Nursery - Individual Breeding Cages

Main Breeding Loft

Each breeding pair has approximately 100 cubic feet in a self contained well illuminated unit.  Lights are on automatic timers.   There are 9 units and all of them can be cleaned easily.  Each unit opens into a hallway.   Each unit has a small aviary which fosters fresh air and light.  The nesting area is is located on the front wall just below the aviary.  The nesting bowl is placed on a wire support that is under a moveable wood canopy.  The canopy can be moved in two direction.  The importance of the canopy is it gives the birds more security and they can't fly up and kick their eggs out of the bowl.  Each unit has a pick stone.  All food, grit, and water are located on the outside of the door.  This provides easy access and eliminates contamination.  The feeders were built by Jesse Quintero of Modesto California (209-968-1445).  These feeders eliminate waste by 99.9%.  They paid for themselves in one year.  Jesse sells them for $15.00 each.  The plastic water bowls were purchased at the Dollar Store.  Each bowl is sanitized twice weekly and the water is changed daily.  Also, each unit floor is covered with a plastic mat that can be removed and power cleaned.  A small portable vaccum is kept in the loft for periodic deep cleaning.

Individual Main

Each unit has a loft breeding card. 

Inside view of the feeder

Outside Aviary

The aviary is not large, but serves its purpose.  The  birds get fresh air, sunlight, and an occasional bath.  Each unit in the aviary is plumbed with water.

Middle Breeding Loft

This is my old breeding section and is found under our deck.  Because each unit is small breeding pairs are allowed two rounds at the most. 

Two more individual lofts

I built two additional breeding units under my deck.  The are my largest breeding units by far.

Middle Breeding Loft

There are 6 units, 3 each on two banks.  There is approximately 12 square feet.  Because of the limited amount of space a breeding pair is limited to at the most 4 youngsters.  The shelf that contains the breeding bowls is wire shelving purchased from Lowe's.  All dropping go through the 1 x 2 inch plastic coated wire bottom and collect on a plastic tray.  This provides a very clean environment for the birds and their youngsters.   A food container (Jesse Quintero) is located on the door and can be accessed from the outside without opening the door.  The grit container is also on the outside.  Each unit has a plastic water container that is attached to the wall of the unit on the outside.  This affords simple filling, cleaning, and prevents the birds from deficating in the water.

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