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 raising your birds easier!
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  • 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!
OTHER GREAT IDEAS!!
  • Start your birds on egg food early - several months before breeding season - 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, 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!

  • 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 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!
IN CASE YOU MISSED IT - FROM MY QUICK TIPS
See this link for what to look for when purchasing your birds!
What I do to make my cage cleaning chores easier!
Information about what I've tried and how I'm set up!  Use this information to help you decide
where and how to set up your own bird room.
Tips on how to choose an Avian Veterinarian and where to find them!
Ask your bird owner
friends how they care
for their birds.  
Networking with your
buddies is always an
easy way to get great
information!

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Meadowlark Farms Lady Gouldian Finches & Avian Supply
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Tips & Tricks
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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.
Australian Museum
Online:

Fact Sheet about the
Gouldian Finch from
folks who live with them
in their natural habitat!
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