Ever wish someone would tell you everything you need to know when you're
first starting out so that you don't have to learn through trial and error?

Check this area regularly for new tips and tricks to make keeping
your birds easier!
  • PURCHASING BIRDS - See this link for what to look for when purchasing your birds!
  • Get your cage paper supply from your local paperboy!  They usually have some left-over
    papers or inserts and are more than happy to be rid of them!

  • Use the quarter car wash to blast your cages clean!

  • If you don't have the time to sprout your own seeds, purchase "sprouts" from your local
    fruit market or grocery store.  Just be sure to wash and dry them thoroughly, then store
    them in the refrigerator.

  • Use a putty knife to scrape poop off of cages before wiping them clean.

  • Twice a week, add 1 drop (small drop using eye-dropper) bleach to every 4 oz of water.  
    This can prevent and kill any bacteria that may build up in your bird's water source AND, in
    my experience, has been a good way to stop parasites and other health issues in their
    tracks!

  • Use clean dryer lint as nesting material!

  • Layer paper in the cage bottom over the grates to minimize clean up.  If you place 4 or 5
    layers, you can then remove the top soiled layer when cleaning the cage!

  • When hand feeding chicks, use the supplement fortified drinking water you'd be giving to
    your adults to mix their formula!  It will enhance their growth.

  • When hanging fresh greens in cages, use a baggie with a water-soaked paper towel or
    florist spikes filled with water attached to the end of the green branches to keep them fresh
    longer.
OTHER GREAT IDEAS!!
  • Start your birds on their breeding diet a month early so that they will feed the mixture to their chicks!

  • To photograph your birds, build a small cage with wooden sides and a sliding Plexiglas front.  Paint the inside back white and add
    some natural perches.  Use a bright light to highlight your birds well, then click away!  OR, set up a perch on a small stand, place it in a
    small aquarium with a wire cage top, cover the back with light colored paper and click away!

  • When purchasing a bird, ask the seller if you may see where the bird has been raised.  If the aviary or bird area is clean and free of
    clutter and bad odors, chances are the bird will be healthy.  If the seller will not allow you see the area, there may be a reason!  Think
    twice before purchasing a bird from this seller!

  • When purchasing a new water dispenser or seed cup, be sure it is the correct type for your style of cage!  It is very frustrating to come
    home with a new dispenser only to find it won't fit through the cage bars or is made for horizontal bars instead of vertical!

  • When placing live or natural branches in the cage, wash them thoroughly before use.  Attach them to the cage with a clothespin or
    cuttlebone clip.  This will allow the branch to  dangle and sway.  Your bird will love the natural motion of the perch as it flits from branch
    to branch!

  • Keep a small cage, heat source, thermometer, and Pedialyte on hand in case of illness in your birds.  Your quick actions in getting the
    bird warm and hydrated could save it's life!

  • When placing cuttlebone in the cage, break it into smaller pieces so that when your birds use the cuttlebone as a perch, their
    droppings don't foul it.  You can then replace the cuttlebone without having wasted a whole piece!  Or, shave the cuttlebone with a
    cheese grater and place it in a treat dish.  This makes for less waste.  You can also use a blender or food processor to grind it up.

  • Wooden or plastic clothespins can be a great asset in the bird room - get a pack from the Dollar Store and instead of washing them,
    simply throw them away when they become soiled or damaged!

  • Use a straw, coffee stirrer or short piece of aquarium tubing as a splint for broken or injured leg.  Cut the tube to length, then slip it
    over the injured leg to keep your bird from damaging it further or picking at any sores! When using coffee stirrers, use your band
    applicator to open it and lay it over the damaged leg. Slip the applicator out and release the splint onto the birds leg.

Meadowlark Farms Avian Supply, Inc. 2006-2012 © All rights Reserved.
Having problems viewing this site?  Contact the webmaster and let us know.
Tips & Tricks
BRILLIANT TIPS FROM OUR READERS!!
  • When serving greens such as romaine lettuce or other greens, invert a drinker, fill it with water, insert your greens and clip it to the side
    of the cage.  This will keep your greens crisp and fresh the entire day! ~Lew in PA

  • Instead of purchasing an expensive reptile heat lamp, go to the hardware store and purchase a hooded trouble lamp with clamp.  Add
    your favorite bulb and attach to the cage! Cost is around $8.00 including the bulb as opposed to $30.00+ and it works just as well!
    ~Anne in OR
Ask your bird owner
friends how they
care for their birds.  
Networking with your
buddies is always
an easy way to get
great information!
QUICK TIP
Finchworld.com

Information on
nearly every kind
of finch you can
imagine!
Association of
Avian Veterinarians

Find a local vet,
read news and
information
regarding all pets.
Save The Gouldian Fund
Our goal is to
educate
while continuing to
learn ourselves.

Without
knowledge, we are
lost...  
Fill out a brief
questionaire

Tell us what
you think
about our site!
IN CASE YOU MISSED IT - FROM MY QUICK TIPS
***Unless otherwise
specified, all
information and
photographs on this
site are owned by
Meadowlark Farms
Avian Supply, Inc.
and may NOT be
used or reproduced
without express
written permission.
LadyGouldian.com

Information, health
tips, supplies, and
support for
Gouldian care.
Have a tip you'd like to share?  Send me a note at
kreeves@mfgouldianfinches.com. I'll be sure to add it to this list!