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Tasmania Zoo swift parrots at Tasmania Zoo

Discussion in 'Australia' started by Chlidonias, 13 Jan 2010.

  1. Chlidonias

    Chlidonias Moderator Staff Member 15+ year member

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    an old story I just found from July 2009, but Tasmania Zoo doesn't get mentioned much so thought I'd post it
    Endangered bird on display - ABC News (Australian Broadcasting Corporation)
     
  2. ZYBen

    ZYBen Well-Known Member

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    Why didn't the just buy some if they wanted them soo much. I sold my pair when I left Adelaide, but young pairs were only selling for $800. They aren't hard to get hold of on the mainland, and even easier is Tasmania.
     
  3. Chlidonias

    Chlidonias Moderator Staff Member 15+ year member

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    Yeah I thought they were pretty available in Australian aviculture. Maybe its something to do with the state's zoo licences (seeing they mentioned they had been fighting for permits), or maybe it just makes a better story
     
  4. ZYBen

    ZYBen Well-Known Member

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    As far as I remember Swifts were fairly easy to hold in Tassie. It may their exhibited animals permits.
     
  5. DDcorvus

    DDcorvus Well-Known Member 15+ year member

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    No clue how it is in Australia but if you want swifts here in Netherlands the question is how many do you want :). And the price is quite low as well around 125 euro a couple.
    A very nice bird and also easy to keep and breed.
     
  6. MRJ

    MRJ Well-Known Member 15+ year member Premium Member

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    The problem in Australia is heat, getting them to rear young on the mainland has been fraught in the past. Maybe we need new techniques.
     
  7. ZYBen

    ZYBen Well-Known Member

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    I used a small parrot box with half of the back wall removed and replaced with wire. the box was about 7cm off the tin. also very little nesting material. Mine bred twice a year, they tended to lay first in August and then again in December (which is really hot in South Australia!)