Some years ago, you wrote an article on wireless headphones. You said you wore them as you hand-fed your baby birds. I think you said the brand was Recoton headphones. I looked in different stores, but I cannot find them. I am starting to hand-feed lots of babies and think this would be helpful for me to use, too. Where can I find these headphones?
That is an excellent question, especially with bird breeding season now here. Unfortunately, Recoton no longer makes those great headphones. I have two pairs and, thank goodness, both are still working great. Recently, I needed to change the battery, which was fairly easy after the company helped me find a battery that would work in the headphones. My old wireless headphones use a cordless phone battery, and they helped me locate one that would fit and work well with my headphones. This is when I was informed by the Recoton personnel that they no longer make wireless headphones with the Recoton label.
But, not to worry, there are others out there that can be found. Many of the electronic stores, like Best Buy and even Sears, sell wireless headphones. Even though I have not tried any of the other brands, I am pretty sure they should work much the same. I have checked them out, and the big difference is that they do not come with a chargeable battery, as the Recoton did. The new ones use AA batteries. This can be costly, especially if you are going to use them like me, for hours per day.
So here is what to do. Buy a Rayovac or Sears battery charger, and get the right size nickel metal hydride batteries. These batteries can be charged 100s of times, some even over a 1,000 times, and last for a year or more — at least ours do. I use these batteries for all my needs now, like flashlights and egg candlers. I keep at least two sets of batteries for things I use daily, so when one set needs replacing, the second set is charged and ready to use. By using these batteries, you will save lots of money. A set of four nickel metal hydride batteries cost almost the same as a set of regular batteries, which lose their charge in just a few days with excessive use. A charger is usually less than $20 and should last for years. Make sure you get the right charger for the right batteries, and you'll be in business!
As for the headphones, I could not function without mine. They help me keep my sanity. All those screaming babies are toned down, plus I get to hear my favorite TV show or radio program, or even book-on-tape. The best thing with a wireless headphone set is that it is comfortable, and helps to block out the babies as they demand their food, loudly, and it is completely wireless. It also helps pass the time as I feed lots of chicks. Most wireless headphones should have a range of more than 100 feet. Sometimes I even wear my headset outside as I garden!
Try to purchase your pair from a store that will take it back, just in case you do not like the headphones. Sears is great with that, and some other stores are the same. I would ask before you buy. You never know, there could be a few people that do not like wearing headphones. So if you can try first, that would be best. Again, I could not work daily with all these babies without my headphones; they have been a real lifesaver for me, as well as people I have heard from over the years.