Pal-Mates … weekend web tip
X is for Xanthophyll. Yes it’s a bit of a mouthful, but this is the pigment responsible for the yellow colour in egg yolks, and some of the yellows in skin colour. This is a timely reminder that laying birds have high nutritional needs to stay healthy. Although the shell colour for any breed or […]
Pal-Mates … weekend web tip
W is for wild, introduced or domestic? When we talk about wild waterfowl in Britain, we usually mean the birds ‘ordinarily resident’ here, in their wild colour and form. Some, like the Mandarin Duck (Aix galericulata) or Egyptian Geese (Alopochen aegyptiaca) have been released and have naturalised, but they don’t really belong here. Introduced species […]
Pal-Mates … weekend web tip
S is for substrate. Some waterfowl pull nesting material down from surrounding vegetation, crafting a beautiful nest. They might pull in straw from nearby if it takes their fancy. Some prefer a cavity; we usually line a box with nesting material to protect the eggs if it has a solid base. Good substrate materials […]
Pal-Mates … weekend web tip
Q is for Quill. The bare part of the central shaft of a feather, nearest to the body. As the true feathers start to grow in youngsters, the feather is surrounded by a sheath and has a regular blood supply. When these ‘pins’ as they are known, continue to grow, they are very […]
How our waterfowl can help with child development
Animals in general can contribute several benefits to humans. Pets of many kinds may help lower stress, loneliness, and anxiety. They may even encourage their owners to exercise and live a healthy lifestyle. Animals may also help with children’s development. Early experiences influence your child’s brain, and their environment is essential for their language, cognitive, […]
Pal-Mates … weekend web tip
N is for… Nostrils or nares. The 2 holes in the upper part of the beak are the entry point to the mouth cavity for breathing air. At the back of the tongue is a slot which leads down into the larynx and trachea, closing firmly when the bird swallows. Food and water pass either […]
Pal-Mates — weekend web tip
Limping or lameness. There are lots of reasons why waterfowl may go lame. Accident and injury, perhaps after being chased, painful feet because they have calluses or bumble foot, age related degeneration can all be causes. A high parasitic worm burden can also make birds limp, so worth considering if you notice a change in […]
Just starting with incubation?
Our slide presentation on Facebook will guide you through the process. https://www.facebook.com/BritishWaterfowlAssociation/videos/639246863854504
Pal-Mates — weekend web tip
It’s easy to be impressed by the King Eider, Somateria spectabilis. These are tough birds which breed on the tundra. Although they have been bred in captivity for many decades, they are definitely not easy. In general, the price of birds relates to the difficulty of breeding them. This species is definitely something to aspire […]
Pal-Mates — weekend web tip
I is for Ixworth. The home of Reginald Appleyard, who developed the Silver Appleyard duck. Well known as a showman and broadcaster in his day, he said: ‘I like to see each bird “on the move,” no matter what the breed; action counts in all stock. The duck which carries herself properly and “goes well” […]
