For the full article click here (1MB PDF) Don Burke says you can discourage the bossy, unwanted feral birds and encourage lots of colourful and beautiful native birds with your garden design and choice of plants. There are good birds and bad birds. Some birds are...
Correct Name: Psittacine Beak and Feather Disease (PBFD). In Australia, and probably other countries, PBFD and French Moult in budgerigars are the same disease. Cause: It is an infectious virus. This was confirmed by studies undertaken by Dr David Pass et al...
The world’s most popular pet is the Australian budgerigar. It’s kept in captivity more than any other pet but unfortunately they can become sick & eventually die. There has been a major breakthrough which has shown that Vitamin D3 via sunlight eliminates these...
Whether they’re called ISAbrown, Hy-line, Hisex or Lohmann, the red plumaged commercial hybrids are fantastic layers that adapt well to backyards or the farm. Hybrids are usually sold as point-of-lay pullets (14-18 weeks) and cost around $15. At this age they...
BREED: Faverolles Chickens COSTS: Around $50.00 per bird, $100 for breeding stock. $2.00 per bird per week to feed. GROOMING: Backyarders need only ensure that the feet and feathers don’t get covered in mud. CHILD COMPATIBILITY: A popular choice for a family...
Breed: Turkeys Temperament: easily tamed, noisy males Cost: from $25 – $50 Lifespan: 5-9 years Maintenance: medium Recommended for:hobby and commercial farmers History The turkey is most often associated with once-yearly feasts with friends and family; either on...
Cockatiels Breed: Cockatiel, hand raised Temperament: usually affectionate, individuals can vary Cost: from $20-$200 for pets Lifespan: up to 30 years Maintenance: medium Recommended for: beginners and families History and habitat The Cockatiel (Nymphicus hollandicus)...
Breed: Pekin, Saxony, Indian Runner ducks Temperament: Pekin and Saxony: friendly, placid. Indian Runner: excitable, timid Cost: from $20 Lifespan: 7-10 years Maintenance: medium Recommended for: hobbyists, fenced gardens Appearance The Pekin is an attractive, large...
The feeding of native birds is an increasingly important issue as new housing developments encroach on areas of bushland which provide food for these creatures. Although there is some disagreement on the subject with groups such as WIRES recommending against...
Breed: Cross-bred chickens Temperament: manageable, quiet Cost: $9.50 – $15.00 Lifespan: 2 -10 years Maintenance: low-medium (depending on numbers) Recommended for: Home-grown enthusiasts History Many people still prefer to keep a few chooks in their backyard,...