Have you ever thought of what wood (nesting planks) is installed in your farm? I guess most have no idea except assuming it is Meranti. There is a saying from Tan Sri Tan Chin
Do you know how a Meranti wood looks like? Ha..ha..! I guess most wouldn't know. This is because most of the decisions of the type of planks were decided by the consultant entrusted by the owner.
As I have mentioned before, there so many type of Meranti woods. Meranti is only the general name for type of woods. It could be further divided into hundred of sub species. Let’s not go too deep into it as we are not going for a diploma in wood study & forestry.
Plank is one of the most important factors determining the growth of birds population and nest.
If the woods used in your farm are of kind that dislike by birds then it would prevent birds from making nests. So choosing the right wood is important.
As basic the wood for nesting planks should be dry, odorless, long lasting, etc. I have seen too many farms using cheap unsuitable wood as nesting plank and being charged for the price of Meranti.
Over the time these unsuitable woods rot and infested with mould and fungus. The worst is that it has to be removed in order to salvage the farm. Often than not this is very costly.
Some may try to salvage it by removing the mould and fungus. I wonder how many times they are going to do this. In no time it will come back again as the planks nature are good for mold and fungus grow. That is why in the mushroom industry certain special woods are chosen that are easily grow mould and fungus were selected to enhance the growth of mushroom.
If such woods are used as nesting planks then it would be disastrous. Not surprisingly I have encountered many farms that are using such woods. This is because the woods are easily available and to make more profit from the contract the person entrusted for the job resorted to using such wood.
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(these are not Meranti wood planks and the owner paid 3 times the price of common Meranti. After 9 months not a single bird stayed)
Pure and good Meranti woods are scare. It is controlled by the forestry dept, most were down streamed for making furniture for export as could fetch higher price.
Of course some may tell you that all woods are the same and all woods can be used as planks and you could not counter this statement because when it is newly installed in your farm for the first few months it looks good. Wait till the monster comes out from the closet when you notice changes of color on the planks.
So be wise, get someone who could identify and have good knowledge in wood to check the planks before installation. Once installed it is too late unless you are expecting the monster in the closet.
Good farming!