Want to incress you birds water intake

[Smiley]

Want to know how to increase your bird's water intake since the hot weather is here... Add so lime juice to there water. Make sure it is enough to flavor the water. Don't add any sugar, this suppresses the immune system. This really works. Some birds like lemon or grapefruit too. Try squeezing different juices and see which one your birds prefer.

Or

Give your birds nectar that you get from the health food store. Buy a couple of different varieties and see which one your bird likes the best. Make sure it is organic. Some grocery stores carry these organic nectars as well. What your bird doesn't drink, you drink. They are great,what out for the ants but.They like it as well

This has nothing to do with this section.So since a lot read here I throught I would just put this in...

How do you know if the cage a bird is in is made of zinc,this it handy for when buying a new cage. Take a magnet and see if it sticks to the cage. If it does, it is probably zinc or galvanized metal of some sort. This is what you want to avoid.

Natalie

[eckie]

hi
thanks for the tip nat
ill try it out the sarvo

[kiddo]

why are we trying to avoid zink and galvinised metal? is this just for parrots who might chew on the wire or all breeds?

cheers shannon

[Jane]

Yes is is mostly for parrots, but any aged wire is fine or you can wash new wire with white vinegar.

[clara]

Hi, What can one put to replace galvanized or iron?

Amicalement.

[Jane]

There is no problem using it once it has been weathered for a while or washed

[clara]

Ha ok, thank you Jane for the information

Amicalement.

[vankarhi]

It really is only a problem for birds who use their beaks for climbing around on. Other birds tend not to get the wire in their mouths.

I have read that the zinc test with a magnet is not always correct.

[AussieBirds]

vankarhi said:

It really is only a problem for birds who use their beaks for climbing around on. Other birds tend not to get the wire in their mouths.

I have read that the zinc test with a magnet is not always correct.

If you have any doubt, and believe me I do this to all my aviaries, wash the wire down with a mixture of white vinegar and let it stand for 24 hours then wash it down again with water, remove any dags of zinc from the wire with a pair of side cutters.

John