My History in Aviculture

I began raising finches in 1988.  After buying a pair of Society Finches, and a little nest, I became fascinated with raising them and began experimenting with various grasses for nesting material and nutritional supplements.  Shortly after my first pair, I purchased several pairs of Gouldian and Bicheno Finches (both Australian varieties).  After reading everything I could find with regards to care and natural environment of various species of birds, and after my birds were proven happy and productive in their individual environments, I began leg banding them with color codes to keep the families separated in order to preclude any inbreeding.

After becoming quite successful caring for and raising the Gouldian finch, I decided to begin working with more difficult varieties – mostly African finches, such as the Peters Twin Spots, and the Violet Ear Waxbill.  By applying what I had read and investigated to first-hand experience, I was able to discern which birds require larger containments, and which birds were more aggressive and couldn’t be kept with others.  Dietary requirements became a number one concern, and I developed several recipes for supplemental soft foods, which my finches ate voraciously! 

I also became aware of the importance of “decorations” within the environment that housed my finches.  They enjoy colors and greenery, as well as having the ability to “hide” within foliage.  This has all become part of my expertise in helping others house and raise birds successfully.

My aviary care began in 1996, as a side job to help put my daughter through school.  Soon I became aware of the huge need in Atlanta for knowledgeable and reliable bird care.  Although I worked full-time, I soon had to make a decision between my office job and the one I actually loved – care of birds.  I feel very fortunate that I have a job that I love and find very rewarding.

My future husband, Cecil Gunby, then President of the Georgia Cage Bird Society, and I met through our mutual contacts in the hobby.  His education and understanding of genetics helped me with regards to certain mutations I was breeding.  He and I soon became quite a pair, and couldn’t be kept apart.  We married in 1994, and have been as happy as two nutty hobbyists could ever be. 

Cecil has been judging birds for many years for the NFSS (National Finch and Softbill Society) and NAPS (North American Parrot society) requiring extensive travel to various clubs around the United States.  He has bee involved in aviculture since the early 80s, and is a well-known expert in the field amongst hobbyists.