Waterers

[Mozelle]

Good Morning

Just a quick question about finch water supplies. Does anyone use or suggest those glass tube waterers with the little ball at the end?
Used to use those for my small animals, and see them marketed for birds as well - but I'm unsure of their use for something as small as a finch.

Thanks in advance!

[ikhom]

I'm using OASIS BIRD BOTTLE and all my finches love to drink from it. They learned to use it very fast and I think they know where is the freshest water in the cage and drink from it.

[Sally]

I used to use the Water Buddy (which I don't think is being made any more). I almost lost a couple of birds that just refused to use it, so I quit, but I would love it if they would use that type waterer. My RF Parrot male wants to bathe 24/7, so he is always getting his water tube dirty! Maybe I will try these again with certain birds--they aren't doing any good in storage.

[lovemyfinch]

I think that the next time I am in Montreal I am going to pick up a few. I keep giving them the twice over, but always wondered if they would drink from them. These would be perfect in my aviary, as right now I have the drinkers on the floor and they always end up with all sorts of goodies in them.

[Hilary]

I think the key is making absolutely sure that you've seen every one of your birds actually drinking from one before you switch out any other water sources. I keep both the big 7 oz water tubes (with a little cup in the base for drinking) and the open cups in just about all of my cages because I just don't trust that everybody uses the tubes.

[Sally]

I think the key is making absolutely sure that you've seen every one of your birds actually drinking from one before you switch out any other water sources. I keep both the big 7 oz water tubes (with a little cup in the base for drinking) and the open cups in just about all of my cages because I just don't trust that everybody uses the tubes.

That's a good idea, Hilary! I think I'll start using those Water Buddies again, but just keep one of the tube waterers on the cages as well--then I don't have to worry.

[Hilary]

I figure that gives each cage at least one source of clean water that won't end up all over the floor before 10am!

[franny]

I think the key is making absolutely sure that you've seen every one of your birds actually drinking from one before you switch out any other water sources. I keep both the big 7 oz water tubes (with a little cup in the base for drinking) and the open cups in just about all of my cages because I just don't trust that everybody uses the tubes.

That's a good idea, Hilary! I think I'll start using those Water Buddies again, but just keep one of the tube waterers on the cages as well--then I don't have to worry.

That's what I do. I've had that water buddy for 2 years now, and thought I'd never get the goldbreast to use it! But the gouldians too to it right away. And now both the goldbreast and society finch are now using it regularly, too! Makes me so happy, as I've had the fountain type feeder drip and found it empty once or twice when I got home. For now, I'm leaving it in the cage as well. But they all seem to prefer the Water Buddy now.

So far it's never leaked, like those bottles with the ball in the tube. Thing I don't like about them is that seed husks do seem to get caught in them so the ball won't drop and the water drips. Also, if the level gets too low, they leak.

[Fairuza]

The water buddy was apparently discontinued due to it causing zinc poisoning- check out this site http://forums.manhattanbirdclub.com/post?id=3649221

I like the design! They just need to not be made of brass

[franny]

The water buddy was apparently discontinued due to it causing zinc poisoning- check out this site http://forums.manhattanbirdclub.com/post?id=3649221

I like the design! They just need to not be made of brass

Thanks for the warning. Wonder if there IS a possiblereplacement metal that is safe?

[annague]

Hi! I do have a lot of birds and I use ONLY the tube waterers with the ball valve at the end (plus daily fresh bathing water). I test the easiness (is that a word?!) of pushing the ball with my finger before I buy a waterer. It must be VERY easy to push in or I don't buy because I have some tiny finches that wouldn't be able to use it otherwise.

I don't have any problems with my birds using this type of waterer even if they've never used it before because I have a mixed populace of finches in all my cages and they learn quickly from the others. (HOWEVER -- since I have the fresh bath water I know that any finch that is struggling to learn how to use the tube will be able to drink from the bath water until they learn).

And... once they learn they DO prefer the water from the tube because it doesn't get as contaminated as other water sources. I read somewhere that the water in a tube waterer is up to 90% cleaner than something like a bowl.

[annague]

P.S. I use the plastic ones that they make for mice -- they are made exactly the same as the bird bottles but are cheaper and I found the little ball valve was easier to push.

[wellingtoncdm]

I agree with Anna. All of my aviaries and cages have water bottles as well as fresh bathing water. They learn very quickly even new ones catch on really fast. All of the birds prefer the bottles.

[L in Ontario]

I've used Water Buddy bottles and they always leaked for me. If there's something better, can someone post a pic? Thanks.

[wellingtoncdm]

I can't post a picture (yet) but I can tell you that I just buy glass water bottles for rabbits, ferrets or whatever else they use them for.
I like the glass because I feel like you can clean it better.

DrsFosterSmith.com has them by Super Pet. They are clear glass chew proof.