FEATURE


very loose feathered and appear to be constantly moulting which is possibly a virus infection similar to French moult in Budgerigars but with Kakariki it generally affects the smaller body feathers whereas with Budgerigars it is mainly the tails and flight feathers which fall out. As a consequence of this feather problem it is important that when buying fresh stock you ensure the birds are in excellent feather, if you are told that ‘they are moulting’ do not buy them, wait until you find some good quality stock that are tight feathered. Kakariki have a very inquisitive nature which endears them to many bird breeders, one lady that visited my aviary had her nails painted immaculately in bright red; as she placed her hands on the front of the aviary instantly both cock and hen


came over to investigate the ‘red berries’ that had rapidly appeared! Kakariki will try most foods offered and by feeding a very varied diet breeders ensure that the birds maintain peak fitness for long periods and therefore the ability to raise a number of large clutches each year. In fact the hens will often commence laying a further clutch before the young from the previous brood have left the nest box. Some years ago when breeding Kakariki I used to provide a second nest box just to allow the hen to start another clutch in undisturbed conditions, leaving the cock to feed the earlier round. After recent experiences I think I will return to this ‘second nest box policy’ with my Black-eyed Golden’s. In fact I understand that the cock bird likes to roost in a nest box and some breeders actually provide him with this


BIRD SCENE 45


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