Since your questions are address to me so I shall try my best to give my opinions which obviously differ from some SIFU and there are what I truly feel.

From my humble opinion which is not a favourite one. I believe that if I am a swiftlet, I will go for a dark place to have my nest as I have a advantage over my predators which most cannot find their way in darkness. Therefore, I shall feel safe. Althought, some do make their nests at the brighter area of the BH but bear in mind that the birds are wild and still have their natural instinct. I have seem birds building their nest on wire and hanging down from ceiling just like rocking baby bed. This is not normal to the birds so we do not just jump to conclusion that the birds have been domesticated. Remember that the birds migrate to the house to be safe because their caves have been destroy by human. Instinct tell them to migrate in order to save their species. Luckily, that at present, BHs allow them to breed or otherwise, when we wake up one day to see all swiftlets disappear from the world/

BHs need not be very dark but dark enough for the bird to feel safe and the wind should not be disturbing. Entrance size ???? no standard sizes and all depend on location and personally, I like bigger entrance to allow birds to fly in or out comfortably or otherwise if the opening is too narrow or difficult to enter, new birds may die trying to fly out during their maiden flight. I have seem a friend's BH has over 20 dead birds each time the bird fledged while trying to fly out. Sad story that over 100 birds have to die because of poor planing.


My personal opinions are that all issues are issues although some are bigger than others. If we cannot fulfilled it, we call that compromised. Like human, birds also have different behaviors and likings so even we are brighter or warmer or dryer or any error, we sometime get more that we expected. So, my recommendation is don't do anything if the going get better.....if you get my breeze.

Again, above are my own opinions and anyone may has different opinion and remember that I am of no high tech type......of rancher

Dear bro,

where is this location and I cerainly will like to invest in such a location where swiftlets fly in and out all the time. Not that birds fly in during the evening only and daytime, too but then only during the evening you will alot of birds coming home to roost and the time depend on the location, climate and your birds. Some tend to return earlier than others.

1. Birds fly out during dawn to feed and will return to feed chick at about 9 am and will retun many times during the day to feed if your BH has chicks. Since, yours must be a new one, it is rarely that you will see alot of birds all the time during the day provided your bird sound must be dammed good.........or trouble sound but then it wouldn't be whole day.

2. Most birds that visited new BHs during the daytime are birds surveying the BH and will return during the evening if they like the BH. Then, they shall decide whether to make their home there or not will depend on the conditions of the BH. I have seem birds starting to make nest after 3 night of stay and I also have seen Bh with hundred of birds and still no nest after a month. but then, if the birds are coming, then you have good chances that they will stay. It is that kind of BH without any bird return at evening that it the most difficult to correct.

3. Personally, I will like to observe the birds returning during the evening to determine my success in the new house thru CCTV.

4. Your question is not funny but birdmen (rancher) are and you can find them standing for hours looking at the entrance and day by day. Trying all sort of things and mixtures to attract the birds and even those having over few thousand still seem to be trying to outdo the neighbor in loudness and modification. Greedy, I guess and no offend intended and SIFUs out there, pls. comment on my little understanding and experience if any.

Oh brother, why you need so much ventilation piping for.......sock some news paper into some of them and long or short doesn't really matter as long that it is not too high up or down. It could the factor. Just keep the BH at around the required temperature and darkness. Place a few tweeters with your good sound if they are good, inside the BH and near the entrance of the BH. If they are good like you say, the birds shall fly into your BH or zoom into your BH or otherwise if they ignore the BH, then you are not having a good bird sound. P/s.... if they do zoom in, pls give me a copy, pls...pls...p.ls.

I was one of those stupid and crazy guy that take the trouble to watch them day and night. Spend off days with them but not now as time does not permit me to do so and I have other obligations. Knowing alot ...no, just little little untok cari makan sahaja. Their habit do chance as years go by just like human to suit the environment and conditions. So, what's very effective during older days may not be so effective nowaday. So, just remember to try other ways if one fail.

Also, one place success story may not be repeated at another location. At least, your location has a better start and to tell a story, yesterday my members just visited one 6 months 2 storey BH far away from town. Guess what, more than 100 nests just after six months, and the BH owner said that due to his sound that cause him Rm6000 and do you believe it but I wasn't there but my friends did...... so, if your's is the super one, let me share it.

I just bought 4 3G eyes and I am going to place them at my BHs. I do have 2 new DVR sets but I never like others into my BH as I fear the technicians as they have mouth and eyes that should see what not to see. I can't fix them myself as age maybe a factor, don't get me wrong, I am still tiger at the zoo...ha.ha.haha no joke no fun.

Funny, I like the 3 G concept which don't require any wiring and assitance. Wide angle are not my concern as I just want to see where I want to see.

I just swing thru Harry's site which I normally do with alot of swiftlets sites and blogs ... nosing around and busybody and then I saw something which is not right and that is you have another blog's picture onto this forum and I thought that it was your's and lucky, you have explained above that the shorter ventilation piping are not your's.

You have made me look bad commenting on other blog and comments which I normally won't unless it is an open forum like this.
As I always mentioned that Consultants do have their reasons for doing their work and we may disagree with them. I am no consultant but just wish to share my little understanding of swiftlets and their habits as I see it. So, sorry Harry as I didn't know that the photo is from your blog but I still haven't read what you have written about the picture........very embarrassed to continue reading...

Again, above are only my own explanation and sorry if it offend anyone.

One question, why when US$ went down, nests price went down and that's logical. But why now, US$ is up and the buyers are paying lesser for the nest. Or Melamine scare get to the nest , too.

Well, picking up chicks from the floor and I did that long ago when my BH had over 800 nests and maybe the chick are too warm and try to get some wind and fell off. I picked them up and place them to the nearest nest having one bird of similar size. Normally, that's the last that I saw them....they must have fledged. It was good for the caring heart. Even if one out of two survive, then you have done something good, don't you agree? So, continue the good work....my friend.

As for owl. I have never encounter any before, and I believe that owl must be prevented from entering the BH but never kill the owls.....they are farmers best friends. use spot light facing outward from 10pm to 4 am to deter owls from entering the BH and owl never like too bright a light staring iright nto their eyes.

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Added on October 11, 2008, 9:20 pmI have installed the 3G Eye but can only view when at the entrance of the BH and that's where I put it (mind you not install because you just put it there). Restricted view and I just use it to determine whether the birds entering and going out as I would like to have or that I may need to modified or change anything.....bird music or volume.

Mind you that when you are using 3G Eye, never use where there is alot of water mist and what my friend has done is that he put glasses containers over them and he has over 40 BHs and he use them in all his BHs and are inside the BHs and he is the one that recommended me to use 3G Eye because it is cheap and simple to access but most importance of all, practical Free View.

DVR has its reason, too and 3G Eye is because it convenient and simple to use but most importance of all, I just need to place at any BH or location that I like to view provided of course that the location must has 3G coverage. I can view my BHs from any location and even while having lunch.

Cost of the 3G Eye is Rm700 and setting is so simple when you know how. I will help you if you need my assistance.

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Added on October 12, 2008, 11:14 amChances are that they will not do well because they are too centralized as all many empty BHs will find difficulties in getting birds.

Whenever you have such Mega project, it tend to kill the individual like us for instance. If they can't find buyers, they will get you to move to the area (buy lah). If they are very successful, then more will be coming up and then sooner or later you need to move as the excuse that "birds like town area" don't work anymore or "you move but bird don't move". Majlis will force you and the birds to move.......as usual, like it or not, U move. So, all Bro....be careful and be united.....just like the share market now, you lose almost everthing ......................

My own opinion of course.

This post has been edited by West Wing: Oct 12 2008, 11:14 AM

Most of the complaints are of the sound which as a BH owner, I too, ashamed of our brothers in the same industries whom are so inconsiderate of others but the only thing we as Association committees can do is to persuade them to lower their sound. This is easy said then done, as your advice will only last a few weeks at the most. When they see more birds are entering other BHs, they return to their old habits. Malu to tell again and again, bukan small kids lah. Now, we can't even solve the first problem as there are even more to tackle like smell, shits and many more.

I sometime even suggest that the Association take the initiative to advice the authorities to take action against those who don't follow guidelines but then we are all brothers, where ot find the heart to do so but only say so.

One proverb say" Mati satu anak hidup semua" But " Yang mati itu juga anak sendiri"
I blame it on those consultants who give bad advices to these BH owners for those owners would not listen to anyone but the consultants. When the authorities take action. Association get to be blamed but not the consultants, what logic!!!!

Sorry to disagree with you on that Ranchers competing with one another for birds, I would say......complementing each other. You will see that places with alot of birds will bring more to the location. If you are building your BH in such a location esp with old BHs around, there such be no reason for not getting birds and remember that once the birds make a nest and their off spring fledged, that pair of birds will forever be your's unless you do something very nasty to them.No reason to even prevent new BHs from coming near your BH and infact, I encourage and persuade them to build BHs next to my BH. Building BHs next to my BH will help to draw more birds to the area and my old BH will have the advantages over the rest in keeping the birds. Why? with the natural aroma (smell), control temperature by the birds and natural sound, which bird will not as temptation and want to stay unless it is congested and not more space. Well, there are always bird who want to be a leader and lead some youngster to go for the new BH. So, a win-win situation.

That's the reason why potential buyers would pay up to Rm1000 per nest as they know very well that the pair of birds will return to nest for the rest of their life. Rm1K for a life time of nest is dirt cheap and the good chances of the just fledged birds will return to stay near their parent and that I assured you that the new pairs will make nest faster as they are very confidence and feel safe.

Please remember that I offer my old services for free and so I have no reason to lie but then to believe or not, it is up to you.
please do comments and disagree but be kind not to criticize my humble suggestions.

Oh, I am truly sorry that I mistaken your remarks as I was only zeroing in the below quote:
BE NICE, CONSIDERATE AND FRIENDLY TO ALL YOUR NEIGHBOURS INCLUDING YOUR NEXT DOOR FARMERS WHO ARE COMPETING FOR THE SAME FLOCKS OF SWIFTLETS"


For all new Eco Park, then you have no problem on sound, smell and any pollution for that matter as the park is far from human.

As to the calculation, mathematics was never my good subject and "sini masok, sana keluar", only that I know that one nest will at least become 5 within one year, and then you keep increasing that by years by years not including friends of the families.......what is the total estimation?

So, will someone pls. help to tell how Rm1K per nest derives from............ if I knew of this formula earlier, then I would have been $1 million richer.

What about a court order to prevent them from taking further action until the court's judgment? Haven't any political so called ra'ayat representatives help in the matter? Our hearts are with you and we feel sad that the government has again let down the ra'ayat that they are suppose to protect in the first place and now they are the one that exploit and destroy the ra'ayat properities.

Mana pergi MP MP dan reporters reporters? Mana pergi Pak Lah dan Pak Najib? Buat kes jadi besar besar!!!!!!!

Friends of Animals, spend the news thru any media, webs, blogs and using get legal advice on the matters, too. Sarawak and Sabah Ranchers must join hands and help each other. For united we stand and divided, we will fall, one by one.

Where and what say the Malaysia Association Of Swiftlets? Haven't they got the news and respond? Alot of questions but no answer.....I tried by spreading the news and hope that others do the same.

Sarawak Ranchers, we are with you as our destination are the same and we may also have the same fate later. Be brave, strong and be united ........ may God be with you all.

Shake hands after the robbery, this must be the joke of the century or he must be just return from T. Rambutan. If this is true and he is sane...... then. he must has some sort of hidden agenda.

Now, the state authorities has return to the laws of the gun and having the most guns rule the land. I thought that Sarawak is part of Malaysia and as so, isn't the federal law overrule any rules or laws that the state used.

Police reports must be made for every break in or daylight robbery and we shall see what the police have to say on the matter. Why didn't the police take action against the house breaking robbery and the police should be well verse in the Laws as Law enforcement officers keeping the peace and safety of the public. Are we not the citizens of Malaysia whose properties and life they shall protect? There are so many questions with no no answer???????? Take a court order to prevent them from further destroying the Birdhouse until judgment by the judge or are our judges powerless against these cowboys of the East.

Very difficult for you as if the BH is successful, the owner will never sell and if the BH is unsuccessful, you wouldn't want to buy it, so why even bother to ask?

Better suggestion is to buy a piece of land and even then, it don;t came cheap either. Easier still to buy a larger piece and then divide them into smaller pieces and each must be at least more than 1 acre, then keep what you want and sell the rest.

If you can get one good one, let me know as I shall like to know about the good news as no news is good news for swiftlets BH owners these days.

Any new news from our BHs fellows in MUKAH......is the situation back to normal. Anyone has any latest news or no news is good news.......pray that everything back to normal.

Sign off

As Concerned Swiftlets Rancher and not Ranger.....................who infact are duty bound to protest the species that they destroyed. They are not qualified to be wildlife protector so next time you see any forestry ranger, yelled at them " pembunuh Haiwan Liar".

Calling all BH owners, be prepare for battle although praying for no war.
With bush fire here and there, there bound to be some bad storms coming soon...........like in Kuantan, the authorities just demolish a BH but I don;t know the reason but for any reason for them to demolish a BH is bad for the industry. I always warned all to not disturb the peace and hope that our cooperation and assistance and understanding of our neighborhood friends, they can accept our BHs. Too many BH owners are to be blamed for being too arrogant and stubborn.

Never give the authorities the excuse to demolish or force moving your BHs. The authorities having at hand piles of complaints from the public are really unhealthy and we, BHs need to understand that they, your neighbours, too have rights and peace of mind.

Put up a smiling face when receiving complaints and remarks then extend apologies and explanation and help when necessary.

For example, my neighbour had a insect bite and was swelling. He asked me whether was it a bird's lice bite. I laughed and replied "No" and I show him my hand that was bitten by bird's lices and their differences.

Then, I even offer him some cream to applied on his wound.

Now, you have a understanding friend who will help you when you need it....

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Added on October 22, 2008, 1:00 pmThis post has been edited by West Wing: Oct 22 2008, 01:00 PM

I always tell BHs owners that the big Gun of the Swiftlets Association in KL are for themselves most of the time but then some forum members disagree with me. Now, you see where they stand and if they are really concerned, they should have been there earlier and defended the tearing down of the BHs and even as now, shuld have spoken for the Mukah's Birds and that's why I prefer Association localized. Each area has their own Association (pls just one) and linked to the state Association (Also One) and then to the Country Association ( Also One only). An umbrella system with each area able to stand up on its own and united be it at state level or country level. Unity is strength.


Again, it is my own personal opinion only.........................

Well, you got a point there! "No place is safe for what safe today may not be safe tomorrow" So, even your BHs are out of town, help to defend the ones in town for yours' may be next in line if their Eco Parks are successful More Eco Parks are going to be build as there are lot of cash to be made.....for their own pockets of course. First round, town to fall .......next Agri BHs. They make the law and they can change the law. If you don't believe me, ask your lawyer....................

Why all no sound...........make some sound.
All should contribute to the forum by asking if any Q, be replying if having answer, by forwarding if any reason and just to say Hi and the writer know that he has been read and that his contributions doesn't gone wasted.

Although we in this industry are all sad but then, life must go on and we need to makan. So, I need to have some advice on humidifier. Why, the floor will be wet with water and is there a way to prevent this. Shorten the time is not a solution and trying to control electronically, seem very difficult as you can't place the instrument near as it do get wet and putting them too far is a waste of money. Olden days are really different and we need no such equipments. So, what is the recommendation, Sifu.

Another one, have anyone come out with a solution to have Aroma continuously without spending alot of money. Hand splashing will just keep the BH smelling for a few days then you will have to repeat them over again.......some simple gadget may work but I haven't got the time to work on it and i am sure that I will come up with a solution, given my little intelligence and IQ but maybe someone out there have already solve it and may like to share his or her simple wonder invention. This is necessary for new BH but not the old ones that already have automatic Aroma conditioner that come with the original swiftlets; free and plentiful.

Angry but remain happy and cheerful as we don't want you to be ill. Happiness and laughter keep the diseases away......
Dr. Lee says and that's me ..ha.ha.ha

[quote=swift4ever,Oct 29 2008, 10:01 AM]
You must be familiar with the medical drip since you are a Dr. You can drip the Aroma longer if you can chain dripping them I suppose. But I can't tell when it's finished dripping maybe no birds play on the roof top one day?

[/quote

TQ for you solution but that wasn't what I have in mind as your method, someone has already tried using a auto feeder to the sprayer system.

Thank you for the method using the dripping system as most of those been to the Hospital know well.........and that you need to attached to a humidifier. well, I was looking into something stand alone type and I am not good in drawing or otherwise, I will tell you what I am taking about...............wiat until I return form my buz trip and I will try to invent one and will share with you all. Something cheap but effective and everyone can make one. Right now, it is in my head and when I invent it and try it out and if only if it is good, then you will know but if no good, I keep it to myself lah ..ha.ha.ha...