Sample Articles

Although it is early winter as I write this article, it will be late winter when you read it—and time to start thinking about the next breeding season. Even though the days are short and cold, now is the time to start getting things ready to ensure a good outcome for the season, regardless of your breeding objectives for this year. Below is a checklist of factors that you... more

The hobby of Cockatiel breeding in Australia has matured during the past decade into a fancy for dedicated breeders. Like all birds in aviculture, the rise in popularity of a species begins with the appearance of new mutations. This attracts the ‘speculator’ breeder hoping to be the first with a new colour that they can sell for substantial gain. For some in this first wave... more

The year was 1987 and we had seen it all before—the launch of a new commercial avicultural publication onto the market. A previously unknown entrepreneur by the name of Nigel Steele-Boyce had the audacity to think that he could go where others had gone before, and failed. I believe that even before it got off the ground, some mob overseas knocked off the original name.... more

If you have ever observed parrots or other birds out feeding in the trees or bush, then you may be aware of the tremendous variety of greenery ingested by avian species. Leaves, growth buds, flowers, sprouts and shoots, twigs, bark—not to mention an assortment of 1ichens, fungi and other tiny organics which live on them—all become dinner fare for birds at large in nature.... more

This beautiful species of finch also known as the Red-browed Firetail is often overlooked in captivity, largely because it is common in most areas colonised by humans. From the time I became interested in birds at a very young age I have been captivated by the lively colours and cheerful disposition of this bird.... more