This Month in the Aviary

IT IS NOW SUMMER IN MELBOURNE

DECEMBER, JANUARY, FEBRUARY

WEATHER IS WARM TO HOT

Average high for summer in Melbourne is 25 C (77 F) and the average low is 14 C (57 F)

*******************************************************************************

Well, February is upon us, it is the last month of summer and the kids are back to school. There have been some hot days but fortunately not too many consistent hot days.

In my aviary it is now time to spray the aviary occupants with lice & mite spray. I also spray the outside of the nesting boxes. I have two nests that are being incubated by the parents 24/7 now, so I hope to hear some faint chirping on or about February 14th. Good timing being Valentine’s Day! It will be a nice sound as I did not let the Gouldians breed last year.

I have introduced four new hens (Two red heads, a black head and yellow head) and two cocks (One red head and one yellow head) to the Gouldian colony. I normally don’t introduce hens but as I was so short of hens I had no choice. I have paired each one up with a home bred Gouldian so it will be a much needed boost of new blood to the colony and the tradition will continue strongly. One of the red head hens is an absolute diamond, I have named her Arethusa and she has nested with Monte III who is a chip off the old block and a diamond too. So I am excited about seeing the potential quality of the young from those two!

I spotted a mouse in the aviary the other day so I was quickly on to laying some bait. Mice are cute but they bring disease to the aviary and can disturb nesting and roosting birds at night time. So always be vigilant if you spot a mouse problem.

Enjoy the last of summer. I know the Gouldians love it!

Good birding to you all.