@@ledaniezle537 Hi there are a lot of benefits that charcoal gives to the birds. You can google it and you'll be amazed. We humans also use charcoal to filter our drinking water as one example. I also provides them with tiny gravel and crush seashells as they get them on the wild.
Charcoal is essential and a good mineral. They do consume these in the wild as part of their diet. Another thing that I will try is red clay, I see my finches nibble on the slump stone inside the aviary and I'm not possible what mineral they are trying to get out of it.
Yes, I did boil the eggshells, drain all the water, rinse and bake them in the oven on low heat until it's all dry. I've also used a grinder to make the pieces small for easy consumption.
Hi Aditya, yes they do. I only have an outside aviary and they are doing well. The only thing that I do when it gets too cold is cover all the side of the aviary with plastic turf. Right now it's winter here in California and it gets into low 30's and 40's at night and they are ok.
HI Parker Benz, I go to McDonalds or Jack N Box and talk to supervisor or manager if I could have the eggshells that they will discard after breakfast hours. Once I have them, I will wash them as much as I can and then boil it for several minutes. When it's summer time, I will have them outside to dry or put them in a large tray and put it in an oven until it dries. Once it cools down, I will grind it by using a portable food processor until it's small enough for the birds to eat. BTW, we also save our eggshells whenever we eat eggs and save them in the freezer until it's time to make a batch.
I used to give my birds big pieces too when I only have a few pairs, not that I have a lot of birds, I find it easier for them to eat small pieces that they don't have to fight for the same piece. If you have time, check out my website, I tried to share my experience from several years of having them as a hobby. The website is mygouldianfinches.com
Woah cool website!!! How many gouldians would you say you have? What state do you live in? I recently was given 8 mated pairs and 14 single gouldian finches from a former hobby breeder that didnt have the energy to care for all the birds anymore.
I believed I have more than 200 or 250 and they are all in an outdoor flight aviary. I'm from Southern California. I think you have enough to start. Good luck with your birds and don't worry, they are easy birds to take care of.
Cexi Lai This is an additional supplement that I provide for my birds to stay strong and healthy. Just an FYI they can finish 75 pounds of special finch mix a month plus green leafy vegetables and egg food. thanks for your concern
