FINCHforum

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YeLVigFP ... ata_player

It's called a Towa Towa and I want one!

googled towa towa bird and found this interesting article

http://www.silive.com/news/index.ssf/20 ... under.html

I have seen them for sale on Kijiji in Toronto.
They go for $700 or more!
One day I will get one!

I couldn't watch the whole video... seeing it in that little cage flitting away was just too sad to me......

I hope that the ones being "raced" are kept in bigger cages as well. If some birds can cost thousands then I expect they are well cared for, but when they are smuggled in luggage their survival isn't first priority. I try to avoid these stories but never know what google will turn up.

Most show birds are kept in the best of conditions yet are placed in small show cages for training and for exhibition. I would imagine these singers/racers would get the same type care.
I would love to hear them in person

dfcauley wrote:I couldn't watch the whole video... seeing it in that little cage flitting away was just too sad to me......

Thanks for the comment, Donna! Now I will NOT watch the movie... I also find it very sad when finches are kept in tiny cages, for example male canaries, which are also isolated just for the purpose so they sing better...

Ursula wrote:

dfcauley wrote:I couldn't watch the whole video... seeing it in that little cage flitting away was just too sad to me......

Thanks for the comment, Donna! Now I will NOT watch the movie... I also find it very sad when finches are kept in tiny cages, for example male canaries, which are also isolated just for the purpose so they sing better...

Well I guess everyone knows how I feel about little cages... But whatever the reason for keeping them there is not good enough for me. It is pathetic to see them flitting around like that in a small cage... very sad....

Ursula wrote:

dfcauley wrote:I couldn't watch the whole video... seeing it in that little cage flitting away was just too sad to me......

Thanks for the comment, Donna! Now I will NOT watch the movie... I also find it very sad when finches are kept in tiny cages, for example male canaries, which are also isolated just for the purpose so they sing better...

I have to disagree!
These are training cages,
and they are needed to bring out
the best song out of a bird!
They are not always in there!
Just like any talent, practise makes perfect.
Canary/finch men and women have
been doing this for hundreds of years!

If it ain't broke don't fix it!

The only safe way to bring a finch to the park is in a cage. It all depends on whether they have a good set up at home. I meet people who accuse me of being cruel to my bird by keeping him in such a small cage when we go out, and I have to assure them that's not his house, that's his car. I think the small cage is great! Me + cage = transportation and protection. It allows me to show him the outside world, trees, open fields. We love the outdoors. Without his "car", he would only know his flight cage for his entire life. I just wish I was taller so he can see better.

His "car"... too cute. What a great way to look at it. When I cage my bird to take to the shop and then back home again they get so excited... just like my dog going for a ride

Hi Cate -
My green singers are so easily spooked I can't imagine moving them into another cage and taking them out to a park. They are little wild things. How is it you are able to handle yours?
Kathleen

kathmcm wrote:Hi Cate -
My green singers are so easily spooked I can't imagine moving them into another cage and taking them out to a park. They are little wild things. How is it you are able to handle yours?
Kathleen

Hi Kathleen, my GS started young, in a training cage like Jerry above said. He got used to being carried around. Then i moved him into the flight. I hang his baby cage in the flight and he goes in, or not. Green singers are very smart. When we're out, he's just busy looking at things taking it all in, or he breaks into song. He looks so confident and sharp, not flitting around much. Sometimes it appears he sees something he can eat. Btw my GS may have been wild caught. He doesn't get spooked by trees, grass, stream, the sky or even squirrels.

Birds need flying space. I think we could get "used" to being in the house all the time. But..... we all like to go outside.
I am sorry... I guess I am stupid, but I don't understand why a bird has to be "trained" to do what comes naturally. SING!!

dfcauley wrote:Birds need flying space. I think we could get "used" to being in the house all the time. But..... we all like to go outside.
I am sorry... I guess I am stupid, but I don't understand why a bird has to be "trained" to do what comes naturally. SING!!

Can't agree more with Donna!!!