-> What mutations do you raise? My birds seem to produce a lot of
I have a number of mutations.  I have a couple of lutino's that look
like little chickens...well, perhaps a bit of exaggeration.. I have
been working with them for quite awhile and have developed a bird with
no bald spot and dark eyes.  I was very fortunate after Hurricane Andrew
not to loose any birds but I have don't and serious breeding up until
now.  I also have  cinnamon, cin. pearls, cin pearly pieds, and white
face, that I am breeding as we type.  Have been having some problems
though as the parents are first timers..
-> colors). I *want* some lutino babies, but none of my full lutino
-> birds has cooperated, and I just lost (to complications of old age)
Why don't you use your splits?  It may take a generation longer but you
will certainly have a healthier bird..
-> This is a topic that always worries me, living 2 miles from the
-> Detroit city limits. I keep most of the birds in a basement room with
-> glass-block windows, and we did get a big scary-looking (but actually
-> harmless) dog. I'm not too hot on security systems, or bars on
-> windows/doors. What other things do you suggest an indoor bird owner
-> do?
A giant man eating bird....  The first question to ask is have you
had any problems and if so how do or did they manefest themselves? 
There is really no sense to expend funds and energy if you have not
experienced any problems that would warrant that expense in the first
place.  I too am not hot on security bars and the like.  My aviary is
outside and and has an alarm system connected to the main door with a
secondary alarm to an outside perimeter area.  It has worked well for me
as I caught my bird partner off guard as she attempted to enter the
aviary and show a friend some birds.  She won't do that again.....
With an indoor aviary, if you have not experienced any problems and
don't wish to install an alarm, just make sure that the door locks
(harden case steel with 1" minimum bolt throw) and the door frame itself
are adequate.  Also, you can probably get a very inexpensive door alarm
at the hardware store that you can install your self.  The purpose
of course is strictly to make noise and act as a deterrent.  Hope this
helps.  Happy Holidays
--- WILDMAIL!/WC v4.12 
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