![]() ![]() Again, however, the termites need to be provided in a tray which excludes ants or they will be quickly taken, especially in warmer months when ants are active. The termites will swarm out of the chunks of nest and be readily available. Most finch breeders simply break chunks from the nest each day and provide these to the birds. If stored properly nests will remain alive for months and if collected intact so that the queen is also present, the nest can even be fed with appropriate organic matter to ensure they continue to breed. A large garbage bin or steel drum with grease around the rim to keep the termites in and black ants out is suitable. Termite nests need to be gathered and stored in containers which provide a suitable environment for the termites and which keep out black ants – the nemesis of termites. Some nest in trees and produce distinctive bulbous nests, while other species nest in the ground and produce a typical mounded nest, where most of the nest is underground. Termites are utilised as food by many animals and birds in the wild and they also form an important part of human diets in Africa and South America.Īustralia has many species of termites, some of which feed in dead wood, while many feed on dead grass. They are high in protein with an excellent balance of essential amino acids, high in calcium, iron and micronutrients and can also be high in fat (Table 1). Termites are without doubt the best, nutritionally balanced livefood for finches. The more exotic livefoods include crickets, moths and grasshoppers but these are used more for softbills. As finch breeders we may utilise three main types of livefood – termites, mealworms and bushfly maggots – although many other types are used. Many finches will take livefood when breeding and for some the nutritional boost provided by animal protein is absolutely essential. In Part 2 I will cover the multitude of other supplements and nutritional aids, some of which are essential while others are perhaps superfluous. In this instalment I will deal with the various types of livefood that are readily available and are often essential for success. In earlier instalments of Back to Basics we have covered some aspects of nutrition through the basic seeds we provide either as dry mature seed or half ripe seed (Chapt 6, April Finch News) or greens (Chapt 7, June Finch News). At least it is the main area where we as aviculturists can make a big difference by providing a appropriate, diverse and balanced diet. Nutrition is perhaps the most important component of successful finch breeding. ![]()
0 Comments
Leave a Reply. |
AuthorWrite something about yourself. No need to be fancy, just an overview. ArchivesCategories |