Books on Softbills*

Pekin Robins and Small Softbills: Management and Breeding (Hardcover)

The most comprehensive and current book on its topic, this handbook provides both novice and experienced aviculturists with detailed information and techniques for managing and breeding pekin robins and other small soft bill birds. The topics covered include: biology; housing; predator management; acquisition, quarantine and acclimation; breeding; hand-rearing; feeding; cultivating live food; health care; and conservation breeding. As well the book includes an extensive list of soft bill species, complete with beautiful watercolor prints of the various birds described. The author's own precise drawings and photographs complement the descriptions and instructions within each section, enabling readers to better understand the procedures being outlined. In addition, the inclusion of case histories drawn from the author's own aviculture experiences provides interesting anecdotal information that takes the book away from being simply a 'how-to' manual.

Softbills: Care, Breeding and Conservation (Paperback)

Author Martin Vince offers an exhaustive volume about the biology and ecology of softbills -- small, flying birds that do not live on seeds, but on soft foods such as fruits, insects and meats. A practical and uniquely detailed book, it is based on the author's experience during twenty years of keeping and breeding a large range of softbills. The first section of text covers the basics from purchasing and housing to the particulars such as handling, banding and nutrition. The second section focuses on the different species, covering topics such as size, sexing, incubation and breeding. Because all of the birds described have been kept by the author, the information is especially relevant and helpful. This thoroughly modern, easy-to-use guide is sure to become the definitive source for softbill keepers.

Breeding British Birds in Aviaries and Cages - Housing, Feeding, Sexing and General Management of British Hardbills and Softbills (Paperback)

Contents Include: Housing and Feeding - The Goldfinch - The Bullfinch - The Linnet - The Greenfinch - The Chaffinch - The Bramble finch - The Siskin - The Redpoll - The Twite - The Hawfinch - The Yellow Bunting - The Corn Bunting - The Cirl Bunting - The Reed Bunting - Breeding Softbills - The Magpie, Jay and Jackdaw - The Song Thrush - The Blackbird - The Starling - The Smaller Softbills - Hints on Hand-Rearing - Ringing Young Birds - Standards and Scales of Points