird-keepers place their sick birds into a hospital cage and hope for the best. There is nothing wrong with hospital cages if used sensibly but there is a lot more we can do to give them […]
New Colour Gloster Canary
We show our birds to ascertain their quality which consequently makes selling excess birds easier. If you don’t have a class for these birds in the Gloster world the best you can hope for is “AOV” and they will be judged by a Gloster judge who will probably not be up with the finer points […]