Saturday, September 26, 2009

RED FACED PARROT FINCH (erythrura psittacea)







The Red-Faced Parrot Finch (Erythrura Psittacea) - is native in New Caledonia - an island near Queensland coast (Australia). It can usually be found in grasslands or open country bordering forested areas.
The Red Faced Parrot Finch is my favourite bird. They are very popular aviary birds. There are few beautiful mutations.
I have a very strong affinity for them. They are a true delight to have in a mixed aviary or as a colony breeder.
They have a natural inquisitive nature, and seem to have the happy knack of recognizing the breeder immediately and greeting them at the aviary door.
This breed is totally vivacious, very energetic, and always on the move. They are very gentle, which makes them an ideal choice, for a mixed aviary.
This finch loves water -- they enjoy jumping in and out of it. Bathing will take place a couple of times a day, summer or winter - and are an important part of their daily grooming.

It's very important that the birds are not disturbed while they have young in nest or parents will abandon them. One of my 2009 males won the best young Parrot Finch at the DAS Bird show 2009.

Thursday, September 24, 2009

Red Billed African Fire Finch ( lagonosticta rubricata)










Breeding African Fire Finch (lagonosticta rubricata) is not only exciting but also put you on the same league as expert breeders in the world. The satisfaction of getting 100% fertility rate combined with healthy fledglings is very rewarding. I have closed banded these 4 babies that are of the identical size when fledged. They were bred in an aviary with other finches as Red Cheeked Cordon Bleu, Lavender, Masked Fire Finch and Gouldians. The aviary is 12' long 4' wide and 8' high with natural tree barks and gravel at the bottom.

Monday, July 6, 2009

Gouldian Finch-cloebia gouldiae




Here are some 2008 birds that I bred. The colors of these birds are impeccable, they have built very strong mussels while in the flight cage after moulting. This is how I tone my birds in two stages so that they are strong breeders and healthy. They must be in small cages while moulting so that they can preserve every bit of energy to transfer in to feathers of rainbow colors.