Australian Finches
The Australian Finch belongs to the family of birds known as Estrildidae. They are small, native, grass seed eating birds whose popularity as captive birds is only exceeded by the budgerigar, also native to Australia. Although finches are not ... [... more]
Burke's Backyard |
Housing and feeding
There is a large range of finches available in specialist bird shops around Australia including many native but also foreign birds in a range of colours. Native finches commonly kept in backyard aviaries include the Emblema Finch, also known as a ... [... more]
Burke's Backyard |
Cockatiels
Cockatiels are small to medium sized native parrots (slightly larger than a budgerigar) weighing around 90-120 grams and measuring about 300-330mm in length. Cockatiels in the wild are grey in colour. They are dimorphic (the adult hen and cock ... [... more]
Burke's Backyard |
Wild Budgies
With more than 300,000 exhibition budgerigars bred in Australia annually it's the world's most competitive animal. But what of its wild cousin - the bird which began it all? Wild budgerigars are quite small, slim, athletic birds when compared to ... [... more]
Burke's Backyard |
Faverolle Chooks
The Faverolle is a deep chested bird with a thick rectangular body and an unusual owl-like feathered face. They have small ear-lobes and wattles partly concealed by the muffling, and a long full beard. The breed is polydactyl, with an extra toe ... [... more]
Burke's Backyard |
Cochin Chickens
Cochins (pronounced 'coach-ins') are thought to have been developed in the Shanghai district of China more than 150 years ago. They were bred for their excellent laying and meat producing capabilities. Cochins were imported to England and America ... [... more]
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Keeping Rare And Endangered Birds
In Perth there have been some major developments in the preservation of bird species through advanced captive breeding. Selected aviculturalists have been allowed to breed threatened species in captivity. Some, like the Red-eared Firetail could ... [... more]
Burke's Backyard |
Long-tail Finch
Of all of the Australian finches certainly one of the most stylish is the Long-tailed grass finch. Also called the Blackheart finch and more commonly just the Long-tail finch, they are an elegant looking bird naturally distributed in northern ... [... more]
Burke's Backyard |
Old English Game Fowl
Today there are basically two types: one known as the Oxford which is extremely active, tends to stand up more, and has a large flowing tail. The Carlisle tends to have a slightly more horizontal stance and is more heavily muscled. Breeders say ... [... more]
Burke's Backyard |
Breeding/laying ability
Muscovies are the all time versatile pet -they are interesting looking, cheap to run and are also edible. If you have enough of these birds you can make a quilt! Muscovies are easily distinguished from other breeds by their faces which are devoid ... [... more]
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Ducks
Pekin and Saxony: friendly, placid. Indian Runner: excitable, timid The Pekin is an attractive, large white duck. The plumage may show a tinge of cream or yellow. They weigh 3.5-4kg (about 8-9lb) with yellow or reddish-orange bill and legs. They ... [... more]
Burke's Backyard |
Australia's Oldest Cocky: Qantas Amazing Australia
Cocky came to the family in 1921, at the same time as Charlie Knighton (with whom we filmed our story) was born. There is a special bond between the two. Cocky was taken as an egg from a nest by a friend and given to Charlie's father. Cocky grew ... [... more]
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