Melbas wasting seed

[kcfd55]

I have a pair of Melba finches that seem to scatter the seed in the feeder as if they are looking for something specific. None of the other birds do this. It is so bad that the feeder can be emptied in a couple of days.

Is there a specific seed that Melbas prefer over others?

Thanks,

Mike

[wildbird]

Never heard of Melbas. Check the hulled seeds, and you will see what seeds they are eating.

[Dave]

Two approaches that I use:

Deep dishes, and fill them only halfway. The seed should be an 1" or 2" below the rim.

Use a separate dish for each type of seed. In effect, you're making it easy for them to find the particular seed they're looking for.

[lovezebs]

kcfd55

Hi Mike,

I am not familiar with the habits of Melbas, but.....

You could try sending a PM to cjkrit one of our members from Africa. He keeps them, or used to keep and breed them quite successfully, and would have lots of information about them.

http://www.finchinfo.com/birds/finches/ ... ytilia.php

https://journals.tdl.org/watchbird/inde ... /view/2352

http://www.biodiversityexplorer.org/bir ... _melba.htm

http://www.hawkesburyfinchclub.com/pyti ... australia/

http://birdcare.com.au/melba_finch.htm

https://books.google.ca/books?id=T4p0RH ... ch&f=false

These sites, all contain good information about Melbas.
From what I have gathered, they are extremely dependant on live foods, much more so than most other finches and waxbills. It is an absolute must on a daily basis apparantly, because most captive birds are very deficient in protein, and will start feather plucking if not supplied with what they need in their diets.

As for seeds, they ground forage on mainly different types of grass seeds.

They come from arid dry areas, and would probably not do well in damp wet conditions.

I hope this is helpful.

[Rob]

kcfd55

I know a local breeder with Red-winged Petillias, don't know if they'd be much different than the Green-winged Petillias. As Elana said, live food should be offered, but I wouldn't say it's necessary (if they get protein from other sources). I can check with him to see what seeds they prefer though.

[kcfd55]

Rob:

Check the hulled seeds, and you will see what seeds they are eating.

That is difficult for me to do as the birds are in a large aviary with several other species of bird. I have no way of seeing what the Melbas eat specifically.

Thanks,

Mike

[kcfd55]

Elana:

From what I have gathered, they are extremely dependant on live foods, much more so than most other finches and waxbills. It is an absolute must on a daily basis apparantly, because most captive birds are very deficient in protein, and will start feather plucking if not supplied with what they need in their diets.

Thank you for all of the links. I will be spending some time with those.

I provide mealworms on a daily basis. When Spring arrives, I will provide whatever shows up in my gardens. I haven't yet talked my fiance into letting me keep maggots in the refrigerator (she groaned enough when I put the mealworms in there). Some people just have no appreciation for the needs of my birds .

Thanks,

Mike

[kcfd55]

Rob:

I can check with him to see what seeds they prefer though.

I would appreciate that. If I can find out what they are searching for, I can get that specific type of seed and put it in a separate tray for them.

Thanks,

Mike

[lovezebs]

kcfd55

What's wrong with maggots in the fridge? .

I guess termites are a great favorite, would they be more acceptable as fridge residents? I say better termites in the fridge, than in the walls, right???

Some people, sheesh

In all those articles, they stress the need for live food for these birds, along with different types of grass seeds, so that would be my guess as a good place to start. Regarding scattering the seeds, I'd go with a sizable tupperware container with higher sides. Seeing as these birds are supposed to be fond of foraging, that would be ideal for them (just have to make sure to scoop up the poopies on a very regular basis).

[Rob]

Rob:

I can check with him to see what seeds they prefer though.

I would appreciate that. If I can find out what they are searching for, I can get that specific type of seed and put it in a separate tray for them.

Thanks,

Mike

Here's the seed he's using: German millet, red millet, canary seed and proso millet. He suggested, like others here, to have separate cups for each seed, or use a seed feeder that won't let them toss the seeds they don't want.

[kcfd55]

Elana:

What's wrong with maggots in the fridge? .

I guess termites are a great favorite, would they be more acceptable as fridge residents? I say better termites in the fridge, than in the walls, right???

That's what I said! There's just no pleasing some people .

I would get the termites if I could find some. Come to think of it, I've not done a Google search for that...I'll see.

I may have to come up with a different feeding arrangement if the Melba thing cannot be solved. I have to think of the rest of the birds (about 30) as well. So far, the Melbas are the only ones with this bad habit.

Thanks,

Mike

[kcfd55]

Rob:

German millet, red millet, canary seed and proso millet

Thank you very much! I found a source for those seeds, and will get some. I've been using a rotating feeding device that lets me put different items in one of three cups without getting into the aviary itself. I have one left that I can install and get the seeds separated as you suggest.

Thanks again,

Mike

[lovezebs]

kcfd55

Good luck with the live food storage issues .

Would love to see some pictures of these feathered kids.

[kcfd55]

Elana:

[quote=""]Would love to see some pictures of these feathered kids.quote]

Pictures have been taken, but my girlfriend hasn't sent them to me so that I can upload them. I will ASAP.

Mike

[kcfd55]

I think I know what the Melba is doing. I thought, since it did eat some seed, that it was looking for a particular seed. I did buy the seed species recommended earlier in this thread (The seed is showing up today. Ladygouldianfinch.com is really quick!), but after watching the Melba for several days, I think that what the blasted thing is doing is searching for live food, kicking out seed in the process! I have live food in a separate container that he visits regularly, but it still goes to the seed hopper as well.

I did create a 1" lip on the seed hopper out of rope last night, so we'll see if that helps any.

Mike