The SSCB is good for Bhs that have more than 500 nests. It is not recommended for newly built Bhs. It has been perceived wrongly by many newbies and those who are inexperience. I have seen many newly built swiftlet farms installed the SSCB and later complained that Swiftlets don't build nests in their Bhs. They are trying to imitate the Old successful farms that already had many nests.
Besides producing good clean and straight nests, The SSCB is to prevent Swiftlets to build nests at corners. This is for Bhs that want to maximise on producing 180 dg straight nests. The SSCB is of smooth surface therefore it is hard for the Swiftlets to build nests on its middle thus forcing them to build nests at the two lines between the wood and plate. With all the corners being covered with S.Steel plate the Swiftlets only could build nests on straight surface. Therefore it is not recommended for new Bhs.Other advantages are the SSCB is cooler and easy harvesting. The nests could be easily removed during harvesting. Recommended for Bhs that's have high average temperature as the SSCB is cooler.
For those who want to know how to DIY the SSCB, here is it.
Last weekend while I was DIYing my SSCB for one of my Bhs one of my follows called me. He wants to know how to improve the quality of nests and to reduce the number of corner nests in his Bh.
Well here it is to reduce the corner nests in Bhs.
This S.Steel plate is available in most Hardware shop, ask for the good graded type. Some cheaper ones would rust especially the lower grade type and they are also very much cheaper.They come in 4x8 ft. Most Hardware shops are more than willing to order for you if they don't have stock.
You need a good cutter a branded one will do the job you won't go wrong. Never opt for cheap one you would regret after ended up buying at least two cutters. Ask your Hardware shop they will assist you.The L angle to make sure all SSCB are cut into same size and a measurement tape for marking them with pencil. The width should be according to the size of the planks in your Bh ( 4-5-6-8"). Never too big nor too small.
The S.Steel plate is very sharp. Make sure you have a glove.
As for the length it has to be long enough as when it bents the plate must be in flat with the wood so that the nests built on the edges between the plate and wood would be in 180dg straight. From 9- 14" whichever you think fits the planks size of your Bh.
This what you get in a day of hard work. Make sure you file them down especially the sharp edges. Swiftlets hate sharp edges as it could inflict injuries to their legs.
Drill two holes at both ends. It is for nailing, you may also us screws. The later is much difficult when harvesting as it prevent the scraper from getting under the nests.
Now you have the SSCB and it is ready to be installed in your Bhs. For Bhs that already have wood corner board you may install them in front of the wood corner board.Tools:
1) Cutter
2) Measurement tape
3) Steel File
4) L angle
Good Swiftlet Farming All!
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