My last trip reminded me of a question asked by an owner of
a Swiftlet farm regarding the position of an entrance hole. It was quite
peculiar, he wanted to know whether it is a must to have the Entrance hole
facing the East.
To me which ever direction the Entrance hole is facing is
not an issue. As long there are no obstructions like having big trees, tall
buildings,etc in front of the Entrance hole. There shouldn’t be any big
structures that would block the flying
path of the Swiftlet especially during homecoming hours.
If obstructed, Swiftlet will find it hard to fly into the
Swiftlet farm. During homecoming Swiftlets virtually fly into the farm with speed.
They dive in with speed.They need an open area in front of the Entrance hole which
I often call ‘ Run Way”.
An open area of
at least 30x30ft for them to glide
through before diving into the Switlet farm.This area should be clear of trees,
buildings or high structures.
After listening to my factual explanation the owner Mr. A
agreed, but he still had some reservations on this. I asked him… “
Where did you get this idea from and why must the Entrance hole face
East?”
Mr. A explained, “ Oh
James…my Sifu told me. He said all Swiftlets farms’ Entrance holes should face
the East. If not, Swiftlets won’t find their way out. As the Sun rises the first
day light will enter the Entrance hole and indicates to Swiftlets it is
morning”.
After digesting his remark
I asked him, “Mr. A, what about those Swiftlet
farms that are not facing the East? I am sure there are thousand of them which
are not facing the East. Would they fail too? Would all the Swiftlets inside the Swiftlet farms can’t
find their way out?”
“James, this is what my Sifu told me and I just follow. I’ve never
thought of that.”
There are thousands of successful Swiftlet farms with entrance
holes that are no facing East. Therefore,
the Entrance hole must face the East
statement is outdated “ TAK BOLEH PAKAI”. Please do not follow blindly. When
somebody says something we should think thoroughly and see whether it is logical or otherwise.
Even as you are reading now you should think whether what
you are reading makes sense or otherwise.
There are lots of people
out there giving silly ideas which they
themselves had never tried. They suggest all kinds of ideas hoping someone
would follow. If it works they take credit. If it fails that is your problem. Anyway,
the swiftlets farms don’t belong to them.
If you are going to convert a Shoplot unit into a Swiftlet
farm you don’t have much option of choosing the direction of the Entrance hole
. Either the Birds come in from the front or the back.
What’s most important
is the design….the internal design.
I am sure most, if not all those very successful Swiftlet
farms that could harvest tens of kg of
nests per month are from converted Shop lots. Many of their Entrance holes are
not facing East.
So the Entrance hole must face East a pure myth.
Secondly, “Swiftlets
can’t find their way out if the Entrance hole is not facing East” is
totally illogical.
So don’t just follow blindly. Think and see whether it is logical. All you
need is some common sense as Swiftlet farming has got a lot to do with common
sense.
Good Swiftlet farming All!
If you have any question or advise please call me at 012-3173811.
“The best is to share. Sharing makes the world wonderful”
