FOREIGN SOFTBILLS

HOUSING

This species of bird must be kept in an aviary if your wish them to retain their colour and to have any hope of

breeding, and an inside flight for winter shelter is a must. Daylight should be extended to 12 to 14 hours each day by the introduction of strip lights in the inside flight.  They do not require any extensive heating system but the temperature must be kept approx. 10 deg=s above freezing during the winter months which can be done by a thermostatically controlled fan heater. More importantly is shielding from winds and rain which can be achieved by fixing clear plastic sheets in front of the wire during late autumn through to early spring. This allows you to still see the birds, but gives them extra protection. It also recommended that the roof of the aviary is completely covered to protect the birds from heavy rain, this also stops the introduction of any diseases, such as salmonella, from the wild birds. The size of aviary will vary on the species of birds you are going to keep. A variety of the smaller species of softbills may be kept together if the aviary is large enough, although it is suggested that only one pair of each species is kept to avoid fighting between cock birds. If you wish to keep any Softbill larger than say, the Pekin Robin, then it should be I pair of birds to a flight. Bathing for softbills is a must, and baths should be provided, however some softbills prefer to leaf bathe so the installation of a spray system as used in greenhouses is recommended.

FEEDING

All softbills require a softfood mix and several brands are available from most pet shops, however we would recommend additions to this. The following is a suggested recipe which has been found to improve the condition of softbills.  Half a pound of Bogena softfood mix, quarter of a pound of grated mild cheese(you can use the cheapest brand on the market) 2 tablespoons of fruit flavoured Milupa and two tablespoons of clear honey. Mix together until it crumbles and then place in the fridge overnight. Sufficient for a week can be mixed at a time, provided it is kept in the fridge. Fruit should also be provided such as apple and pear and this to be dusted with egg food. a half of an orange is an added as a treat, but should only be given once or twice a week. Live food is a must and can be collected from the wild, spiders are a good source of protein, or purchased from the pet shop. eg: Mealworms, small & large, buffalo worms and Wax Moth larvae which are a much sought after treat. Water should always be provided, however some softbills also require nectar added to their diet. This may be made up similar to a lory nectar but nectar powder to which water is added, can be purchased, which is easier to feed, and you are confident that the correct vitamins are included. Also experience shows that the cost is comparable.

BREEDING

Plant the outside flight with shrubs, conifers and climbers such as Russian Vine which is fast growing and it not put off by the birds nipping the buds. Include as many flowering shrubs as possible and supplement these with flowering bedding plants. Apart from making your aviary attractive, the flowers attract the insects, a must if any attempt to breed is to be successful.  One plant that always attracts insects,  is the nasturtuim, a cheap seed to buy and one which will reseed itself year after year. Most softbills enjoy sipping nectar from the flowers which gives added nutrition to their diet and helps keep them active in the flight. An active bird is a healthy bird and is more likely to come into breeding condition. Introduce a selection of nest baskets and pans of various sizes, at different heights, together with a selection of nesting materials. Some softbills prefer to build their own nests, so ensure that there is some ledges within the shrubs to support these nests. These can be made by tying a piece of wire between the branches. If you have provided the above facilities the only thing left to do is to keep your fingers crossed.