Busy start to the New Year for Botanic Gardens Aviary in Southport

The aviaries are now back open, and this week has brought lots of visitors. ‘Storm’ the new rabbit, has coped really well, from being isolated away from a lot of people, he’s not been bothered at all by the large amount of new faces. 

Piggies are all coping well, and the birds, especially the parrots, are very excitable, loving the attention again. Lola, one of our macaws, has become very friendly, and spent a lot of time right at the front being fed. 

At the moment the DEFRA ruling still must apply, NO FEEDING until the bird flu advice changes. 

Although we don’t promote feeding, we understand visitors like to treat the birds and animals, so please, in the future, when it’s safe, remember just to bring fruit where possible, apple cut into sticks, grapes, etc are all firm favourites, or nuts. 

Please DO NOT feed cakes and biscuits. 

Peanuts are not actually a nut, they are a legume, and should be fed sparingly. They have a very high fat content. 

Almonds, Brazil nuts, cashew, walnuts (all unsalted) are a better option. 

The birds have a controlled and healthy diet, so are well fed, human food is not good for them, and can be toxic! 

As do the rabbit and guinea pigs. Again, please bring natural foods only, herbs are the best for them as have no effect along side their own diet. Basil, mint, parley are all very much loved by them. 

So happy new year everyone, and please carry on visiting our lovely birds and animals, we hope you notice the support from the donation boxes, you can tell, has been put to good use, the aviaries have never looked better. Thankyou all very much.