Getting good plank for farm is not easy as I had mentioned on my earlier articles. Wood planks in farm are one of the most important factors that justifying whether your farm would fail or success.
Good quality planks would prevent growth mould and fungus as its texture absorb less moist.
Most planks in the market are of the softer type Meranti Kepong which is light and soft. Swiftlet will not make nest on planks that are easily mould.
Most claimed that the softer wood would be ideal because it is easy for bird’ claws to grip. Then again when it is of soft wood it won't last and very soon you would see mould. But with today’s ready engraved lines on the planks the birds don't need a soft wood to hang on them. That is what the grooved planks are for, unless you intended not to have grooved lines on your planks then it is acceptable that you use soft wood.
In terms of price the Meranti Kepong (light red Meranti) is cheaper compared to the higher grade of Red Meranti and Dark Meranti.
The texture quality of the Dark Red Meranti can be easily seen. Installing them in your farm you don't have to worry about changing them which I came across many farms changing planks after few years due to deterioration of the wood. The cost would be double compared to using the best grade of woods. This not all when changing nesting planks in farm this would make all birds fly away. Some may never returned
I have been looking for good Dark Red Meranti for a while but not easy. I had visited many Sawmill and Wood supplier, most claimed it to be the Dark Red Meranti but when I look at them it is the Meranti Kepong selected and sold as the Dark Red Meranti. In other words choosing the best in M.Kepong and sold as the higher grade Meranti.
(look at the texture & color )
Finally I found a reliable source that supplying good quality Red Meranti. After examining every each pieces I considered it very good and reliable.
Currently I am using them at the farms that I am building for my Readers. They are very happy to see the differences.
For those who are interested in the above Meranti planks please send email for enquiry. StockQuantity is limited.
swifjames@yahoo.com tel: 012-3173811