AviMan: Getting Started

You have successfully installed AviMan Aviary Management System and now you want to get started on managing your birds. This article will help you do this. I will divide the process in to a few easy steps.

The AviMan interface works and feels like most email software. It is divided into three frames. The vertical frame on the left is called the Tree, the top horizontal frame is called the List and the bottom horizontal frame is called the Details frame. Each entry in the tree is called a Node. When you click on a node the list is filled with the items grouped under that node. Clicking on any item in the list shows you the details of that item in the details frame.

1) Aviary Information
In the Menu Bar on top select Edit -> Aviary Information
Here you can enter your Aviary name, address and contact information. This information will be stored and printed on your lists, hatch certificates, invoices etc.

2) Creating records for your birds
In the Menu Bar on top select Edit -> Birds
Here you can enter the data for each of your birds. The minimum information that you must enter is as follows
Species:  Select the bird species such as Cockatiel, African Grey Budgerigar etc from the drop down box.
Name: This is the tag that will be used to identify the bird. If you have a proper pet name then enter here if you don't then use some nickname that will remind you of this bird.
Hatch Date: The date the bird hatched from the egg. If you don't have an exact date, enter your best guess. If you have had a bird for 2 years and it was mature when you got it then use this information to arrive at an approximate hatch date.
Status:  You must also select the current status of your bird from the following.
  Breeder: A bird that is mature and breedable.
  Future Breeder: A bird that you are holding for future breeding but is not mature yet.
  Nursery: A young unweaned bird or a baby bird.
  For Sale: Any bird that is available for sale and is not being used as a breeder.
  Sold: A bird that has already been sold
  Dead: A bird that you previously owned but is now dead.
  Lost: A bird that you no longer have as it escaped or was stolen etc.
  Other: Use this status if none of the above accurately describe the status of your bird.
Sex: You must enter the sex of of your birds to be able to use them elsewhere in the software. If the sex is not known you may leave this field blank.

Additional optional information may also be entered. It is highly recommended that you keep your records as complete as possible. You can also specify an image for each bird. Just drag and drop any jpg, gif or png image file in the image area.

Enter your records in chronological order. The oldest bird should be entered  first and the youngest last. This will allow you to select the Mother and Father of your own bred birds. Accurately specifying the parents of each bird will help you maintain the pedigree information of your birds. If you do not have information about the parents of any bird or the bird was purchased you may leave these fields blank.