Guidelines drawn up to Regulate Swiftlet Farming (11/12/03)
“The state Veterinary Authority will have to certify that the birds’ nests from these farms are fit for consumption before they are sold or exported to foreign markets,” he told Daniel Ngieng (BN–Bukit Assek) during question time.
Move to allow breeding of Swiftlets lauded (16/6/00)
"Because the breeders' livelihood depends on the survival of the birds, they do not over-harvest. This provides enough safeguard to the bird population,'' Chen said in an interview.
Ministry issues Guidelines on Swiftlet Farming (11/6/03)
The local bird's nest industry has rapidly expanded and reached some 300 kg output a month. The price ranges from RM4,000 to RM5,000 a kg depending on its quality.
Guidelines on Swiftlet Nest Farming issued (11/06/03)
“Birdhouse operators must get premise licence from their local authorities, a collection of birds nest license and a trading of birds nest license from the Department of Wildlife and National Parks,” he said.
Harvesting of Birds Nests in Caves
The species Aerodemus fuciphaga produces the best and cleanest edible birds' nests. Clean bird's nests are not processed. All is needed is to pick off the small feathers and some trimmings. These premium half-cup shaped whole nests called Yen Jan.
Once these unprocessed nests are cleaned, processed, treated and packed, the same kilogramme can cost upwards of USD$4,000.00
Major Swiftlet Farming towns in Malaysia
Throughout Malaysia, there is an estimated 30,000+ shop houses and commercial premises that have been converted into swiftlet farms in order to harvest edible birds nest from these swiftlets as at June 2005.
For the entire calendar year, such a farm will comfortably yield RM$672,000.00* worth of unprosessed edible birds nest that should be eagerly bought up by local birds nest traders for processing and export to China, Hong Kong, Japan, South Korea and Taiwan.
The Steps Involved in Processing Edible Birds Nests
OStep 1: Soak the raw bird’s nests in plain water until they expand, then separate them into individual strands.
Young Asian ladies are putting bird’s nests on their priority list in their budget to gain fair complexion and maintain youthfulness. Expecting mothers are also consuming bird’s nests for a healthy baby with perfect complexion.
How to Recognize Fake Birds Nests
Genuine high quality bird’s nests should be able to expand to double its normal size after being soaked and cooked.
The rising price and rising demand for these nests have resulted in a decline in the swiftlet population. Poachers and the cutting down of forests where Swiftlets feed contribute to the decline.
Licensing of Trade, Import and Export of Edible Birds Nests
The Forest Department issues licences for collecting, trading, exporting and importing of edible birds’ nests. Collecting and trading licences cost RM100 per year.
India - Taste for Swiftlet's Edible Nest Is Lowering Its Numbers
Currently, Hong Kong is believed to be the largest consumer of bird nests, importing about a hundred tons every year, at a price of about U.S. $250 million. The major suppliers are Indonesia, Malaysia, Myanmar, southern parts of India...
Scientific Definition of White Nests Swiftlets
Swiftlets are in many respects typical members of the Apodidae, having narrow wings for fast flight, with a wide gape and small reduced beak surrounded by bristles for catching insects in flight.
Typically, swiftlets leave the cave during the day to forage and return to their roost at night. Males and females look similar; as usual in such cases, these birds are monogamous and both partners take part in caring for the nestlings.
Echolocation - The Compass of Swiftlets
The clicks consist of two broad band pulses (3-10 kHz) separated by a slight pause (1-3 milliseconds). The interpulse periods (IPPs) are varied depending on the level of light; in darker situations the bird emits shorter IPPs, as obstacles become harder to see...
Culinary Use of Birds Nests
Once the nests are harvested, they are cleaned and sold to restaurants. Eating swiftlet nest material is believed to help maintain skin tone, balance qi ("life energy") and reinforce the immune system.
That's why Somchai Sakulwarul, 39 years old, is moving his wife and three young sons out of their luxury three-story house and giving the place a radical makeover. Most of the interior walls will be demolished, the doors and windows will be sealed and covered so that the inside is darkened...
Factors to Consider in Swiftlet Farm Construction
3. Consideration of potential flying routes of swiftlets into your farm. Must determine the precise in-out holes for swiftlet flight.
Complete Listing of Swiftlet Species
The entire listing of the various species of Swiftlets can be found in this paper.
Cave Ecology of Swiftlets
Guano from both the swiftlets and the many bats that inhabit the caves supports a huge array of specialized animals that feed on the dung.
The White Nest Swiftlets (Collocalia Fuciphaga) is abundantly found only in South East Asia and the Indian Sub Continent. White Bird's Nest is also known as 'White Gold', Caviar of the East, Food of the Emperor etc. can fetch up to US$58.00 per bowl in Hong Kong.
Construction and Management of Swiftlet Farms
The types of buildings that are most favored by white edible nests swiftlets must have the following characteristics :...
At a glance, the three concrete buildings, surrounded by a perimeter of fence in Kampung Kolopis, Penampang some 20 km from here, give the appearance of a fortress. But these special structures, are neither fortified buildings nor human residences for they are actually the home of the "burung layang-layang" (swifts).
