Ornamental Waterfowl UK

In 1984 we attended a seminar on breeding waterfowl and it was at this time we decided to try and help with the breeding programme for the New Zealand Brown Teal, whose numbers were in decline, over the following years we had success and failures but on reflection breeding over 100 birds in our small area it was an enjoyable task. Our main failure was to lose a breeding pair to a fox who took advantage of a power failure and one night which in turn caused the electric fence to switch off, since then we have replaced the fence energizer with a Gallager Smart Power, mains powered with Battery back up, well worth the money. The new pair of Teal have for the past few years failed to have any offspring, very disappointing but that’s life.

The collection has grown to some 50 birds, our latest arrivals being two totally unrelated pairs of African white Backed Duck and Javan Tree Duck. Brought in 2008 and 2009 respectively, we have kept them in the aviary with the Avocets, Hottentots and the Lilac Breasted Roller.

Like most hobbies this one has taken over all of our spare time, the garden is 80ft x 50ft surrounded by a fox proof fence (if there is such a fence!)
Between the fence and a 4ft wall is a concrete path this allows me to lay humane traps for any rodents that may get in, thankfully only 4 in 20 years. We have 3 aviaries, one for the newly fledged birds, 2nd for the NZ Brown Teal as they have to keep separate and the 3rd as described previously.

You may if you wish contact by telephone, Fax and Answering Machine

44-(0)-1273 584737