The Hollow - Swiftlet Haven

It will be 1 year now on 8th July 2010

noreply@blogger.com (Tirokswifts) — Sun, 04 Jul 2010 15:00:00 +0000

My swiftlet sanctuary will be 1 year old on 8th July 2010. Initially progress had been very slow. Maybe , due to the shape of the entrance and covered roving area which had scared away the swiftlets. The situation had improved now and swiftlets can be seen above the sanctuary chasing one another in the late evening and nests population had increased to 9 Nos. Also a lot of swiftlets were seen returning home at around 7.00 pm to 7.30 pm. The sanctuary also had some bad luck. It had been broken in thrice. The first time nothing was taken. the 2nd time 2 water pumps were taken away and the 3rd time which happened about 3 weeks ago, the burglers took away one amplifier and a few nests. Had also being spraying the sanctuary with EM and it seems to have attract more swiftlets staying in the sanctuary. While in the sanctuary last Friday, 2 swiftlets came flying in to play at around 1.30 pm. I have also have been testing my own homemade aroma which I called Ecstasy on certain parts of the sanctuary and will be monitoring the response. I sprayed this aroma directly on the nesting planks.

Ecstasy

Nest marking

Nest at corner and above tweeter

Nest marking at corner

Nest above tweeter

Nest marking

Nest forming above tweeter at corner

Nest already well formed

Nest at corner

Padlock dismantled by bugler

Padlock cover slightly ripped by bugler.

Nests starting to appear

noreply@blogger.com (Tirokswifts) — Mon, 22 Mar 2010 16:07:00 +0000

After 8 months and 10 days nests had started to appear, 1 almost fully developed. anotehr almost a half nest and 2 more just markings forming the nest base. . Birdshits!!. Well there a alot already. Hopefully more will be coming though a bit slow to our liking. There's a Malay saying, "Sedikit-sedikit lama-lama jadi bukit". Let's keep our fingers crossed.

Amost a full nest

Almost a half nest

Nest base

Another nest base

7 months on, Slowly but Surely

noreply@blogger.com (Tirokswifts) — Mon, 08 Feb 2010 14:38:00 +0000

Today, 07.02.2010, is exactly 7 months since I started switching on the sound to my swiftlet sanctuary. When I entered the sanctuary this morning, to my surprise there is a nest base at the corner of the nesting planks on the 3rd. Floor. In my earlier post, I had reported that I discovered a nest base but that was a false alarm as the base did not show any progress but this time it is for real. The past 3 months had been the month of slow growth everywhere where very few swiftlets were seen in the sky and even in the birdhouses. I just visited a birdhouse in Hulu Besut and the owners had been complaining about the slow progress for the past months but to their surprise when they visited the birdhouse yesterday after 2 weeks being away, there were 5 new nest bases. This shows that the breeding season is on and more nests and babies are on the way. In my sanctuary, I discovered a lot of bird shits on the 2nd and 3rd Floor, mostly below the tweeters, but so far only 1 nest base above the bird shit. I am positive that more nests will come with the breeding season already started. Most of the bird shits are on the 3rd Floor which is the brightest of the the 3 Floors. This would just dispel the myth that swiftlets like to stay in dark places.

1st. nest base at corner and besides tweeter

Bird shits above tweeter

1st. nest base

noreply@blogger.com (Tirokswifts) — Mon, 14 Dec 2009 06:27:00 +0000

After more than 3 weeks not going into the sanctuary, I went in yesterday and to my surprise there is already a nest base on the 3rd. floor and quite a number of bird shit spots on the 3rd floor and 2nd. Floor. 1 bird was on the the 2nd Floor when I went in at about 11.25 a.m. However, it flew out. It has been about 5 months since the sound was played in this sanctuary. Earlier on, it seems as if the birds are scared to come in due to the cave-like shape of the entrance and roving room which the birds are not familiar with. However with some modifications to the tweeters and opening of another entrance hole, it seems to be performing better now. At least the birds had started to make nest with one nest base observed on the 3rd . floor.

New entrance opening

1st, nest base on the 3rd. Floor

Bird shits

Unique project got a boost and showing encouraging progress.

noreply@blogger.com (Tirokswifts) — Mon, 02 Nov 2009 15:40:00 +0000

Due to the unpredictable temperature in the birdhouse which goes up to 36 Celcius during hot days, the owner had decided to install 2 nos of ultrasonic humidifier about a month ago. With this addition, the birdhouse seems to be showing very encouraging results. More birds were seen circling and entering the birdhouse during morning and late evening and inside the birdhouse more shit spots were observed and nest markings increase to 3 from 2. 2 of the markings are on styrofoam placed on the nesting planks.

Ultrasonic humidifier

Nest above the styrofoam

Another nest above the styrofoam

Entrepreneurs want a one-stop centre

noreply@blogger.com (Tirokswifts) — Fri, 30 Oct 2009 23:51:00 +0000

STAR METRO

Friday October 30, 2009

Entrepreneurs want a one-stop centre

By OH ING YEEN

A one-stop centre for issuing licences and permits relating to the bird’s nest industry will benefit entrepreneurs if it is given the green light.

This was one of the resolutions discussed by the Asia Bird’s Nest Conference recently.

Currently, the farmers have to apply for a premises licence from the local council to build the bird house and then apply for a harvesting licence from the Wildlife Department.

More than 250 participants from various states took part in the two-day swiftlet workshop held at the Paya Indah Wetlands, Dengkil. It was the third and last in a series of workshops that began in 2008.

The objective of the workshop was to get feedback from participants who had ventured into the industry and to discuss the problems they face and come up with solutions.

Other resolutions that were discussed include:

URGING the government to prepare complete guidelines for the industry; Research collaboration bet-ween the government and industry players should be created or continued and government consultancy services provided, if needed; and recognising the industry as an expanding one to market the products through a standardised brand name.

Halim Kepol, 44, from Batu Pahat, got to know about the industry from friends and the Internet and has spent RM135,000 building a bird house.

“I’m interested in this industry as I feel it has the potential to succeed.

“The workshop provided us a platform to discuss swiftlet-related issues and I’ve learnt a lot from the workshops,” he said.

Another participant Abu Hussin, a retiree, said the swiftlet business was booming in Alor Gajah, Malacca.

“It’s a good opportunity as there is guidance and aid provided for swiftlet nest entrepreneurs.

“Moreover, there’s not much competition and the risk is low,” he said.

Perhilitan director-general Datuk Abdul Rasid Samsudin said Perhilitan’s role was mainly in conservation.

When asked for his comments about Sahabat Alam Malaysia’s call to ban swiftlet farming, he said the industry should not be discouraged but should be controlled.

“It has to be done on agricultural land, away from the urban areas,” he said.

A total of 16 public awareness programmes have been carried out from 2008 till June this year.

Seeking Divine Intervention

noreply@blogger.com (Tirokswifts) — Sun, 18 Oct 2009 12:06:00 +0000

Ever since I started the design on the swiftlet sanctuary I always have a Buddha statue in mind as part of the hardscape for the garden in front of the dog kennel roving room. I have built a concrete platform for that purpose. While sourcing for the statue I had put a jungle fern in its place. Yesterday, I managed to secure the statue from a friend at the Vihara. It was about 1 feet high though I would prefer a bigger one about 2 feet high. However, this is the best gift that I had ever received. Today, the statue is put at the predetermined place and I have moved the jungle fern to the corner of the pool in front of the dog kennel roving room.

Harry in one of his posts had talked of someone who used the Buddha Statue to lure the swiftlets to enter his birdhouse and it seems to work. Though this is not my main intention, I sincerely hope and pray to Lord Buddha to let my swiftlet sanctuary be a true home to all swiftlets and swiftlets will reciprocate by making lots of nest for me and my partner.

To the Lord Buddha, here's my prayers.

Namo tassa, bhagavato, arahato samma sambuddhasa
Namo tassa, bhagavato, arahato samma sambuddhasa
Namo tassa, bhagavato, arahato, samma sambuddhasa
Buddham saranam gacchami,
Dhammam saranam gacchami,
Sangham saranam gacchami.
Dutiyampi Buddham saranam gacchami,
Dutiyampi Dhammam saranam gacchami,
Dutiyampi Sangham saranam gacchami.
Tatiyampi Buddham saranam gacchami,
Tatiyampi Dhammam saranam gacchami,
Tatiyampi Sangham saranam gacchami.
Meaning:
- Homage to Him, the Exalted One, the Worthy One, The Supremely Enlightened One
- Homage to Him, the Exalted One, the Worthy One, The Supremely Enlightened One
- Homage to Him, the Exalted One, the Worthy One, The Supremely Enlightened One
- I go to the Buddha as my refuge.
- I go to the Dhamma as my refuge.
- I go to the Sangha as my refuge.
- For the second time, I go to the Buddha as my refuge.
- For the second time, I go to the Dhamma as my refuge.
- For the second time, I go to the Sangha as my refuge.
- For the third time, I go to the Buddha as my refuge.
- For the third time, I go to the Dhamma as my refuge.
- For the third time, I go to the Sangha as my refuge.

Its Blog Action Day '09 Today

noreply@blogger.com (Tirokswifts) — Thu, 15 Oct 2009 14:00:00 +0000

Blog Action Day is an annual event held every October 15 that unites the world’s bloggers in posting about the same issue on the same day with the aim of sparking discussion around an issue of global importance. Blog Action Day 2009 will be one of the largest-ever social change events on the web.

Bloggers and everyone else for that matter have to become responsible and global-minded citizens. While we still have leaders who want to do the right thing, Big Oil, Coal, Finance, Agriculture and even Big Politics (to cite a few examples) continue to pursue narrow short-term and self-serving agendas, and actively conceal and spin the truth.

So it’s up to us to live in a way that promotes values and practices which will perpetuate a balanced and healthy life for all of us, and the planet. The era of indulgence and self-interest is over. It’s now so evident that humans are all one living organism with each other and the planet in undeniable symbiosis, that hopefully this will propel cooperation, consideration and the sustainability of the future.

Let's take action NOW on climate change, Go to www.blogactionday.org and get yourself registered

Sour Grapes

noreply@blogger.com (Tirokswifts) — Sat, 19 Sep 2009 15:56:00 +0000

This is what Wikipedia says:

Sour grapes is an expression originating from the Aesop Fable The Fox and the Grapes. It always refers to an unattainable goal and human reaction to it. It can mean to deny desire for the unattainable item. More often, it refers to the nature of humans to rationalize why they wouldn't want it anyway. The phrase has come to be synonymous with bitterness in most modern contexts.

and this is what I found in Thesauraus.com.

Main Entry:	sour grapes
Part of Speech:	noun
Definition:	affected scorn
Synonyms:	bad-mouthing, derogation, disappointment, disparagement, ill-will, resentment

The sour grapes that I am referring to are my readers who had been making sarcastic comments and dare not reveal their identity. I am sure it also happened to my fellow bloggers like Harry and James. We are here blogging because of our interest and passion for swiftlet farming and we are not out to offend or mislead anybody. Readers who feel uneasy about any of the writings in this blog can just close the blog.

I would like to post a comment which I received on 18th September 2009 for all to judge whether this person who makes the comment is a sour grape. First of all he chose to remain anonymous. The 2nd thing is his English is lousy and the 3rd thing he is not so clever. I never write anything about either the external sound or the internal sound and he had the chick to say that I do not know how to fix the tweeter in a proper way and I am talking cock. I only show a photo of a tweeter with nest marking on it.

Here is Mr. Anonymous comment which I had rejected from publishing in my post 'Unique project after 6 months showing positive sign'.

'a person even dont know how to fix an tweeter in an proper way wanted to talk cock in web' - Anonymous

An tweeter?? An proper way??. First of all where did you learn your English and hope you polish up your English before making further comments and if you make comments the next time, please have the guts to put down your real name or known nick name.

Just would like to ask Mr. Anonymous where did you learn to fix tweeters. It can be in series or in parallel but for me it doesn't matter as long as the sound is audible and clear. If my sound is not good and wrongly fixed why then the swiftlet has started to make nest above the tweeter.

A word of advice to you Mr. Anonymous. There is a saying, Many Roads Lead to Rome. Having gone to one or two seiminars and having read a few swiftlet books doesn't mean that what you have learnt everything and all are correct and whatever that differ from what you know are all wrong. Swiftlet farming or whatever you want to call it, is both an art and a science. In science it is definite and systematic but in art it is skill, innovation and creativity. Nobody until now dare to say that they can make the swiftlets build a certain number of nests over a certain period of time and guarantee it. Not the money back guarantee. My dear Mr. Anonymous, 80% still failed in swiftlet framing and only 20% had succeeded so far. So, its better you shut up and don't ever visit my blog again if you have nothing good to say or to contribute. Ask yourself whether you have talked cock or I talk cock. You are really a chicken who hide under the name of ANONYMOUS. Hope the next time if you ever comment again, you will reveal your identity. Be Gentlemanlah.

CHEERS TO ALL MY READERS AND SELAMAT HARI RAYA AIDIL FITRI MAAF ZAHIR DAN BATIN TO ALL MY MUSLIM FRIENDS

My Roof Top Garden and My Swiftlet Sanctuary

noreply@blogger.com (Tirokswifts) — Fri, 18 Sep 2009 23:55:00 +0000

Yesterday, my kids managed to collect some water lilies and fishes from a nearby swamp. These water lilies and fishes were put into my roof top pond to enhance my roof top garden which had started blooming with plants. My sanctuary is in the 2nd month running. There are many swiftlets swarming above and only after 7.00 pm did some swiftlets came down low to circle the roving area and enter the sanctuary through this garden enclosure. So far, there isn't much bird shit spots yet. . All the conditions seems to be right now. All the minor leakages and related problems had been repaired and overcomed and the pond had been waterproofed by the expert. The roving area had been made darker by a coat of black aroma paint. The sounds have been good. The temperature and humidity have been excellent. (see photo below). Let's be patient and wait for another month to see the progress.

Roof top garden with pool and fountain

Fish and water lilies

Water lilies

Water lily close up

My kid ready to go fishing

One of my kids catching fish and collecting water lilies as well

Temperature and humidity on 3rd. Floor

Mega birdhouses in KT

noreply@blogger.com (Tirokswifts) — Fri, 18 Sep 2009 11:51:00 +0000

This is a story about 'from rags to riches'. The persons who build these birdhouses started with a humble beginning. One is a backhoe driver and another a construction machinery and equipment mechanic and both teamed up to set up a mobile crane hiring company which later expanded into piling. For the past 20 odd years they had been busy doing jobs all over the country and due to their hard work and diligence, they had managed to amass a fortune which they invested in a property in BR in the outskirt of Kuala Terengganu. In this property they first started to build their workshops, office and precast concrete piling factory. When they started planning their workers quarters they had the birdhouse in mind and they finally constructed a massive 5 storey BH with the lower 2 floors as their staff living quarters. Not satisfied with one, they built another 5 storey birdhouse next door. And still not satisfied, they build another 6 storey birdhouse nearby. I am sure they know what is best for them. Rather than putting their fortune in FD or shares, they prefer the passive income from birdnest. Let us wish both of them the best of luck and may both of you be blessed with good fortune.

This is the 1st birhouse built in the property. The 1st 2 floors are living quarters for the staff.

This is the 2nd birdhouse built in the same property. All 5 floors are birdhouses

This is the 3rd and latest addition built in the same property. It is 6 storey building The ground floor is left vacant. Observe the sleek and stylish polycarbonate roof covering the dog kennel roving room. Also, there is another entrance on the 4th. Floor. This is neccessary as swiftlets might get lost or would not go to the lower floor as the number of floors exceed three and the LALs are not arranged as one air well.

2nd Anniversary of Tirok Swiftlet Farm

noreply@blogger.com (Tirokswifts) — Mon, 14 Sep 2009 23:14:00 +0000

13th September 2009 marked the 2nd anniversary of Tirok Swiftlet Farm. It has been a long journey to come to this far. This was the first farm in Kg. Tirok and since then 12 farms have been in operation and a few more is coming up. Kg. Tirok is on the swiftlets path and also one of the feeding grounds but is not been popular choice for swiftlet farmers as growth has been slow compared to other areas such as Wakaf Tapai, Telemong and Kuala Berang. As on 12th September 2009, the nest counts stands at 138, of which 69 had been harvested. Whether this is a success or failure, lets keep an open mind. What I can tell the readers is that I was at the farm yesterday at around 6.30 p.m there are a lot of young swiftlets flying around and entering the farm. To tell the truth, to go this far is not an easy task. It is not just sitting down and relax. I have to do a lot of reading, books and articles and the blogs in the internet helps. I would like thank Harry for giving so much information in the net. However you have to take the information at face value and you have the right not to follow what he preaches. You have to use your own judgement and a lot of common sense. Low Yat Net is also a good forum. Many are unselfish to share their information especially West Wing but there are some who are 'rotten' and cannot take criticism.

The macros and micros are important besides the sound, both external and internal. Aromas do play a part but this is subjective. Other than that, the most important is observation. Keep on monitoring from outside and inside to see that everything is in order.

HAPPY ANNIVERSARY

Unique project after 6 months showing positive sign

noreply@blogger.com (Tirokswifts) — Mon, 31 Aug 2009 02:26:00 +0000

I had mentioned that I had commissioned a unique project in my 29th February 2009 post and in my 20th April 2009 post I mentioned I had to report to the management of this birdhouse monthly on the progress made and I created an inspection form for that purpose. I have been doing the inspection almost every month and reporting to them. It had been quite a long wait. For the last five (5) month, there were bird shit spots but no nest markings . However, on my last visit yesterday, I was happy to see one (1) new bird shit spot located at a brighter part of the birdhouse and two (2) newly-built nest markings. This to me is a great relieve because this bird house is in a roof with roof trusses all over and I had build the shelter in the center which is free of trusses. This shelter is in the central swiftlet district and the growth is supposed to be quite fast but I am experiencing a slightly slow growth partly due to the swiftlets adapting to the new surrounding which is different from the others around. I also have difficulty controlling the temperature and humidity especially during the hot days eventhough the roof had been insulated with double sided aluminium paper and woodwool. I had made improvements by sealing all the sides of roof making the roof darker and also making variation in temperature and humidity lesser between day time and night. I had been using water fountain and not the taiwan type humidifier previously because of the wetness which will damage the ceiling below. I will be recommending the ultrasonic humidifiers to the management so as to improve the temperature and humidity.

Sanctuary fully completed and in full swing

noreply@blogger.com (Tirokswifts) — Wed, 19 Aug 2009 13:38:00 +0000

At last, I have completed all the works for the sanctuary and the last thing that I did was to clear the rubbish and leftovers in front of my sanctuary. I have also got back the fountain on the roof in front of the entrance hole in working order. What I need to do now is to observe the swiftlets flying above my sanctuary, watching their behavior, so that I can do the adjustments, if necessary, to attract them into my sanctuary. I hope I don't have to carry out anymore repairs and if there were any if would only be minor which I can do on my own. I have sorted out the construction costs with my partner and what I can tell my readers is that it cost about RM32 per sq ft, all-in, to DIY this sanctuary.

View of Sanctuary from main road

Fountain and Pool in front of Entrance Hole

Birdhouse for Sale in Kuala Terengganu

noreply@blogger.com (Tirokswifts) — Tue, 18 Aug 2009 16:50:00 +0000

The owner had asked me to put up this advertisement. It is a 3 1/2 storey birdhouse, 8m x 24m, and situated along the new Binjai Rendah - Rawai main road in Rawai, Bukit Payong, Kuala Terengganu. The total land area is 8 acres. This BH started operation about 6 months ago and currently have about 40 nests. The land is freehold and asking price is RM2.5 million. Those who are interested can call 0199343828.

Front View of Birdhouse

View from the back

Panaromic view of land (1) - opposite side of road is still part of land

Panaromic view of land (2)

Panaromic view of land (3)

Birdhouse during construction

Agriculture Land for Sale in Kuala Terengganu

noreply@blogger.com (Tirokswifts) — Sun, 16 Aug 2009 13:44:00 +0000

There is a piece of agricultural land for sale in Mukim Belara, Kuala Terengganu, Terengganu. This land is planted with matured oil palm It is along the alternative main trunk road from Kuala Terengganu to Kuala Berang and along the bank of Sungai Terengganu which is the the superhighway for swiftlets from Kuala Terengganu to the interrior. Just a few kilometers away from the Telemong Interchange of the East Coast Highway. Ideal for swiftlet farming and open to non-Malays. Land area is 8.8 acres and asking price is RM 1 million. Those who are interested can call 0199343828 for further details.

I Love Living Life, I Am Happy

noreply@blogger.com (Tirokswifts) — Fri, 14 Aug 2009 00:05:00 +0000

While others are dissatisfied with life, cursing, insinuating, bad-mouthing and worst of all doing nothing positive, this guy who is without limbs is loving life.

Roof repaired

noreply@blogger.com (Tirokswifts) — Wed, 12 Aug 2009 12:21:00 +0000

My workers had finished installing the metaldeck roof over the flat roof on both sides of my sanctuary leaving only the middle portion with pools. The leaks have all gone and I feel a great relief. However, the roof over the roving room which I had painted the top with 2 coats of elastomeric liquid waterproof membrane shows a slight leak when it rained this afternoon and it seems to come from a hairline crack on the side of the roof which was not painted. I will have to purchase a 5 litre can tomorrow and have that portion painted. With that touch-up, I hope have resolved the leakage problem. When I was at the sanctuary today, I was surprised at the number of swiftlets circling the sanctuary. They were still circling the sanctuary at 1.00 pm. Perhaps they liked the blue-coloured metaldeck roof which I had just installed.

View of entrance after renovation

View of the entrance from the back

View of metaldeck roof on the right side of entrance

Another view of the metaldeck roof from the back

It has been 3 weeks now

noreply@blogger.com (Tirokswifts) — Fri, 31 Jul 2009 16:18:00 +0000

I had switched on the bird sound for 3 weeks now. Progress made has been very encouraging. Swiftlets have been circling my sanctuary even during odd hours like 10.00 a.m and 11.00 a.m. In the late afternoon, most of swiftlets were seen circling my 4 ways tweeter and hexagonal tweeter . So far, I have found 3 bird shit spots on the 3rd. Floor . One of the spots is directly above the tweeter. One problem that has been nagging me is the leakage on the roof and I had decided once for all to make do without 6 0f the pools on the roof and cover them up with metal deck. I will still be retaining 2 of the 8 pools I had on the roof top.

It has already been a week

noreply@blogger.com (Tirokswifts) — Wed, 15 Jul 2009 20:14:00 +0000

My swiftlet sanctuary has already been a week in operation. In operation here means that I had the sound switched on permanently. During the past 1 week I have been fine tuning the swiftlet sanctuary, getting the sounds right, the aroma sprayed and getting the water fountain and mist device set up on the 1st floor. Besides a minor leak on the roof, everything is getting on fine. Yesterday I noticed there are 2 birdshit spot on the 3rd. Floor. This floor is the brightest among the floors and yet this is where the swiftlets are starting to roost. So for those who said that the BH has to be very dark, what say you?. I don't have to paint all the wall and ceiling black either. On this floor I had applied the LP aroma and may be it works. So James, its 1 up for you.!!! I was at the sanctuary from 6 pm to 7.40 pm yesterday. The are many swiftlets flying above but none seem to be entering the sanctuary until it was about 7.30 pm where are 4 swiftlets that went in and out playing in the roving area. This might be the swiftlets contributes to the 2 spots of birdshit in the sanctuary

Birdshit spot

Another birdshit spot

Fountain and mist device on 1st. Floor

Fountain and mist device seen from the top

Bird Bonanza

noreply@blogger.com (Tirokswifts) — Tue, 14 Jul 2009 23:51:00 +0000

By Andrew Marshall

Ultrasonic humidifier? Check. Swiftlet Bazooka Tweeter? Check. Feces powder? Er, check. All you need now is a multistory house with no doors or windows but plenty of holes, and you're almost ready to join one of Southeast Asia's fastest-growing cottage industries: harvesting edible birds' nests.

ou'll also need birds, of course — lots of them. That's the tricky part.

Edible birds' nests are the handiwork of the swiftlet, a small bird found mostly in Southeast Asia that builds its nests from its saliva. Bird's-nest soup is an expensive delicacy served across the Chinese-speaking world, and the basic ingredient is in such demand that nests are sometimes called "white gold" or the "caviar of the East." In Bangkok, an 11-oz. (300 g) box can cost $2,600, while so-called health drinks comprising just 1.1% nest sell for $4 a jar. Aficionados attribute nests with the power to treat everything from cold sores to tuberculosis, and to boost both longevity and sexual prowess.

Until recently, nests were mainly harvested from caves in the wild, and the trade was dominated by a ruthless and well-connected élite. Now, fueled by insatiable demand from prospering China, a regional boom in farming nests in purpose-built birdhouses — "swiftlet condos," as they're sometimes called — is democratizing the business. "It's recession-proof," enthuses Harry Kok, a retired Malaysian engineer who owns or has shares in five birdhouses and writes a blog on the subject from his Kuala Lumpur home. "The overheads are minimal. You don't have a factory with so many workers. Right now, those who have birdhouses are smiling."The business has expanded so fast, and with such little oversight, that reliable numbers are hard to come by. There are perhaps 10,000 swiftlet buildings in Malaysia alone, which each year produce 144 metric tons of nests worth $160 million, reports the Malaysian government news agency Bernama. Nests from Thailand's 600 or more condos could be worth another $60 million, according to a 2007 Thai study, "Swiftlet Birds' Nests: Power, Conflict and Riches," by independent researcher Kasem Jandam. Judging by the number of swiftlet condos appearing in many Thai towns, these figures are probably gross underestimates. In Indonesia, the world's largest supplier, the industry is bigger than Malaysia's and Thailand's combined. Hong Kong, a major consumer, imported nests worth $276 million last year, up from $204 million in 2006, according to the Hong Kong Trade Development Council.

he little swiftlet has hatched a billion-dollar global business, including a subindustry of how-to books and bloggers who share tips on birdhouse construction and equipment. As with most properties, the value of a birdhouse depends on three factors: location, location, location. Before building one, advises Kok, you must survey the skies for a regular passage of swiftlets. Once constructed — a three-story birdhouse with room for about 40,000 nests costs roughly $100,000 — you must attract tenants. The maker of the Swiftlet Bazooka Tweeter claims it can broadcast "love calls" to birds flying up to a mile away. Humidifiers keep the interior of the house attractively damp like the caves swiftlets prefer. And don't forget your feces powder: bird droppings mixed with ammonium bicarbonate which, when sprinkled on the floor, make a new birdhouse smell like a well-established one.

Even if you build it, they don't always come. Up to two-thirds of birdhouses fail to attract a self-supporting colony of birds, estimates Kok. "We don't really understand them," he says. "They are wild animals. We find that they like to stay in dark areas. But at one hotel in Malacca they are nesting in bright light." Lucky producers can harvest two to four pounds of nests a month, worth up to $500 per pound ($1,100 per kg). Middlemen are buying up all the nests they can source, usually as quietly as possible. "They come to your doorstep and pay you cash," says Kok. "This business is a very secretive thing, because they're not paying any tax to the government. Everyone is doing it on an illegal or secret basis, where you declare 10 kilos but you are selling 1,000 kilos."

In some respects, the birdhouse business resembles the trade in nests harvested from the wild, a side of the industry that is murky and sometimes violent; in the past, only those with money, muscle and good political connections prospered. In Thailand, fewer than a dozen companies harvest nests from some 170 islands in the Gulf of Thailand and the Andaman Sea, in return for paying multimillion-dollar concession fees to the government. The remote islands are guarded by dozens of armed men — in effect private armies — and are often run "like independent states," says Jandam, the author of the industry study. Companies discourage all visitors, claiming they might disrupt the birds' habitat. In Koh Si Koh Ha, a string of islands in Phatthalung province, 14 suspected nest thieves were shot dead in two separate incidents in the early 1990s.

The connection between nests and violence continues to this day. The island of Koh Mak gets about $1.1 million in nest revenue every year, eight times more than the budget of some other Phatthalung subdistricts unblessed by nesting swiftlets. In 1997, the Thai government passed legislation to make the industry more transparent and ensure that government revenue from concessions is funneled back into local communities. But a string of unsolved murders on Koh Mak indicates hazardous aspects of the harvesting trade linger. Pradit Jariya, 35, has been administrative chief of the island for a year now. It's quite an achievement, considering the fates of the three subdistrict chiefs before him. Last July, his predecessor was sitting by a lagoon when the M-16-toting occupants of a speedboat pumped into him what one Thai newspaper termed "many tens of bullets." The man had been chief for just three months. The chief before him had lasted 10 months before being gunned down. And the chief before him met the same fate after eight months. None of the murders have been solved.

Given the risks of wild harvests, it's little wonder that the smart money has moved into the more genteel birdhouse business — although here, too, there are complications. Swiftlet condos have become local eyesores. Because nest theft is common, the untreated concrete structures often resemble secret weapons facilities, their roofs adorned with barbed wire and electric fences. Bird droppings are a potential health threat, too, while in some towns, the constant noise from Swiftlet Bazooka Tweeters and other callers has become "unbearable," admits Kok.

So far, the authorities in Southeast Asian countries have not been able to control the building, never mind collect taxes on the profits. But the industry is growing too big to ignore, and there are signs that it might not stay lightly regulated for much longer. Last year Malaysian forestry officials and police raided more than a dozen illegal swiftlet farms across Sarawak, a state where only two of an estimated 1,500 birdhouses have licenses. The rest contravene local wildlife-protection laws that forbid swiftlet farms in urban areas. Sarawak's once profitable industry is grounded for now. But with unflagging demand from China, and increasing numbers of birdhouses popping up in Vietnam, Cambodia and the Philippines, the regionwide trade in birds' nests is heading in only one direction: upward.

To read the actual write-up, visit :

http://www.time.com/time/magazine/article/0,9171,1909458,00.html

The Hollow Is Ready To Welcome The Swiftlets

noreply@blogger.com (Tirokswifts) — Tue, 07 Jul 2009 14:14:00 +0000

After 8 months of waiting, the Hollow is now ready to welcome the swiftlets. All the finishing touches were carried out today and tomorrow, 08.07.09, will mark the opening of my swiftlet sanctuary. I will be switching on the bird sounds permanently. I have 3 types, namely, external, pooling and internal. As can been seen from the video below I have a 4 directional speaker to play the external sound and a hexagon tweeter to play the pooling sound.

Tomorrow, I will be putting in the aroma and switching on the bird sounds to mark the opening of the sanctuary. I will be setting the timers for the amplifiers, the water pumps and the roof top light. I will keep my readers informed on the progress of the sanctuary from time to time.

The video above shows the fountains, the surrounding pools and the interior of the sanctuary focussing on the roving area. It took me guite sometime to get the plumbing works for the fountains and the pools ready. There are minor leakages which need to be attended and rectified before the fountains can be operated.

Plumber fixing the roof top pump

The 4-way speaker, hexagonal tweeter and night light

Solidarity To A Fellow Blogger - Love Potion

noreply@blogger.com (Tirokswifts) — Fri, 19 Jun 2009 13:43:00 +0000

I will be using Love Potion which I had bought from James and will be using it on a portion of the sanctuary. For me, if the aroma doesn't work, let it be as it is me and not him at fault for believing in the product. If the aroma doesn't work, there won't be any reorder from him and he could have closed shop. There could have been so many another reasons as well for the aroma not to perform. As for me, I always keep an open mind, act wisely, no sarcam, no bad-mouthing and have a good heart.

There is a group in Low Yat Forum who is trying to discredit him saying that his aroma is useless while they themselves had not tried them, only grapevine from fellow forumners. James had hit back in his blog titled 'Rots amongst the Sour Grapes'. As solidarty to my fellow blogger I produced the write-up in full for all to read. Your comments welcomed.

Rot Amongst the Sour Grapes

Does anyone know why the failed percentage of farm is so high? I guess not..

The reason is, the mentalities of those in this industry are the rots that make what swiftlet farming are today. Instead of contributing to the industry with ideas, information, etc they actually bad mouth others or trying to mislead others and trying to demobilize or prevent dissemination of good information and products that could help the Swiftlet farming industry. They work in groups systematically when one appeared the other follow. They hide behind forums bash and sabotage others. When you look at the "nick" you know there are the same groups of people. When you ask them for information or there is no bashing they disappeared or never reply. They plant the same tactic in all forums. That is the most lousy strategy to discredit others. I hope they are smart enough to understand this.

Forum is people's idea and they jump into it and comment. It is not their ideas. They have no idea at all merely just jump into it to comment. There are just like stray dogs, one of them is biting and barking the rest will follow . The aftermath when you ask them why did you do it? their answers are "I don't know. People do, I do, they asked me to follow I follow lah!" If they have ideas and wanted to share then they should have started a blog of their own. Many had started it, some, even the contents of their blogs are not much but they showed the spirit of sharing not having hidden agenda like those. I really respect all these bloggers, Salute all you bloggers!

These groups thought readers are stupid. They undermined the intelligence of readers. These are the same groups that had been repeating the same bashing and discredit again and again the bolggers.The same old strategy of discredit was used. Why over the years only the same groups? The same old story? There are definitely something hidden under the rocks. How come only these groups? Certainly very fishy here. Even a little boy can tells.

These are the people that happy to see you fails. Perhaps Bloggers are the people that exposed too much of the industry where many can no longer "cari makan" easily or their friends and mentors or Sifus goods are not moving as fast as before (rivalry).Therefore all these tactics were applied. That is why bloggers are being hated and being sabotaged. Well I guess all Swiftlet farming bloggers can't run away from all these because if it can happen to political bloggers (demoralise, threatening...etc) then what is Swiftlet farming Bloggers. "kacang putih lah" go to forum register and blast lah all will follow or ask someone to bashlah, Malaysia culture"

These people never happy to see other rise or own a successful farm because if you do they feel threaten. There are many like them, so how can we expect the Swiftlet farming industry to move forward? I can't blame the little napoleon in the authority finding ways to make it hard for them especially Sarawak. Look how it hits Sarawak why not other states? Is Sarawak farmers are easier to bully? No, it has been made what it is. Some claimed to be respectable person in the society but looking at their harsh uncalled for comments which touch on people personal life and religion, do you think it is appropriate? Some of them are not young there are at their golden age but the mentality is a problem. They could be my grand father. Grow up please. Soon you are nearing to god.

A good mentor or a respectable Sifu or someone wants to be respected by others must have the ability to provide information to others, willingly to teach, willing to see his disciples succeed and never bad mouth others. Whenever someone is better then them they felt threaten, this is just very much like the feudal time. I guess there are still in it. Therefore all ways were done to sabotage those who could help the Swiftlet farmers being information or products.

The good ones are those Swiftlet bloggers. They had contributed intensively to the industry by providing free information. Did all these rotten sour grapes ever thank them for providing info? Being good or bad information.

No, none of them will do that. There only believe in receiving and bashing others but not providing or giving.

When you ask them to contribute their ideas to the problem solving of the Licensing and unfair guidelines facing by all farmers. They were no where to be seen or heard in the forum. When time for uncalled bashing and condemns others they will be there 1st to appear. Perhaps they have been order to to this. From here you can see clearly they are not pioneer forumers which from year 2007. These groups join just months ago. They appear once a while to sabotage. Let it be. God knows who they are linked to.

Those days without the Swiflet farming blogs for information pertaining to Swiftlet farming one has to travel to neighbouring country. Even getting Nugroho books was a problem. Not the case now. Much information was exposed thanks to all these bloggers. Books and Cds were available on blogs.

After all had been said, all are very much link to business rivalry and sabotage. I guess that is human nature there are bad and good. Well to me my conscious is very clear. If we do good and God is with us, whatever and no matter what these rotten sour grapes group did which is evil shall not be succeed.

I had experienced this many times before. “The more they bashed the more I sell”.

Thank you God. Thank you God. Thank you God.

Hope one day their mentality would change for the good of themselves, the society and Swiftlet farming. I still have hope in them.

"God bless them"

......

I would prefer "God Blast Them" but I hope God would not do that because I have a good heart and don't pray for such disaster

Swiftlet Sanctuary About Ready To Receive Swiftlets

noreply@blogger.com (Tirokswifts) — Fri, 19 Jun 2009 12:26:00 +0000

There have been little report on the progress of my swiftlet sanctuary lately. Today, I would like to inform that my sanctuary is almost ready. I am calling my birdhouse a sanctuary because this is what the place really is that, a shelter conducive for swiftlets to stay. The sound system has been installed and the electricity has been connected. The plumbing works with fountains and internal drainage is almost completed with only minor pipe works still to be carried out. Though there is a stream flowing through, I will not be using the stream water. I have engaged a contractor to bore into the ground and I will be using underground water for my ponds and fountains as well as for daily use. My workers is doing the cleaning up, cleaning the floors and scrapping left over concrete from the affected nesting planks. My workers will also be patching the holes left by the plumbing works and will waterproofed them as well as waterproofing part of the roof slab which have hairline cracks. All these works will take another few days to complete and hopefully I will be able to commission my sanctuary by 1st july 2009. I have picked a few aromas to apply prior to commissioning the sanctuary. I will by applying different aromas to different parts of the sanctuary, one into the plastic containers on the floor, one into the water fountain on the 1st floor, one to the walls and a portion of the nesting planks. Lets see which part will have the nest first.

On top of the Hollow

1st., 2nd. and 3rd. floor topped up with a layer of wire mesh
and 1 1/2 inch cement mortar to strengthen the floor slab

Piping works to pool

4-way tweeter and hexagonal tweeter on top of pole

Another view of 4-way tweeter and hexagonal tweeter
The Hollow mouth is open wide to welcome the swiftlets.
Notice the tweeters at the corner and edge

Sound System Installed

noreply@blogger.com (Tirokswifts) — Wed, 10 Jun 2009 01:39:00 +0000

The sound system to the swiftlet sanctuary has been installed and operational. I decided to make a sound test in the evening yesterday and this is the result. See video below.

The Hollow - Swiftlet Haven

It will be 1 year now on 8th July 2010

Nests starting to appear

7 months on, Slowly but Surely

1st. nest base

Unique project got a boost and showing encouraging progress.

Entrepreneurs want a one-stop centre

STAR METRO

Friday October 30, 2009

Entrepreneurs want a one-stop centre

By OH ING YEEN

Seeking Divine Intervention

Its Blog Action Day '09 Today

Sour Grapes

Synonyms:

My Roof Top Garden and My Swiftlet Sanctuary

Mega birdhouses in KT

2nd Anniversary of Tirok Swiftlet Farm

Unique project after 6 months showing positive sign

Sanctuary fully completed and in full swing

Birdhouse for Sale in Kuala Terengganu

Agriculture Land for Sale in Kuala Terengganu

I Love Living Life, I Am Happy

Roof repaired

It has been 3 weeks now

It has already been a week

Bird Bonanza

The Hollow Is Ready To Welcome The Swiftlets

Solidarity To A Fellow Blogger - Love Potion

Rot Amongst the Sour Grapes

Swiftlet Sanctuary About Ready To Receive Swiftlets

Sound System Installed