News Archives - Page 2 of 3 - Knitwire Aviary Mesh

April 16, 2021April 16, 2021

UK Birds of Prey | Buzzard

The buzzard is now the most common and widespread bird of prey found across the UK. Their numbers have quadrupled since 1970, but they have had a troubling past. Buzzards have a very close appearance to that of the golden eagle, and are often referred to as the ‘tourist eagle’ due to the common confusion between the two species.

According to www.jacobijayne.co.uk, “Buzzards have never been popular with falconers, as they tend to be far too lazy to be taught to fly at live quarry.”

Buzzard Statistics

Length: 51 – 57cm

Wingspan: 113 – 128cm

Weight: 550 – 1,000g (male), 700 – 1,300g (female)

Average lifespan: 8 years.

Number of eggs: 2 – 4

Incubation: 33 – 35 days.

Fledgling time: 50 – 55 days.

Conservation

Up until 1970, buzzard numbers were quite low, and buzzard sitings were not as common. Due to gamekeepers and pesticide usage, protection laws were implemented to help increase the number of buzzards. It is now estimated that there may be over 70,000 breeding pairs across the UK, and there is currently no need for conservation efforts other than habitat management to prevent any further threats.

When and Where to Find Buzzards

Buzzards can be found widespread in every country within the UK. They can also be found all year round, but they fly, display and call most often in spring.

The best habitats in which to find them include; woodland, moorland, marshland, villages and sometimes even cities.

Buzzards are typically brown with a white necklace, white undersides to their wings, a hooked beak and large feet.

Are you thinking about building an aviary for your buzzard or another falcon? You can order your FREE samples of our ClearMesh aviary mesh here.

April 12, 2021April 12, 2021

UV Testing Results

As many of you may know, we have sent samples of our ClearMesh products off to be tested to see how much UV they would allow into a reptile enclosure. We have been seeing some of you in our comments section on FaceBook eagerly awaiting the results of the UV testing, and now the wait is over!

Please note: These tests results are from the US, however we are also having the mesh tested in the UK, more results to follow shortly!

The UV Testing Method

We have sent samples of each of our ClearMesh products to a kind gentleman called Chris over in the US (thanks Chris!), who has then attached these to a wooden frame and used a Solarmeter UV index meter to measure the amount of UV above and underneath the mesh screen. This process was then repeated for each ClearMesh product.

Chris is a reptile keeper and understands the importance of good UV access for the species.

UV Test Results

ClearMesh 25

The first of the samples to get tested was our standard ClearMesh25, which is single knit with stainless steel 0.25mm wire.

The UV testing results showed the natural UVB levels without the mesh to be 8.1 and 6.7 underneath the mesh.

ClearMesh25 is the finest mesh that we offer and is suitable for tortoises and other floor-bound reptiles, but is not suitable for larger reptiles or reptiles that are prone to climbing.

ClearMesh 35

ClearMesh35 is also a single knit with a stainless steel 0.35mm wire. This product was created as a stronger alternative to CM25 for birds who have a tendency to bite and pull at the mesh.

The results for this mesh show that the natural UV rose from 8.1 to 8.4, and the level of UV allowed through the mesh is 6.1.

ClearMesh35 is suitable for small reptiles both grounded and climbing.

ClearMesh HT

ClearMeshHT is our strongest and most durable ClearMesh product. It is a double knit product with both a 0.25mm wire and a high tensile wire and how been known to hold up to 250kg!

The results for HT show another increase in natural UV, and a level of 5.9 underneath the mesh.

ClearMesh HT is suitable for floor-bound medium to large reptiles, but has not yet been tested against climbing for medium to large reptiles.

Conclusion

It goes without saying, that the thicker the wire diameter, the less UV is allowed to pass through. When selecting a mesh to use for your reptile, you should consider both the strength of the mesh and the level of UV that is allowed to pass through.

You should do research into your species to discover how much UV they would need if kept in an outdoor enclosure.

Would you like to test the mesh for yourself? You can order free samples here. We would love for you to contact us with your results!

March 24, 2021March 24, 2021

ClearMesh Updates

We have some important updates regarding our ClearMesh products that we would like to share with you, including promotions and prices!

Limited Edition ClearMesh 50

We currently have a small stock of our limited edition ClearMesh 50 product! This product is only available for a limited amount of time, and once it’s gone we are not sure when, or if, it will be returning.

ClearMesh 50 is knitted with a 0.5mm wire up to 1m wide and 15m long. It gives a general look almost similar to a chainlink fence. In the image to the right you can see the difference between our standard ClearMesh 25 and the ClearMesh 50.

We have free samples available of this mesh if you wish to see it before you purchase.

Black Paint Promotion

Following some feedback from customers using our ClearMesh, we now have a promotional offer on all of our ClearMesh products to receive a tin of black paint and a mini roller at a discounted price when purchasing a roll.

Our customers have been using black paint to make their ClearMesh even more invisible! We think the results look incredible, as seen in the picture to the right, the mesh all but disappears!

If you would like to take advantage of this offer then please contact us.

Price Increase

Due to economic and commercial increases, our ClearMesh25 and ClearMesh35 prices are increasing. We always try to keep our prices static for as long as we can through economic purchasing and innovative cost reducing manufacturing efforts.

Our ClearMesh25 product will be increasing from £6.18 per m² to £6.50 per m², meaning that the price for a 15m roll will increase from £185.50 to £195. ClearMesh35 will go from £7.60 to £8, meaning an increase from £228 to £240 for a 15m roll.

The price increase will occur Monday 29th March at 9am. If you have been considering a purchase for some time, you may be best making a purchase before Monday to ensure a lower price. You can purchase rolls of 5m and upward from here, or you can purchase smaller off-cut pieces from here.

You can keep up to date with our sales and promotions, among other stories, by signing up to our email newsletter!

March 12, 2021March 12, 2021

Catio

It is well known that domestic cats are contributing to the destruction of biodiversity by hunting for mice and birds, and owners are now making the decision to keep their cats indoors to protect both their cat and the environment. This new way of life for domestic cats has caused some owners to feel guilty about keeping their fur-babies from exploring the great outdoors. A catio is a great way to allow your cat some outdoor time whilst also ensuring their safety.

Letting Your Cats Outdoors Safely.

There are many ways of allowing your cats some outdoor time without the risk of a great escape, the most obvious option being to walk your cat on a lead.

Some people choose to walk their cat out in public, others prefer to walk them around their garden for added security.

Some cats are not comfortable with this method as it involves wearing a harness, so it is important to ensure that your cat does not get stressed out, otherwise you may want to consider an alternative method.

ClearMesh Catio

A great way of allowing you cat to get some outdoor exercise is through a ‘catio’ or a cat run. These are outdoor cat enclosures that look a little bit like an aviary.

This allows your cat to have free reign of a certain area of your garden whilst being securely enclosed. These enclosures can be decorated with cat toys and climbable areas.

You could also use mesh to enclose the cat within the garden itself to prevent them from climbing over and escaping.

ClearMesh is extremely easy to see through and nearly invisible even when standing close, offering a pleasing aesthetic for outdoor enclosures for birds, small mammals and some reptiles. Certain ClearMesh products are ideal for building a catio enclosure and, when installed properly, will hold the weight of your cat.

You can order you free samples today, or contact us for more information or support.

March 1, 2021March 1, 2021

UK Birds of Prey | Peregrine

Peregrine perched on branch with wings out

This weeks post in our UK Birds of Prey series takes a look at the peregrine, one of the traditional species within falconry.

Peregrines can reach speeds of up to 200 miles per hour when diving, or ‘stopping’, from height to capture its prey mid air, placing it among the fastest animals on the planet. Peregrines hunt smaller birds, such as pigeons and doves, and bats.

Peregrine Statistics

Length: 39 – 50cm

Wingspan: 95 – 115cm

Weight: 600 – 1300g

Average lifespan: 6 years.

Number of eggs: 2 – 4

Incubation: 29 – 32 days.

Fledgling time: 35 – 42 days.

Conservation

The peregrine is currently listed as Least Concern on the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species, however throughout much of the 20th century they were at risk of becoming locally extinct within the US and Canada. The decrease in numbers was caused by DDT being used on farmlands and consequently being introduced into the food chain and poisoning the peregrines. DDT was banned in the 1970’s and since then the numbers have increased.

In addition to this, peregrine numbers have seen a decline in Northern Scotland recently which the RSPB theorise may be caused by a reduction in prey or marine pollutants.

Where and When to Find Peregrines

Peregrines can be seen all year round. During breeding season, peregrines can be found above rocky sea cliffs and other upland areas across the UK.

Peregrine nests can be found in North and South West England, Wales and Scotland coastal cliffs, however there has been an increase in sightings throughout the country.

Outside of breeding season, it is not uncommon to find peregrines around urban settings!

Other than the UK, peregrines can be seen around the world, everywhere but Antarctica.

Are you planning on building a falconry aviary? Order your FREE ClearMesh samples today.

February 17, 2021February 17, 2021

Keeping Budgies Outdoors

When keeping budgies outdoors there are a few key things you need to keep a close eye on to ensure the safety and comfort of your budgies. It is important to remember that budgies are tropical birds and are therefore not properly acclimated to the outdoor British weather.

It is possible for your budgie to get too cold or too hot, and if this occurs for too long it could have fatal consequences.

Temperature

Budgies are native to Australia and are most comfortable at a temperature of around 21°C – 23°C, however they can withstand between 16°C – 26°C. Budgies should not be subjected to drastic changes in temperature as they do not cope very well, if you are planning on moving them from a cool indoor area to a hot outdoor aviary, you should gradually increase the heat first before moving them outside, and vice versa.

When outdoors, you should continuously check on your birds to ensure that they are not overheating or too cold.

Managing The Cold

If your budgie is cold, it will puff up its feathers, tuck its beak into its chest and will visibly shiver. If your budgie is outside, you should bring it inside to warm up.

If your budgie is inside, you could try putting a blanket over its cage to help them warm up.

If neither of these work, you should seek veterinarian advice.

There are ways of managing the cold weather when keeping your budgies outdoors, although, if possible, you should ideally bring your budgies indoors during the winter months. If this is not possible, then the easiest way to keep your budgies warm is a bird safe heater.

Using a heater can get tricky, as you do not want to increase the temperature of the aviary too much and cause the birds to overheat, so you want to ensure that the heater you purchase comes with a thermostat and thermometer to measure and adjust the heat within the aviary.

You should be able to keep your aviary completely closed off during the winter to prevent any draughts and prevent heat from escaping. Our section on setting up an aviary below will offer guidance on how to achieve this.

Managing The Heat

If your budgie is exhibiting open mouth breathing and holding its wings away from its body, it is most likely overheated. Like dogs, birds cannot regulate their body temperature properly and will open their mouth and pant in an attempt to cool themselves.

You should also look out for any other behavioral changes, such as unusual aggression and inactivity.

Humidity can cause your birds feet, legs and beak to dry out, so you should check these regularly throughout summer.

Similar to the cold, the best way to protect your bird against extremely high temperatures is to bring them indoors if possible, if not, then a fan can be used (ensure the fan is set low and not directly facing them) on non-humid days. An air conditioning unit would be most ideal for more humid days (as a fan would just begin blowing around warm air) in the midst of summer, and a bird bath is a must to prevent the birds feet, legs and beak from drying out.

It is also recommended to regularly and lightly mist your budgies, however you should ensure that the water is not extremely cold as this can send them into shock. You could install an automatic misting system on a timer to help keep the birds cool.

Aviary Set Up

If you are planning on keeping budgies outdoors you should ensure that your aviary is equipped to deal with their needs. The size of the aviary should be dependent upon the number of budgies you plan on keeping and how much room you would like them to have to fly around. According to Omlet: “you need at least 13cm aviary length per budgie, with a width measuring at least half the length. So, in a cage measuring 130x130x65cm you can house 10 budgies.”

The aviary should have both an outdoor area for flying and keeping cool, and an indoor area for safety and keeping warm in the winter. It is a good idea to house your budgies during the night to protect them against predators and low temperatures.

Leaving the door open to the indoor area of the aviary will also give the birds the option of going inside for shade during summer, or heat during winter.

In order to accurately measure the temperature of your aviary, you should place a thermometer in both the indoor and outdoor area to ensure that your budgies will not freeze or overheat.

As discussed above, heating and cooling systems should be installed to protect your birds against the weather. If you feel you would struggle to provide this, then you can adapt a spare room in your house or a conservatory into an aviary, like the image to the right provided by one of our customers.

Building your own aviary, whether it be indoors or outdoors, allows you to be creative. You should ensure that your aviary is big enough for your birds, or if not, then you should allow your birds plenty of flight time outside of the aviary.

As you can see in the images to the right, one of our customers had the creative idea of turning a cabinet into an indoor aviary for her budgies. It allows enough room for 2 budgies to perch and fly.

If you are thinking of keeping budgies outdoors, you can order your FREE samples here. Alternatively, you can contact us for more details.

February 5, 2021December 13, 2022

Falconry

At Knitwire we have a wide variety of customers; some of these include falconers. Falconry is defined as ‘the taking of quarry in its natural state and habitat by means of trained birds of prey’ (definition from the International Association for Falconry and Conservation of Birds of Prey). It is also recognised by UNESCO as intangible cultural heritage. In comparison to other forms of hunting, falconry is a very low impact but effective means of providing food for both the falconer and hawk.

Falconry was previously known as the sport of the kings, however modern day falconry is accessible to anyone with the time and dedication to spend learning the art. Falconry is not a typical “hobby” but is more of a lifestyle. With many falconry birds living several decades, it is imperative the wannabee falconer does their homework and preparation in advance to ensure the lifestyle will suit such a commitment.

Before ever considering purchasing a hawk, we strongly recommend contacting one of the many falconry clubs to learn as much about falconry and gain as much guidance to help you decide how best (if at all) to enter this magnificent art.

See UK national clubs here:

https://www.britishfalconersclub.co.uk/New_Site/

https://welshhawkingclub.org/

http://www.irishhawkingclub.ie/

https://femalefalconersclub.co.uk/

Conservation

Who is better to work with injured raptors or on raptor conservation projects than falconers? Falconers have many advantages when it comes to rehabilitating wild raptors with correct handling techniques, excellent veterinary care, appropriate diets and falconry-based fitness training that best prepare wild raptors for survival once released back to the wild. Working directly with captive birds of prey allows falconers to understand much more about their wild counterparts. This includes general behaviour, hunting abilities, breeding patterns and the environment they live in.

For more information on raptor conservation by falconers click here:-

Bird Deterrent

Using trained raptors for bird deterrent offers an effective but non-lethal method of removing pest birds from a site. The concept works on the basis that the ‘pest’ species will view the hawk or falcon as a threat, deterring them from wanting to be in the area. This can be very beneficial in places where bird proofing methods are not appropriate, such as on listed buildings.

We found some interesting articles on the benefits of using raptors for a variety of bird deterrent work:

https://www.mildenhall.af.mil/News/Article-Display/Article/729569/eagle-eyes-owl-falcons-swoop-in-to-keep-metal-birds-airborne/

https://www.yorkshirepost.co.uk/news/people/video-geoff-hawk-saves-family-farm-shops-strawberry-season-2857529

Education

Trained raptors also make fantastic ambassadors for conservation and the natural environment. This is a great means for engaging children and adults alike on conservation threats and how to protect the natural habitats where these majestic birds are found. What better way to inspire the next generation of conservationist and environmentalist than bringing the natural world into the classroom? The UK has a number of prestige falconry centre’s open to the public which make for an excellent educational family day out.

National Centre for Birds of Prey

The International Centre for Birds of Prey

To find out more about Falconry, click here:

A Future With Falconry

International Association for Falonry and Conservation of Birds of Prey

Advantages of ClearMesh for Raptors

Many of our clients include falconers. Falconry birds (known as hawks) may be housed in a number of different ways depending upon size and species of hawk, as well as time of year. Hawks being flown are traditionally tethered to perches during the day in a weathering and housed in a mews at night (or when moulting). Breeding birds may be kept in aviaries.

Traditionally mesh is often thought of as not being a good material for housing falconry birds, due to its potential to damage feet and feathers. As such many falconers opt to use barred windows for the larger and more highly strung species of raptors. However, our mesh has been designed and developed to be different making it highly suitable for a variety of bird of prey species. Our mesh is kind to both feet and feathers whilst also allowing for easy viewing of your raptor. It can also be used in conjunction with bars for increased biosecurity and against pest. It is perfect for surrounding weathering’s, providing both a safe and pest proof area for your hawk to weather, whilst allowing easy visual observation of the hawk (and helps compliance with the avian influenza directive by keeping wild birds separate from your hawk).

February 1, 2021February 1, 2021

UK Birds of Prey | Goshawk

In this new series of blog posts, we will be exploring the different species of Bird of Prey that can be found around the UK, where and when to find them, general statistics and their current conservation status. We will look at a different species each month, starting this month with the Goshawk.

Goshawks can fly at speeds of up to 40km per hour and hunt other birds and small mammals. Their impressive hunting skills make them a very popular bird for falconers.

Goshawk Statistics

Size: Average 55cm, females (1.5kg) larger than males (850g).

Wingspan: 110cm.

Lifespan: Average lifespan of 7 years in the wild.

Number of eggs: 3-4.

Incubation: 35-38 days.

Fledging time: 35-42 days.

Conservation

The current conservation status of the Goshawk is Least Concern, however this has not always been the case. In the 19th Century they were all but extinct in the wild, however through the efforts of breeding programmes (and some accidental escapes), the numbers began to gradually increase. Their numbers were threatened due to habitat loss and persecution by gamekeepers.

Where and When to Find Goshawks

The Goshawk can be found across the UK, but more often localised in Wales, Northern England and Southern and Eastern Scotland. Their typical habitat is coniferous forests.

They can be seen all year round, however it is best to look during clear days in late spring and winter.

They can be recognised by their dark head with a wide white stripe over the eye and their orange/red eyes.

Our ClearMesh has been a popular product for building Goshawk aviaries and has received high praise for its perks of being easy to see through, light, flexible and anti-corrosive / weather resistant. You can order a pack of FREE samples of all of our ClearMesh products here.

January 25, 2021January 15, 2021

Bird Conservation Efforts

There have been a number of different bird conservation efforts made both in the wild and in captivity, with several bird species being threatened with extinction for various different reasons. We wanted to shine some light and raise awareness of past and present conservation efforts for our feathered friends!

California Condor

One of the most well known and successful bird conservation stories is that of the California Condor. With their numbers dwindling right down to an alarming 22 recorded individuals in the 1980’s, the California Condor was on the edge of being declared extinct in the wild.

It was with this alarming discovery that the remaining 22 birds were captured and entered into breeding programmes in a desperate attempt to increase their numbers.

Zoo’s and other captive breeding programmes very often get a bad reputation as it is viewed as cruel to keep wild animals in captivity, however in instances such as these, it can be argued that they are a necessary ‘evil’.

There are several issues that have affected (and still continue to affect) the number of California Condors in the wild, the most prominent issue being lead poisoning. It is theorised that the Condors are contracting lead poisoning from bullets used by hunters. The type of lead that is found in the bloodstream of these birds is identical to that of the type of lead found in bullets.

One of the food sources for these Condors is large mammal carcasses left over by these hunters, however this causes the birds to consume bullet fragments, leading to lead poisoning which then causes stiff joints and paralysis, affecting the condors ability to fly.

Since the alarmingly low number of 22 individuals was recorded, breeding programmes have now managed to increase the California Condor numbers to around 400! There is still work to be done however, with US biological diversity groups campaigning to ban lead ammunition and lawsuits ongoing, the conservation of the California Condor is still a high priority.

If it weren’t for the breeding programmes, this exemplary species would almost certainly be extinct.

Red Kites

We’ve heard a bird conservation success story from the US, now it’s time for a story from the UK. According to the RSPB: “in the 1930’s, we had just a handful of pairs, all of them in Wales.” Red Kites were under threat by gamekeepers and farmers. Red Kites were seen as disease spreading verman and a threat to livestock.

Red Kites have a rather hilarious habit of lining their nests with shiny or eye-catching items, such as socks, magazine and even underwear! This trait has earned them the nickname of “the kleptomaniacs of the skies” and a feature in the works of Shakespeare: “When the kite builds, look to lesser linen”. It cannot be argued that Red Kites are one of the most entertaining and stunning UK Bird of Prey species.

The reintroduction of the Red Kite species was really a joint effort between wildlife foundations and other smaller sanctuaries across the UK, spearheaded by the RSPB and NCC (now National England and Scottish Natural Heritage).

The British Bird of Prey Centre state that the Red Kite became a target for egg collectors and bounty hunters due to their rarity, however thanks to nest protection initiatives in the 50’s and 60’s, this is no longer an issue.

The re-introduction has been a success, with there being a recorded estimate of around 4,500 breeding pairs from Scotland right the way down to England. Despite the extreme success of the programmes, the species are still struggling and are still classed as ‘globally threatened’ by the IUCN. The species are vulnerable to poisoning due to their scavenging nature. There are also reports of the species being shot, even during the Covid-19 lockdown.

Gough Island

Those of you who have been following our blog over the past few months will know of the bird conservation efforts at Gough Island. Gough island is located in the middle of the South Atlantic Ocean, and is the nesting place of several sea bird species, including the Tristan Albatross and Moorhen.

Due to a rodent infestation caused by sailors in the 19th century, these birds are now at risk. It has been found that the rodents that have infected the island have been feasting upon the chicks produced by the seabirds that nest there.

The Tristan Albatross is one of two critically endangered British birds, and so their protection is of vital importance.

The RSPB is working in partnership with Tristan da Cunha, the UK Government, BirdLife South Africa, the South African Department of Environment, Forestry and Fisheries, Island Conservation, BirdLife International and the Royal Zoological Society of Scotland.

The project aims to eradicate the non-native rodent species and help the seabird species to increase their numbers. The project itself is made difficult by the remoteness of the island and current travel restrictions due to the Covid-19 pandemic, however the RSPB did manage to begin some work on the island before the pandemic struck, using our ClearMesh to construct some temporary aviaries to protect the seabirds until the rodents have been successfully eradicated. ClearMesh is robust against the rodents attacks, making it a suitable layer of protection for the endangered birds.

January 18, 2021January 20, 2021

The Benefits of Keeping Birds.

It is very often debated that keeping birds in cages is considered cruel. In some cases, it is imperative to the survival of a species. Domesticated birds are not suitable for a life in the wild. Their natural instincts suffer when exposed to a life with humans for too long, as many pet birds are bred for.

It is absolutely possible to keep birds at home and keep them mentally engaged and entertained. In our post we will discuss the benefits of keeping birds and ways to keep your bird entertained at home.

Benefits of Keeping Birds at Home

Keeping birds has been proven to have the same benefit as interacting with humans, as their companionship is very similar to that of living with another person, therefore battling loneliness.

Birds can also be considered better companions than other potential pets as they tend to have a longer life-span, especially the likes of parrots. They can also be relatively cheap to keep compared to other types of pets.

Having a pet bird around children can also teach empathy, giving your child a friend to talk to when they get home from school, a friend that can potentially understand what they are saying and even reply!

Keeping Your Bird Entertained at Home

Birds are extremely intelligent creatures, evident in their ability to migrate and return every year. Birds even have the ability to use tools, which is why it is extremely important to keep your bird mentally stimulated with problem solving toys.

These type of toys can be easily found at pet stores and online, or even made from resources found at home! It is also important to allow your bird a decent amount of flying time every day. Some owners even allow their birds free reign of the house, using a room as a “bedroom” for their bird.

Another way to keep your bird mentally stimulated is to replicate their wild environments through an outdoor or indoor aviary, just remember to keep them warm/cool in the winter and summer seasons (you can find more information on this here).

Aviaries allow you to replicate wild habitats and allow your bird plenty of flying time and mental stimulus all at the same time! Our ClearMesh products offer a secure and robust protection between your bird and the outside world, keeping your bird healthy, happy and safe while they enjoy some outdoor exercise.