Pal-Mates … weekend web tip
X is for Xanthophyll. Yes it’s a bit of a mouthful, but this is the pigment responsible for the yellow colour in egg yolks, and some of the yellows in skin colour. This is a timely reminder that laying birds have high nutritional needs to stay healthy. Although the shell colour for any breed or […]
Pal-Mates … weekend web tip
W is for wild, introduced or domestic? When we talk about wild waterfowl in Britain, we usually mean the birds ‘ordinarily resident’ here, in their wild colour and form. Some, like the Mandarin Duck (Aix galericulata) or Egyptian Geese (Alopochen aegyptiaca) have been released and have naturalised, but they don’t really belong here. Introduced species […]
Pal-Mates … weekend web tip
V is for vitelline membrane. This is a gossamer-fine, multi layered, protein membrane separating the yolk from the white (albumen) in the egg. The fine twisted cord seen in the tweezer is one of the chalazae, holding the yolk in position. The developing embryo is attached to this membrane and floats to the surface — […]
Pal-Mates …weekend web tip
U is for underwater. All may be serene on the surface, but there’s lots going on below. Some birds prefer to stay topsides, but others spend time undewater foraging for food.
Pal-Mates … weekend web tip
T is for Territory. In the breeding season, waterfowl can become aggressive. Particularly when defending a nesting territory or hatchlings. If you are planning a new addition to your pond, it pays to talk to other breeders of the waterfowl you’d like to keep. Dominant and beligerent species can even prevent others breeding. Some are […]
One more week of Flockdown
APHA have just announced that the housing requirement will be lifted on Monday 2nd May — but strict mandatory biosecurity measures will remain in place for all birds. We know it has been a tough time for many. This is just a start of the easing process. We are advised to prepare our outdoor […]
Pal-Mates … weekend web tip
S is for substrate. Some waterfowl pull nesting material down from surrounding vegetation, crafting a beautiful nest. They might pull in straw from nearby if it takes their fancy. Some prefer a cavity; we usually line a box with nesting material to protect the eggs if it has a solid base. Good substrate materials […]
Pal-Mates … weekend web tip
R is for repair and restore. The double brooding tanks that many of us use can get chips and little voids in the gel-coat (the shiny inside surface) over time. It is surprisingly easy to repair. 2 part epoxy putty is readily available from model and craft shops. Mix equal parts of putty together and […]
Pal-Mates … weekend web tip
Q is for Quill. The bare part of the central shaft of a feather, nearest to the body. As the true feathers start to grow in youngsters, the feather is surrounded by a sheath and has a regular blood supply. When these ‘pins’ as they are known, continue to grow, they are very […]
BWA Spring event – Postponed
Postponed to mid June as bird flu outbreaks are still happening throughout the country. A new date for this event will be posted in due course.
