What causes the missing nests? Dead birds with only feathers left on the floor with no carcasses? These were the questions Mr.D was looking for.
The number of nests reduced and less birds. What has caused this? He seeks my advice and wanting to know the reason behind it.
Below is the email and pictures I received from Mr.D.
Dear James,
I am totally devastated
and keep myself calm as my BH has been attacked by some sort of animals. It has
seriously eaten the bird and scared all of them away. My BH is empty now. My BH is about 5
years old with a harvest of 3 kg / month.
I was advised , it might be rats or owls,
but I can't determine which because what I found was feathers on the floor but no carcass of the birds. If owls attacked my BH they would leave
behind the carcass right?I took some pictures
for your reference and hope you could help me determine which animal has attacked
my BH and how am I going to prevent it. Btw, the nests are missing too. It's going to take
a longer time for the bird to come back. Please help.
Thousand thanks,
Thousand thanks,
As for the missing nests Owl has been ruled out. Owls don't eat nests. They are carnivorous in other words..meat eater. They hunt on birds, mouse, smal lizard,etc.
Often the missing nests is the work of cockroaches, rat ,ants,etc.
Owl swallows its catches and they vomit pallets which caused by their indigestion systems. With many feathers as shown in the pictures often it is the work of rats perhaps civet cats ( Musang). We have encountered many of the same problems.
Once you have observed this immediate action has to be taken to prevent further damage. A thorough Pest control works is recommended. Rat poison, cockroaches poison,etc all are applied in the Swiftlet farm. Before the Pest control the farm has to be cleaned. Removing all feathers from the floor. 1-2 weeks later to check again. If there are no more feathers on the floor then it shows the predators have been exterminated.
Sometimes it could be both, Rats and Owls. Successful farms having thousand of nests inside and you can imaging the birds dropping of an inches thick. It is very dirty inside if you are not observant enough you may unable to notice the traces left behind by Predators.
(Feathers on the walls too)
As I had said before, all signs or traces in your farm indicate
something. Be observant, all signs and traces will lead to something.
Swiftlet farming is all about creating a good and a safe
environment for the birds so that more birds will stay and build nests.
Therefore a monthly maintenance ( Pest control) clearing bird shit, applying
ants and cockroaches poison, rat poison, etc. It is a continuing effort. If you
have done all these you will see good result.
Good Swiftlet farming All
