Yesterday the Haith's Team went on a trip to Champion Budgie Breeder, Chris Snell's aviary. Chris was kind enough to initiate a visit to help the team understand the behind-the-scenes of running a large aviary, including feeding, breeding and maintaining a hygienic space. Chris welcomed the team and showcased upwards of 300 budgies under his care. The team excitedly took in the purpose-built aviary. Rows of neat nest boxes and large flying spaces reflected Chris's care for the wellbeing of his budgies. As we entered the building, Chris was sweeping up - the space was i ..read more

Siskins, native to both Europe and Asia, are charming small finches that enchant observers in their natural habitats. They feature a distinctively forked tail and a slender bill. The male displays a streaked yellow-green body, accentuated by a black crown and bib. Renowned for their enchanting melodies and friendly nature, they are often cherished as companions. Although they may not display the same level of affection or engagement as some other pet bird varieties, siskins can form bonds with their owners through consistent, gentle engagement and encouraging interactions. Furthermore, there h ..read more

This week the Lincolnshire Budgie Society had the honour of hosting Professor John E Cooper, along with his wife Margaret, a distinguished wildlife lawyer, for a captivating meeting on the world of budgerigars from the Haith's bird food centre in Louth, Lincolnshire. Joining them was champion budgie breeder Chris Snell, adding another layer of expertise to the gathering. Held at Haith's, the event offered not only enlightening discussions but also warm hospitality and refreshments, setting the stage for an unforgettable evening. Before the presentation, the Lincolnshire Budgie Society held t ..read more

Bengalese finches (Society Finch) are remarkably easy-going and versatile birds to care for. They thrive in various environments, be it breeding cages, indoor aviaries, or spacious flights, displaying contentment across all settings. Unlike some finches, they generally avoid squabbles with other birds and rather than getting involved in disagreements, these birds prefer to make their presence known through lively and energetic singing when new birds arrive. Despite this, they are recognised for their friendly grooming of other bird species and their willingness to share food and water bowls wi ..read more

The captivating and alluring plumage of Gouldian finches (Erythrura gouldiae), native to Australia, never fails to capture attention. Renowned among bird enthusiasts, these beautiful birds have become sought-after pets, bringing joy to their owners with their delightful presence. However, it is crucial to consider certain essential factors before deciding to keep Gouldian finches as pets. These vibrant and joyful birds flourish most in the company of others. Being highly social creatures, Gouldian finches thrive when housed in pairs or small groups. It is advised against keeping a solitary Gou ..read more

Investing in the health and happiness of your cage and aviary birds is a dedicated commitment. Haith's Condition Seed™ whether with or without rape seed, emerges as an essential resource for bird enthusiasts. This specialised seed blend, enriched with aniseed oil, offers a customised nutritional solution that proves particularly advantageous in colder weather. Condition Seed effectively meets the needs of birds by providing a high-fat content, serving as a crucial energy source that helps them maintain strength and resilience in chilly conditions. This specialised seed is especially suit ..read more

African Grey Parrots, have a relatively long lifespan and can live for several decades in captivity, with some individuals reaching 50 years or more. They are of medium to large size, characterised by a distinct grey feathering, notable white markings resembling a mask around their eyes, and a vibrant red or maroon tail, the colour of which varies by species. With a relatively short, hooked beak and robust, nimble feet adapted for climbing and handling objects.  Not just renowned for their striking visual appeal, these birds also exhibit a remarkable capacity to amass vocabular ..read more

Caring for pet birds in winter requires special attention to their well-being, as the cold weather can pose challenges for them. Many pet birds, such as parrots and lovebirds, originate from exotic climates. Considering the limited number of pet bird species that can endure the freezing temperatures in the UK it's advisable to relocate your pet birds indoors as winter approaches. Just as you wouldn't want to be left outside in the cold, neither would they. It is essential to ensure the comfort of our feathered friends by strategically placing their cage to a warm and well-lit area as natural ..read more

Pheasants are fascinating game birds known for their striking appearance; they are large, colourful and belong to the Phasianidae family.  There are numerous different species, which originate from Asia. They are known for their distinctive plumage often exhibiting vibrant and iridescent colours – chestnut brown bodies, striking red eyepatches and shiny purple and green collars. Some species of pheasants include the Ring-necked, Golden, and Lady Amherst’s.  The males typically have more elaborate and colourful plumage than the females which are usually more camouflaged to help them b ..read more

The distinctive ring-necked parakeet is easily recognisable with its vibrant green plumage, long slender tail, and bright striking red beak. They are renowned for their exceptional talking abilities, although the constant rehearsal of words might not be appreciated by everyone due to the potential noise. While they have the capacity for shrill calls, many ringnecks predominantly engage in quieter chatter throughout the day. They are generally somewhat aloof. Well-socialized ringnecks often form strong bonds with their caretakers. Because of their long tail, they require a more spacious cage t ..read more