That Bird Blog » Finches

Red-Billed Quelea – Captive Care of the World’s Most Numerous Bird

findiviglio — Mon, 09 Apr 2012 18:43:02 +0000

Hello, Frank Indiviglio here. Although attracting less attention than European Starlings and other common birds, Red-Billed Queleas (Quelea quelea) outnumber them all. Yet despite being dubbed the “Locust Bird” for its habit of moving in flocks containing millions of individuals, this attractive African weaver is surprisingly difficult to breed in captivity.

Description

Population size is not the Red-Billed Quelea’s sole unique characteristic. It is also the only bird in which males exhibit highly variable color patterns that are not designed to advertise their value as mates. In all other colorful, sexually-dimorphic species (those where males and females differ in appearance), color is used to express desirability to females (please see this Gouldian Finch article).

Some male Red-Billed Queleas vary so much from others that they appear to be of different species. The black or white facial mask is surrounded by feathers that may be colored red, orange, pink or various shades of each; the breast is often splashed with similar colors. Please see the article below for photos of several males…the effect of all this variation in a huge flock must be spectacular!

Ornithologists theorize that this characteristic may aid in individual recognition, but studies have not been conclusive; please see the article below for details.

Natural History

Queleas are classified the Family Ploceidae, which contains 4 sub-families - the True Weavers (Queleas), Buffalo Weavers, Parasitic Whydahs and Sparrows. Weavers are the avian world’s most accomplished nest-builders. Largely confined to Africa, weavers use complex knots to create enclosed nests that can only be entered from below. Positioned at the tips of tree branches, these unique nests discourage many predators.

The total Red-Billed Quelea population may approach 10 billion, with some flocks taking 5 hours to pass a single point! Amazingly, these huge aggregations move in a highly-synchronized fashion. Slow motion photography has revealed that the flock feeds in a rolling motion, and in doing so can deplete an area of seeds in short order (the video below pictures the largest gathering of birds ever caught on film).

Queleas prefer wild to cultivated plants, but are still considered to Africa’s leading grain-crop pest. The highly mobile flocks are tracked by agricultural authorities in South Africa and other countries.

Range

The Red-Billed Quelea is found throughout much of Sub-Saharan Africa, but is absent from heavily-forested and extremely arid regions. They are common in several popular wildlife reserves, including Kruger, Amboseli and Selous.

Habitat

Queleas roam widely in search of grass seeds, their primary food, and also remain within flying distance of a water source. They may be found in savannas, thorn scrub, agricultural areas and wooded and marshy grasslands.

Captive Housing

Queleas are always on the move, and, being extremely gregarious, are not at ease unless kept in groups. Consequently, despite being a mere 5 inches in length, they are best suited to life in outdoor aviaries or indoor bird rooms.

Pampas and other stout grasses and shrubs planted in their aviary will make them feel at home and provide foraging opportunities. Those originating in the southern part of the range (3 subspecies have been identified) adapt well to cool temperatures, but they need shelter from damp and drafty conditions.

Diet

A high quality finch seed mix should form the basis of their diet.

Small crickets, mealworms, waxworms and canned and wild-caught insects should be offered year-round, and are a must for pairs with chicks. In outdoor aviaries, live plants can be used to attract caterpillars, grasshoppers and other tasty treats.

Fresh sprouts and egg food should also be a regular part of your Queleas’ diet.

Breeding

Weavers construct the most elaborately-woven nests of any bird…watching the construction process was one of the great delights of my time working with birds at the Bronx Zoo. Like most of their relatives, Queleas will use only long blades of green grass as a nesting material. Furthermore, they much prefer stripping these from living plants over picking them off the floor. Taveta Golden Weavers, Red Bishops and others I have kept exploded into action when I placed freshly-dug clumps of beach grass before them, but disdained grass clippings.

Red-Billed Quelea pairs seem to exhibit mate fidelity (although I imagine it’s difficult for researchers – and perhaps the birds themselves – to keep track when 6,000 pairs are utilizing a single nesting tree!). They are stimulated to breed by rain, but also apparently need the company of others if they are to reproduce successfully.

Many other birds also refuse to reproduce unless surrounded by similarly-minded cohorts, a fact that has long thwarted captive breeding efforts. Some, such as the spectacular Cock-of-the-Rock, are known as “lek-breeders”…several males display together before a female. Spruce Grouse and others battle before waiting females to establish mating rights. Others, such as Queleas and flamingos, seem not to compete, yet will not breed in pairs or, sometimes, even small groups. I recall West Indian and Chilean Flamingos as being especially “fussy” during the breeding season. Even though I kept them in good-sixed flocks, I and my co-workers had to construct numerous mud nests before they “gave in” and began nesting themselves!

Unfortunately, aviculturists seem not to have hit on the right formula to induce regular breeding in the Red-Billed Quelea…ironic for a species whose flocks are often mistaken for smoke from massive grass fires!

Please check out my posts on Twitter http://twitter.com/#!/findiviglio and Facebook http://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100000972624553. Each day, I highlight breaking research, conservation news and interesting stories concerning just about every type of animal imaginable. I look forward to hearing about your interests and experiences as well, and will use them in articles when possible.

Please also post your questions and comments below…I’ll be sure to respond quickly.

Thanks, until next time,

Frank Indiviglio

The Natural History and Captive Care of the Red-Headed Finch or Paradise Sparrow

findiviglio — Wed, 18 Jan 2012 16:59:03 +0000

Hello, Frank Indiviglio here. The Red-Headed Finch (Amadina erythrocephala) somewhat resembles its more familiar cousin, the Cutthroat Finch, but is a bit larger and, in my opinion, even more striking in appearance. It is also a more reliable breeder than the Cutthroat and, if properly cared for, may live for over a decade. Many keepers report that their Red-Headed Finches mimic sounds, and the songs of other birds, quite well.

Description

In place of the Cutthroat Finch’s attractive splash of color (please see photo), the male has a bright red or crimson head, and his breast is beautifully marked with black-rimmed white spots. Females lack the red head and are more somberly-colored in general.

The alternate common name, Paradise Sparrow, is apt – in part due to the brilliant plumage but also because this 5 ¼ inch-long bird is stoutly built, and puts one more in mind of a sparrow than a typical finch.

Natural History

The Red-Headed Finch inhabits southern Africa, where it ranges from Angola through Zimbabwe to South Africa.

It is a bird of open thorn-scrub habitats and brushy veldts, but also frequents farms, villages and even cities. Red-Headed Finches breed colonially, utilizing abandoned weaver nests, tree cavities, and holes in building walls.

Housing

Red-Headed Finches may be kept in large finch cages or outdoor aviaries. Although they nest in colonies, only a single breeding pair should be kept in a cage. In an aviary or flight cage, multiple pairs may be housed together, but their behavior should be closely monitored for signs of aggression.

In spacious quarters, Red-Headed Finches may be kept with Java Rice Birds, Spice Finches, Button Quails and similar birds. They also get along with Cutthroat Finches, but will interbreed with them and produce fertile hybrids.

Diet

A thick, conical bill allows the Red-Headed Finch to consume a wide range of seeds. Those I’ve cared for did well on finch seed mixes that had been bolstered by a high-grade parakeet diet.

Millet sprays hung from perches will keep both you and your birds occupied and entertained for hours.

Small live insects (mealworms, waxworms, crickets), Egg Food and softbill pellets, while not essential outside of the breeding season, should be provided several times weekly; silkworms and other canned insects should be used to add variety to the diet.

Fresh sprouts, carrot tops, and small amounts of chopped kale, dandelion and other greens will round out the diet.

Increased amounts of protein-based foods and fresh produce are necessary during the breeding season, and for parents with chicks.

Grit and cuttlebone should always be available.

Breeding

In common with some other birds native to harsh habitats, Red-Headed Finches may be stimulated to breed at any time of the year if a nest box is provided. Many owners have found that they are sometimes “too willing” to attempt nesting – starting out when given a box but failing due to age, aggression, poor condition or other factors.

While these prolific birds will utilize nearly any type of box, the natural situation is to weave an elaborate, globular nest with a tunnel-like entrance way. Superior results will be achieved if they are provided with a parakeet or large finch nest box and an ample supply of dry grass and nesting hair.

Both parents incubate the 3-6 eggs for 12-13 days. They are quick to abandon the nest if disturbed, so resist the urge to check on their progress. The chicks fledge on day 21-24, and are usually sexually mature within 6 months. However, breeding should be delayed until they are at least 1 year of age.

Please check out my posts on Twitter and Facebook. Each day, I highlight breaking research, conservation news and interesting stories concerning just about every type of animal imaginable. I look forward to hearing about your interests and experiences as well, and will use them in articles when possible.

Please also post your questions and comments below…I’ll be sure to respond quickly.

Thanks, until next time,

Frank Indiviglio

Conserving the Gouldian Finch – How One Man’s Efforts are Making a Difference

findiviglio — Fri, 06 Jan 2012 16:17:17 +0000

Hello, Frank Indiviglio here. The brilliantly-colored Gouldian Finch is something of an avian anomaly. One of the most sought-after of all cage birds, it is bred in huge numbers by aviculturists worldwide. Wild populations, however, are in serious decline, and have been so for over 30 years. But, in conjunction with governmental and private groups, one dedicated conservationist is helping to brighten the species’ prospects.

Taking Action

Self-made millionaire Michael Fidler was first captivated by Gouldian Finches over 40 years ago, when he chanced upon a group in a store in Manchester, England. From that point on, he has been concerned for their future. And while few people can afford to follow in his footsteps, his efforts illustrate the importance of doing whatever is within one’s abilities on behalf of conservation. Be it through money, ideas, teaching or a new observation, we all have some potential to help.

Fire Management Changes a Unique Habitat

The Gouldian Finch is limited in distribution to Australia’s tropical north (please see map), where its lifestyle and feeding habits are uniquely influenced by rain and fire. Having evolved in a harsh, ever-changing habitat, the Gouldian Finch is, in many ways, highly specialized.

For millions of years, fires and varying rain cycles necessitated a diet comprised largely of grass seeds for one part of the year, and insects for another. Researchers believe that modern fire management practices are the most important reason for the 30-year-long decline in Gouldian Finch numbers…and despite 20 years’ worth of conservation programs, the downward trend continues.

Cattle Ranching

Gouldian Finches first began having problems in Queensland, on the eastern edge of their range. Studies indicate that the population declines progressed westward…just as did the change in fire management practices and the growth of cattle ranching.

Cattle consume grasses upon which the finches depend, and the manner in which they feed stifles re-growth and encourages the establishment of non-native plants. The spread of cattle ranching has also been implicated in the recent scarcity of other animals, including the Carpentarian Rock Rat and the Partridge Pigeon.

Eco-Tourism and Release Programs

Conservationists believe that many species will benefit if birding is encouraged as a form of eco-tourism on cattle ranches, but progress has been limited. Captive-bred Gouldian Finches are easy to come by, but when released into the wild most are quickly captured by kites, hawks and other avian predators.

Noble Efforts

Mr. Fidler relocated from his native UK to New South Wales, Australia, and now lives close to prime Gouldian Finch habitat. Over the past 20 years, he has donated vast sums to Gouldian Finch conservation programs and personally participated in captive and field research. One gift of $600,000 has helped to insure the survival of central Kimberley’s Gouldian Finches, one of the largest remaining populations.

Mr. Fidler also funds researchers at the University of New South Wales, and allows them access to his huge private aviary, home to several hundred birds…hats off!

Please also post your questions and comments below…I’ll be sure to respond quickly.

Thanks, until next time,

Frank Indiviglio

Keeping the Bengalese or Society Finch – the World’s Only “Manmade” Finch

findiviglio — Mon, 02 Jan 2012 21:16:15 +0000

Hello, Frank Indiviglio here. The pert, attractive Society Finch (Lonchura striata domestica) has never existed as a wild, “natural” species. Rather, it was produced in captivity, by breeders who crossed Sharp-Tailed and Striated Munias (Lonchura acuticauda and L. striata, please see photo). Interestingly, while the Society Finch is a very popular cage and lab bird, its parent species are rarely seen in private collections or zoos. It is an ideal choice for those who desire a hearty, easy-to-breed bird with an “exotic” history.

History

The species that gave rise to the Society Finch, members of the family Estrildidae, are native to southern Asia and closely related to Indian Silverbills, Tri-Colored Nuns and many others popular in the pet trade. The Society Finch most likely arose as a distinct species (or subspecies) in Japan, but there is also evidence that Chinese breeders had a hand in its development. The details are unclear.

A wide variety of color phases, such as fawn, white, piebald and black, have been produced. Certain strains vary in size, feather appearance and behavior, with some being harder to breed than others.

Sociable in the Extreme

Society Finch is an apt name, as these little birds are, indeed, quite “social”. Society Finches breed readily, and have highly-developed parental instincts. In fact, breeders and zoos routinely use them as foster parents for the chicks of other species. Fostering is useful in the case of abandoned chicks, and essential to a breeding technique known as “double-clutching”.

Double-clutching is used to obtain the maximum number of offspring from a pair of birds; breeders pull the first clutch (to be reared by foster parents), so that the female will produce another. Double-clutching is also well-known to zoo aviculturists…I successfully used this technique at the Bronx Zoo with Mauritius Pink Pigeons, which were fostered by Ring-Necked Doves (after a time, the Pink Pigeon chicks exceeded their foster moms in size, but the hard-working doves somehow managed to produce enough “pigeon milk” for their giant “guests”; I do recall that the doves consumed a great deal of food!).

Society Finches are quite accommodating, where breeding is concerned, in other ways as well. Two or more females will use a single nest if not discouraged, and groups will crowd into tiny nest boxes to roost. They will reproduce in mixed species aviaries, and have even been known to take over the nests of unrelated species and “kidnap” their chicks! Society Finches will also form same sex pairs, and have been cross-bred with unrelated species, including Star and Zebra Finches.

In common with the Zebra Finch, a willingness to reproduce under highly artificial conditions has rendered Society Finches as important laboratory subjects.

Captive Care

Society Finches will thrive in either indoor finch cages or outdoor aviaries. When properly acclimated and provided with a dry shelter, they are quite cold-hearty.

A good finch seed mix, comprised largely of canary seed and millet, will meet most of their needs. Pairs rearing chicks do best when provided with sprouts and egg food, but the young can also be successfully reared on seed alone. Grit and cuttlebone should always be available.

Breeding

Standard finch boxes will be readily accepted as nest sites. Despite their eagerness to reproduce in captivity, most Society Finches will not tolerate nest inspections, and may abandon their eggs if disturbed. As they are usually excellent parents, breeding pairs are best left to their own devices.

If several pairs are kept, care should be taken that multiple females do not use the same box. The eggs, 4-8 in number, are incubated for 14-18 days. Healthy females are very prolific, but producing more than 3-4 clutches per year may weaken them. The young fledge at day 20-21, and may reproduce when 3 months old. Ideally, however, Society finches should not be paired until 6-8 months of age.

Please also post your questions and comments below…I’ll be sure to respond quickly.

Thanks, until next time,

Frank Indiviglio

Holiday Season Treats and Cautions for Parrot and Finch Owners

findiviglio — Fri, 16 Dec 2011 17:05:43 +0000

Hello, Frank Indiviglio here. Holiday visits and celebrations, pleasurable as they are, can also bring some nasty surprises to both people and pets. A bit of planning now can help make the upcoming season safe and enjoyable for you and your birds.

Stress, Noise and Late Nights

Responsible bird owners know that certain holiday treats and, of course, alcohol, are bad for birds. But many overlook the important role that sleep plays in bird health (please see article below). If you entertain late, or will be out often during the holidays, keep in mind that most birds need 10-12 hours of sleep in a dark, quiet environment. If necessary, move your pet’s cage to an area that is off-limits to guests, and shut the room lights via a timer if the rest of your house will be lit after the usual “lights-out” time. Maintaining a stable day/night cycle is good for your birds mental and physical health.

Holiday parties can mean a house stocked with loud, tipsy guests, excited children and unfamiliar dogs. Each of these “creatures” (especially, those influenced by alcohol!) may take liberties with your pets that they otherwise would not. If it will be difficult for you to monitor all that is going on, consider keeping your birds in a locked room while parties are in progress (or “raging”, as the case may be!).

I’ve worked with parrots that thrived in hectic surroundings, such as busy nature centers and classrooms, but these individuals were exceptions. In general, parrots regard strangers and unusual events as threats. It’s important to remember that, however tame they may be, parrots are not domesticated animals, and remain governed by instincts and behaviors that have evolved over many millions of years.

Canaries, Finches and other Birds

All birds are highly aware of their environments, even though most do not show this as obviously as do parrots. Wild finches, canaries, doves and softbills are on the menus of a wide array of predators, and they are, therefore, exceedingly cautious by nature. I’ve even had small birds die “of fright” in my hand…please keep the delicate natures of your smaller birds in mind as the holidays approach.

Un-caged Parrots

Parrots that adjust well to strangers, and which spend time out of their cages, face different risks than do their shyer cousins. Most of these threats are well-known, but they bear repeating. Shiny ornaments, unique foods, ribbons, toys and electric wires may all be dangerous to curious pets.

Also, think carefully before offering your parrot a taste of those special holiday foods that may come your way. Since they may not familiar to you, take time to read the list of ingredients. Some hold unpleasant surprises for birds (and us!), even if they “appear” healthful…there’s a lot more than just “fruit” in the typical holiday fruit cake, for example!

Bird-Friendly Treats

I’m not a complete Scrooge…there are many tasty, nutritious surprises that you can buy or make for your pet birds, and for wild ones that you may feed. Please see the article below for holiday snacks that are quite simple to prepare, and check out our line of treats for pet and wild birds.

Gifts for Bird Owners

Need a gift for the bird owners on your list? From simple “build your own bird toys” to extravagant, mansion-like cages, the options are limitless.

In my opinion, Joseph Forshaw’s classic Parrots of the World makes an unbeatable gift for parrot enthusiasts. Covering the natural history of every parrot species and subspecies, it goes way beyond what can be found in typical pet care books, and is an enjoyable read besides.

Please also post your questions and comments below…I’ll be sure to respond quickly.

Thanks, until next time,

Frank Indiviglio

Conserving and Observing Finches in Uganda’s Impenetrable Forest

findiviglio — Tue, 06 Dec 2011 16:26:05 +0000

Hello, Frank Indiviglio here. Uganda’s Bwindi Impenetrable National Park is best known as the last stronghold of the Mountain Gorilla. However, this troubled African wildlife paradise is also home to at least 43 finch species, many of which face a future as uncertain as that of the Mountain Gorilla. While most bird enthusiasts are aware of the problems facing Africa’s parrots (please see this article), the plight of the continent’s finches receives far less attention. Through birding trips and hands-on projects, the Rare Finch Conservation Group is working to change that situation, but it’s been a long, uphill battle.

Troubles and Opportunities

The Rare Finch Conservation Group (RFCG) was formed in 2005, but has already made significant progress in addressing the problems that face Uganda’s finches. Mountain Gorillas act as “umbrella species” for the region’s wildlife – concern for them indirectly benefits many animals – but the RFCG believes that finches and other small birds deserve more direct conservation action. The organization is currently formulating a plan to study the needs of a locally-endangered bird, Shelly’s Crimsonwing.

The national park is located in Uganda, but the Impenetrable Forest extends into the Democratic Republic of Congo. The forest’s location on the edge of the Great Rift Valley, and adjacent to Virunga National Park, renders it one of the world’s most biologically diverse and unique regions. Unfortunately, armed conflicts, poverty, and political instability have long been a fact of life there, although there are now some bright spots.

A Finch Diversity Hotspot

An astounding 43 finch species have been observed in the park, and others likely await discovery. Among them, birders and finch breeders will recognize both pet trade and rarely-seen species, including the Yellow Bishop, Grosbeak Weaver, Pin-Tailed Whydah, Black-Headed Waxbill, Green-Backed Twinspot, Bronze Manikin, Oriole Finch, Quail Finch and Golden Breasted Bunting. The area may, in fact, host more finches than anywhere else on earth.

While finches are the highlight of the RFCG’s birding trips, broadbills, hornbills, turacos and over 350 other species are also present. Expedition participants may also be treated to such rare finds as Giant Forest Hogs, African Golden Cats or any of over 120 other mammals.

Traditional Medicine and Witchcraft

I was glad to see that the RFCG’s excursions went beyond birding and offered options to visit local bird breeders and traditional medicine markets. Both affect finch conservation, and direct contact with them may give visitors a deeper understanding of the many complex issues involved.

For example, reliance upon wildlife as food and medicine, and the use of witchcraft, continue to be important factors even in large cities such as Johannesburg. Seeing this first hand would seem an useful means of helping people from outside the region to think of conservation in practical, rather than ideal, terms.

Please check out my posts on Twitter and Facebook . Each day, I highlight breaking research, conservation news and interesting stories concerning just about every type of animal imaginable. I look forward to hearing about your interests and experiences as well, and will use them in articles when possible.

Please also post your questions and comments below…I’ll be sure to respond quickly.

Thanks, until next time,

Frank Indiviglio

The African Silverbill – a Near-Perfect Finch Pet

findiviglio — Fri, 25 Nov 2011 17:08:02 +0000

Hello, Frank Indiviglio here. Zebra and Society Finches are often recommended to those new to finch keeping, and with good reason. However, in my opinion, the attractive little African Silverbill or African Warbling Finch, Lonchura cantans, deserves consideration as well. In addition to being a hardy captive, it is also a prolific breeder that hybridizes readily with several other species – ideal qualities if one wishes to experiment with the creation of new finch color phases.

Description

The African Silverbill may seem “plain” to some, but its varied shades of brown, tan, buff, fawn and black both blend and contrast, lending this 4 inch-long mite a unique beauty. The sexes are alike, but only males produce the pleasant, warbling song.

Chocolate, fawn, cinnamon, white and other mutations have been produced, often influenced by related species with which the African Silverbill has been crossed.

Range and Habitat

The African Silverbill’s range extends in a narrow band across Sub-Saharan Africa and south through central East Africa. It has been introduced to Hawaii, Puerto Rico and elsewhere.

It is a bird of open savannas, brushy grasslands and farm edges where grass seed, its primary food, is plentiful. Shy but adaptable, African Silverbills often nest among roof eves and in other sites near people.

Housing

African Silverbills adapt well to standard finch cages, but should always be provided with as much room as possible. Outdoor aviaries are a great option, especially given that they mix well with other small, peaceful finches and softbills.

Diet

I favor dietary variety for most birds, but African Silverbills have rarely responded to my efforts in this regard! They favor canary seed, and do well on a high quality finch/canary mix. Some individuals will accept a bit of egg food or hard-boiled egg, but most do not; even insects are usually disdained. Sprouts and shredded greens may be taken, and should always be available to breeding pairs. Millet spray is a great favorite and will keep them occupied for hours.

Grit and cuttlebone should always be available.

Breeding

African Silverbills are ideal for those new to finch reproduction and are also excellent subjects for advanced breeders wishing to experiment with color morph creation. However, breeding pairs are quite sensitive to disturbances, so it is best not to check on the eggs or young. This is usually unnecessary anyway, as African Silverbills make fine parents if left to their own devices. In fact, they are sometimes used to foster the chicks of other finches.

The carefully woven, enclosed nest will be constructed in a basket, open finch box or, outdoors, in a thick shrub. The 4-6 eggs are incubated by both parents for 13 days. Soaked seeds, sprouts and chopped greens should be provided to the parents once the young hatch.

The chicks fledge in approximately 20 days, and are fed by their parents for an additional 2-3 weeks. The family continues to get along as the youngsters age, and they will roost together at night within the nest in a most amusing fashion.

Hybrids have been produced between African Silverbills and Zebra Finches, Indian Silverbills (they and Africans were once considered to be the same species), Spice Finches and numerous other species.

Please check out my posts on Twitter and Facebook . Each day, I highlight breaking research, conservation news and interesting stories concerning just about every type of animal imaginable. I look forward to hearing about your interests and experiences as well, and will use them in articles when possible.

Please also post your questions and comments below…I’ll be sure to respond quickly.

Thanks, until next time,

Frank Indiviglio

Weaning Canaries – Encouraging Fledglings to Accept the Adult Diet

findiviglio — Tue, 08 Nov 2011 16:07:01 +0000

Hello, Frank Indiviglio here. Whether they are hand or parent-reared, young Canaries usually need some encouragement to switch from the nestling to adult diet. This change-over period can be quite stressful, but there are a number of steps you can take to ease the transition.

The Transition Period

Pet Canaries feed their chicks largely upon sprouts, soaked seeds and Egg Food or hard boiled eggs. Once the young fledge, which usually occurs at age 16-20 days, they will be fed by their parents for an additional 2 -3 weeks. During this time, they will also begin to pick at food and eventually learn to eat on their own. Fledglings benefit from watching their parents and siblings…chicks that are hand-reared are at a disadvantage in this respect, but will also respond to the ideas and foods mentioned below.

Hard seeds are a novel food for young Canaries, and acquiring the skill needed to open them takes practice. A high protein diet remains important right through the first molt (which usually begins within 2 months of fledging), but eventually seeds should replace egg-based foods as their staple.

Caution: Stress and Weight Loss

While it is important to encourage youngsters to accept hard seeds, bear in mind that dietary switches, and the loss of parental care, are very stressful events. Stress can depress the immune system…if the birds are also losing weight, serious health problems can quickly take hold. So it’s important to keep them feeding, even if this means that the transition to adult foods will be slow. Continue to supply young birds with their favorites, such as egg food and sprouts, especially if they appear to be losing weight and slowing down. Canaries have little in the way of food reserves, so be sure to seek veterinary advice quickly if your birds decline in condition.

Make all introductions gradually…even healthy foods may cause digestive upset if suddenly taken in large quantities. And, as most parents will tell you, mixing with favorite foods, and other trickery, is critical if any young “creature” is to accept a new diet!

Useful Weaning Foods and Techniques

Couscous soaked in hot water is used by many breeders as a transition food. I use soaked, crushed seeds in place of couscous, but several of my former coworkers at the Bronx Zoo report that Canaries eat it readily, and remain in good weight while adjusting to a seed-based diet. If you opt for couscous, I suggest that you offer soaked, ground seeds as well.

Crushed softbill pellets (i.e. Softbill Select) can be mixed into the foods that the youngsters are accustomed to (typically Egg Food or a similar product). This will provide additional nutrients and introduce new tastes.

Seeds that are just beginning to sprout (please see photo, and article below for sprouting info) are one of the best foods to introduce. Most young Canaries relish sprouts; while pecking at the sprout the birds invariably hit the seed itself, and in time will begin to consume it as well.

Mix some soaked seeds from your adult canary diet in among the sprouts to encourage further experimentation. Once your birds are eating softened seeds, add crushed or ground hard seeds. Coffee grinders or pestles can be used to break up seeds and render them easier to consume.

Please also post your questions and comments below…I’ll be sure to respond quickly.

Thanks, until next time,

Frank Indiviglio

Natural History and Captive Care of Tri-Colored and Black-Headed Munias

findiviglio — Wed, 26 Oct 2011 18:14:43 +0000

Hello, Frank Indiviglio here. Also known as Tri-Colored and Black-Headed Nuns or Mannikins (Lonchura Malacca and L. atricapilla), these pert little birds make excellent pets for both beginning and advanced finch keepers. While neither sports the flashy colors of certain related species, contrasting black, chestnut and white plumage renders them quite striking.

Natural History

The 5-inch-long Tri-Colored Munia is found in southern India and Sri Lanka. It is most common in and near swamps, flooded meadows, riversides, rice fields and other moist, open habitats.

The Black-Headed Munia was long considered to be a subspecies of the Tri-Colored, but has now been designated as a distinct species. However, captives interbreed readily, and will also pair up with related finches. Its natural range, which lies north and east-southeast of the Tri-Color’s, extends from northern India through southern China, Thailand and Vietnam. It tops out at 4.5 inches in length.

Both species rely upon grass seeds as their primary food, and may form large flocks outside of the breeding season.

Captive Care: Housing

Due to their diminutive size, Munias are usually kept in quite small cages. While most will adjust to such accommodations, they will be much more content and active (and more interesting to observe!) if provided with a large flight cage.

Outdoor aviaries are ideal for small groups. If not crowded, they will get along well with other similarly-sized finches, but aggression can occur during the breeding season.

Diet

A high quality finch seed mix containing dehydrated fruit and vegetables (they do not take much fresh fruit, but seem to benefit from dried bits included in commercial diets) should form the basis of the diet.

Small amounts of chopped kale, romaine and other greens, as well as fresh sprouts, should be offered several times weekly. Soaked seed are beneficial to pairs rearing chicks.

Although most accounts claim that Tri-Colored and Black-Headed Munias will not eat insects, those under my care have taken waxworms, mealworms, wingless houseflies and small crickets. Perhaps food preferences vary among different populations, and this is reflected by captive bred descendants. In any case, I suggest offering insects, especially during the breeding season.

grit and cuttlebone should always be available.

Breeding

Breeding is most likely to occur when a pair has plenty of room.

In the wild, both species construct a covered, oval nest of dried grasses and moss, usually located 6-8 feet above-ground. Nesting baskets may be accepted by captives.

Both parents incubate their 4-5 eggs for 12-14 days. The young fledge when they are approximately 3-4 weeks old.

Special Considerations

In common with other savanna-adapted finches, Black-Headed and Tri-Colored Munias have very long, curved nails that assist them in clinging to swaying grass stems while feeding. Their nails grow quickly and may become entangled in cage mesh or wire if not trimmed regularly. Be sure to seek assistance from an experienced bird keeper or veterinarian if you are not familiar with nail-clipping.

Please also post your questions and comments below…I’ll be sure to respond quickly.

Thanks, until next time,
Frank Indiviglio

The Best Finch and Canary Foods – Commercial Seed and Pellet Diets

findiviglio — Tue, 04 Oct 2011 19:38:45 +0000

Hello, Frank Indiviglio here. Although we are fortunate to have available a wide variety of commercial finch and canary diets, choosing one can be a difficult task. Once a decision is made as to the basic type – seed or pellet – we must then consider the ingredients, which vary from brand to brand. Today I’ll examine some well-known foods and a few often-neglected dietary supplements.

Basic Guidelines

It’s important to remember that finch species vary in their nutritional needs. While many will thrive on the basic diets described below, to achieve optimal health and color the addition of insects, sprouts, fruit, greens and other supplementary foods will be necessary. Depending upon the species, some of these foods can also be used to bring birds into breeding condition. Please post your questions concerning diets for specific finches below, and I’ll provide some suggestions.

Pellet Diets

Pellet-based diets have achieved popularity among parrot keepers and in zoos, but are less commonly used for finches. Their main advantage lies in the fact that birds are prevented from selecting favorite items, as can be done when a variety of seeds is offered. Assuming the product is well-made, birds on pellet diets may consume a more complete diet than those relying upon seeds. Unfortunately, finches are often slow to take pellets. Fruit flavors are commonly used to encourage acceptance.

ZuPreem Fruit Blend Canary and Finch Food

This well-researched pellet offers excellent nutrition and is enriched with 21 vitamins and minerals. Grapes, bananas and oranges, which are favored by many finches, are used to flavor the pellets.

Kaytee Exact Rainbow for Canaries and Finches

Kaytee pellets include dried beet pulp, which may enhance certain feather colors, along with whole eggs for additional protein.

Zoo Vital Canary and Finch Food

This product is unique in that it contains 5 strains of probiotic bacteria, which may increase digestibility. Bananas, pineapple and papaya add additional nutrients and flavor.

Seed Diets

Seed-based diets have been in use for hundreds of years, and are still the most common foods for captive finches and canaries. While individual species’ needs differ, a wide variety of ingredients (in addition to the basics – i.e. various millets, canary grass seed) should be included.

L&M Bonanza Canary and Finch Gourmet Diet

Fifteen different seeds, grains and dried fruits and vegetables assure birds a variety of beneficial nutrients. Extra vitamins and minerals are also included, so check the ingredients against any supplements you might use to avoid overlap.

Pretty Bird Premium Food for Canaries and Finches

This diet includes 10 seed varieties and was formulated to meet the high energy demands and fiber requirements of most finches. Dried fruits and vegetables are not included.

Vitakraft’s Sunseed Vita for Finches

Nigerthistle and 9 other seeds, along with dried pineapple, carrot, papaya, coconut and apples, ensure good basic nutrition for most species.

Supplementary Foods

Millet Sprays

Millet sprays are 8-10 inch long stems with seeds attached, which can be hung from cage bars, perches and toys. All finches and canaries enjoy millet, but the real value of sprays is the exercise and enrichment they provide. Birds typically become very excited when presented with sprays, much more so than when feeding from a bowl.

Higgins Egg Food

Egg Food (whole dried eggs, vegetable protein, and oats) is an ideal way of meeting your birds’ protein requirements. Protein is not given much attention in finch diets, but is especially important at molting time and during the breeding season.

Pretty Bird Softbill Select

This food is intended as a staple diet for toucans, mynas,Pekinrobins and other softbills, but serves well as a supplementary food for finches and canaries. I used softbill pellets as an “insurance item” in the diets of a great many seed-eating birds under my care at the Bronx Zoo. Softbill Select is a soft pellet that contains 12 fruits and vegetables, including spinach, broccoli, dates, sweet potatoes and others that are not commonly included in finch diets.

Post your questions and comments below…I’ll be sure to respond quickly.

Thanks, until next time,

Frank Indiviglio

That Bird Blog » Finches

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