Top marks for an 'innovative' desgn of aviary, but do you have problems with sparrows etc getting through the front ? Didn't notice any mesh covering, Just an observation
Sorry to hear of your problem,Never thought a rat would have eaten so much of the bird, maybe this would help
http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/SQUIRREL-TRAP-MINK-TRAP-or-RAT-TRAP-supplied-by-TrapMan_W0QQitemZ250365157002QQcmdZViewItemQQptZUK_Home_Garden_Garden_Plants_Weed_Pest_Control_CV?hash=item3a4aed1e8a&_trksid=p3286.c0.m14
It seems the culprit was known to the fancier according to the local press,The fancier had even helped the culprits Father with birds in the past which makes it even more puzzling
http://www.sunderlandecho.com/news/Easington-pigeon-man-still-baffled.5290193.jp
What about new members who dont know anybody on site in order to be recommended ? Which was my case,How about new members not being able to start a new thread untill they have made a certain number of posts ?, that way you would get a measure of the individual concerned
I once stitched up a YBs crop using ordinary cotton that i soaked in tcp, It had hit the overhead pylon cables above my garden,It seemed fine & didn't look to be in any discomfort,however I lost it in a flyaway about 3 weeks later.