TheGame
715 posts
Mar 24, 2010
1:28 PM
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My breeders in cages seem to have a problem with keeping their nestbowls clean. They poop in the inside of them and etc...
Is this a problem or an issue?? Can dirty nest bowls affect babies or eggs? Should I clean the nestbowls out once a week unless they are on eggs?
Last Edited by on Mar 24, 2010 1:29 PM
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Oldfart
GOLD MEMBER
1689 posts
Mar 24, 2010
3:54 PM
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Game, I use paper nest bowls but I cover them with a kitchen product called Press-N-Seal. It takes two opposing passes to cover the entire nest bowl. It's not the cost of the nest bowl but that when I change them, I can peel the covering off and have a perfectly clean nest bowl. I give each pair their bowl with a tiny bit of sand, about 1/2 to 3/4 of an inch. They adult birds poop over the sides of the bowl so the cavity stays clean for the eggs. If an egg is dirty or has poop on it I gently wash it off with lukewarm water, pat dry and return to the nest bowl. An egg is porous and salmonella can penetrate through the shell.
When it is time for the eggs to hatch, I swap out the nest bowl with a clean empty one. This bowl stays in until I band the birds at which time I give them a clean bowl with sand. After that I change the bowl out as often as needed, if it's dirty or the sand becomes wet. Every day if necessary.
If I have a single squab I put a wooden egg into the bowl and remove the egg that did not hatch. This will help prevent spraddle (or straddle) legs.
This is my way, but not the only way. You must decide what works best for you in your loft.
Thom
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JMUrbon
997 posts
Mar 24, 2010
6:35 PM
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Boy Thom you must be retired. That seems like it would take alot of time if you ran too many pairs. Joe
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J.M.Urbon Lofts
A Proven Family of Spinners
http://www.freewebs.com/jmurbonlofts/
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johnjay
41 posts
Mar 24, 2010
7:00 PM
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make sure to clean good after eggs hatch
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I am never oppressed by the
narrow confines of my existence.
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Oldfart
GOLD MEMBER
1690 posts
Mar 24, 2010
7:28 PM
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Hey Joe, Yes I am! :) But I had the same procedure when I worked. It really does not take very long.
John, That is the purpose of the Press-N-Seal, when you peel it off you are left with a clean nest bowl. I just recover it an it's good to go.
Thom
Last Edited by on Mar 24, 2010 7:30 PM
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TheGame
716 posts
Mar 24, 2010
7:37 PM
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The Press n Seal is kind of like a saran wrap huh??
The plastic doesnt affect the eggs at all?? Does not block any moisture or etc?? Might have to give this a try if these birds keep shitting in their bowls lol.
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gabe454
1623 posts
Mar 24, 2010
9:53 PM
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dont worry about it game unless is wett your okay.
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GABE
454 LOFT
L.P.R.C
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TheGame
717 posts
Mar 24, 2010
10:27 PM
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Gabe I am feeding the birds a mixture of pellets and seeds so sometimes it is wet. But it dries and then simply just sticks to the inside of the bowl.
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Oldfart
GOLD MEMBER
1691 posts
Mar 25, 2010
6:13 AM
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Game, The press-n-seal is a kitchen food or freezer wrap. It is slightly sticky on one side. I start by tearing a piece that is large enough to go from side to side. I push it into the center of the next bowl and rub it down, then over the edges and under the bottom of the bowl. Compared to the price of a new bowl it is much cheaper. BUT, that is not my main reason. If you use a cleanable nest bowl or have access to an unlimited number of paper nest bowls then it's not that important.
I do not like my birds to have to live in their own crap or wet nesting material. I change my nest bowls out very often. The press-n-seal allows me to do this as often as I want, even everyday if I think it needs to be done. The only time I don't mess with the babies is in their first week of life or until I band.
Like I said, my way is not the only way, decide for yourself.
Thom
Last Edited by on Mar 25, 2010 6:14 AM
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TT
GOLD MEMBER
504 posts
Mar 25, 2010
9:47 AM
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Sometimes to clean is no good.
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Tony.H...
"Color is not an option"
Last Edited by on Mar 25, 2010 9:48 AM
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Oldfart
GOLD MEMBER
1692 posts
Mar 25, 2010
10:38 AM
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I don't believe that Tony but we each must decide for ourselves.
Thom
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gabe454
1624 posts
Mar 25, 2010
12:14 PM
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i wouldnt use plastic game but thats just me,im with tony.
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GABE
454 LOFT
L.P.R.C
Last Edited by on Mar 25, 2010 12:14 PM
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