Points to Note on Feed Storage in Hwamei Breeding
To prevent hwamei feed from spoiling, the following points must be noted during feed storage:
(1) Prepare in appropriate amounts. When preparing hwamei feed, the amount to be mixed should be determined according to factors such as the season and climate, the number of hwamei birds, and the type and nature of the feed. Generally, it is advisable to prepare an amount sufficient for about half a month to 1 month each time. Because hwamei birds have a very small appetite, feed should be prepared frequently. If too much is processed and prepared at one time, it is prone to mold and spoilage, fat deterioration, and the vitamins contained in the feed are very easily oxidized and destroyed. If repeatedly roasted and stir-fried, its flavor and nutritional content will also be reduced. Especially in the plum rain season, it is most prone to mold and insect infestation, so feed is best prepared fresh and used for a short period. In addition, each time food is added, it should not be too much; about enough for 3—4 days is advisable, and more should be added after it is eaten, so as to maintain the fresh taste of the feed.
(2) The containers for storing feed should have good air permeability. It is best to choose wooden boxes, cloth bags, bamboo baskets, etc. Some plastic bottles release certain harmful substances, so be sure not to use them to hold bird food. The utensils for holding egg millet should be placed in a ventilated and dry place, and during the plum rain season they can also be put in the refrigerator for storage. Each time food is added, half a cup is advisable; do not add too full, and develop the habit of adding frequently and checking frequently. If too much is added and it is too full, first, the hwamei bird is likely to scatter it with its beak and cause waste; second, the bird food is also prone to clumping and molding, especially the feed at the bottom of the cup, which clumps and molds fastest. In order not to let the hwamei bird scatter the food with its beak while eating, a bamboo tube used for holding food can have a semicircular opening cut in it, allowing the bird to put its head in to eat, so that it has no room to look around while eating.