many thanks again. today started much the same, good clean out, fed the stock and added electrolytes to the water. after feeding took the water away for six hours and the droppings dried up. Fed again later this afternoon after adding maple peas to the VL sublime breeding mixture. More electrolytes in the water and within one hour the 6 pairs had drank 1.5 litres. and the wet droppings were returning. Fresh grit all day which most of the birds were eating. Not sure were to go from here!