Naveed tells me that some of you are hopefully importing birds this year. It is a big commitment and I congratulate you on doing so. If you want the Society to go ahead then you must have good stock.

 

What I do suggest is that once you have decided to do so then start your preparation.

 

Try and have a separate area for your new imports for a while. The birds will have come into Pakistan and you don't want your new birds to get diseases from the current ones and the same applies to the ones that you already have, you don't want them to catch anything from the imported birds.

 

Water: If possible, use filtered boiled water or bottled water for your birds as a lot of diseases are passed via the water. i.e. Giardia and cryptosporidium - a water borne bacteria that can contaminate supplies of drinking water and cause intestinal infections in humans and animals and of course birds.

 

Seed. If possible when bringing in the birds that who ever is in charge of the shipment to bring in some seed from overseas to distribute between you all and slowly mix it with the seed you get locally.

 

When shipping and before ask the person you are getting the birds from to get them used to oranges and apples and these can be cut up and put in with the birds for moisture for them as you will not be able to put water in with the birds.

 

For the 1st 2 years, breed these birds together if possible, import pairs from breeders and keep the birds from different breeders together for breeding.  Once the 1st couple of years are finished - look at your stock then decide what lines to breed together. It takes time, it takes patience and dedication.

 

Good luck with your imports

 

Betty Berry

Australia