I have visited many Swiftlet farms and sometimes the way people built them really amazed me.
It was built with many creative ideas but have they ever thought, would it work or otherwise? Never! Not all ideas can be incorporated into the design of Swiftlet farm.
Sometimes ideas may seem spectacular in our own imagination but in practical it may not work. Theory, ideas and practical are all different. It must be logical and tested before implementation.
The above pictures were taken from one of the many Swiftlet farms I had visited. The Planking system is a big problem. Many birds visited this Bh everyday hundreds of them but the number of nests is way below average.
The planking formation was done in such way sighted to prevent 90dg corner nests. As the result, not only the Bh looses all its corner nests but also those that are supposed to be built on the straight planks.
The owner Mr. O of Johor didn’t realize this all he wanted was to have a successful Bh that could produce quality nests. Many of his friends had advised him to have planking system that prevents corner nests. For most people quality nests mean 180dg straight nests. This is their priorities and they neglected the importance of corner nests which is the pillar of success of Swiftlet farm.
There are many ways to reduce the number of 90dg nests. The corner board is one of them. Young Swiftlets build their nests at corners. If the new swiftlet farms have no corners for them they would fly to other bhs that have.
For me I would capture and lure all Swiftlets immaterial young or old. I would want all nests immaterial 90dg or straight 180dg.The more nests they build the better it is for my Bh. I am more concerned about the number of nests especially for newly built Swiftlet farm where the first 1-2 years is the most crucial period. Later when the Bh hits 1000 nests & above then we talk above reducing the corners nests.
Often many Swiftlet farmers fail to notice this and given wrong priority to other things. They are more concerned about the quality of the nests the moment they started the sound.
After having said this, I am sure there are still many Swiftlet farms are using such planking system. “If there is no failed Swiftlet farm then how could we have successful ones?”
Good Swiftlet Farming ALL!. Best IS TO Share! James 012-3173811
swifjames@yahoo.com