white cheek patch topped off with that coral pink beak. They always look immaculate; like little soldiers on parade. They also have that jaunty demeanour so much like the House Sparrow, hopping around interested in everything. Equally though, they are frustrating in that I find mine to be very nervous of change and they will take a couple of days to use a new perch in the aviary. Other factors are that they’re hardy,


sociable and free breeding, all of which are a boon to a busy commuter.


How did I find/purchase the birds To be honest I don’t remember where I got the initial nucleus of this group from. It was definitely a pet shop or dealer and


08 BIRD SCENE


I’m also fairly sure that they were at a bargain price; I didn’t source them privately and haven’t been to a show since Alexandra Palace in my childhood. (That dates me !)


How do I house them My birds are all housed in the garden where my husband has converted half the garage into a birdroom. I have three flights with inside and outside areas. One flight houses Cockatiels and cock budgies, a second hen budgies, a pair of Bourkes and hen zebra finches; the largest flight houses my flock of Javas and the cock zebras (and the odd hen that has managed to find the one gap in the wire between them!)


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