African Silverbill profile

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Jayburd
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Posts: 5795
Joined: 08 Dec 2009, 12:08
Location: Canberra

African Silverbill

Latin Name:
Lonchura Cantans

Other Names:
Silverbill, mouse finch

Mutations:
Chocolate, developed in Europe in the 1980's, and Fawn, developed in Australia by the late G. Cartwright of NSW in the 1980's. For descriptions see the Finch... a breeder's companion by Russell Kingston

Description:
Adult –
Male – Identical to female. Orange-brown or fawn head and face, with scalloped effect on crown and chin., brown back, dark brown wings and tail black. underside is cream. The beak, which is typical Lonchura, is silver. Legs grey.
Female – Identical to male.
Juveniles – Looks like a dull adult, with gape lobes. Distinctive 'baby bird' look.

Sexing:
DNA or Surgical sexing will be required for these birds if sexing on site, otherwise if you have time and money, purchase several pairs and they will pair up on their own.

Basic Breeding Info:
Average Clutch Size: 3 to 7 eggs
Incubation Period: 15 days
Leave nest: 21 days
Breeding Season: all year round in most parts of Australia, though preference is for the warmer months.

Status in Australian Aviculture
very rare, needs determined and serious combined effort to bring it back to it's former status of 'common as mice'.

Housing
These birds can either be housed in cages or aviaries. Aviaries are preferable, though they don't always make it possible to control breeding. safety doors are as always a must.
this species will nest quite readily in boxes.
Aviaries should always be made so the solid shelter walls block out the inclement weather, as most finches are not very tolerant of cold, and jacarinis are no exception. A snug shelter will be needed in temperate areas. The aviary should be planted keeping mind the bird's natural arid habitat. Lots of sun during the day is good for these birds, as long as it doesn't get too hot.
A minimum sized cage should be 100cm (L) x 70cm (W) x 60cm (H).

Feeding
These birds should be fed a good seed mix, and lots of greens. Live food is not needed for breeding, but instead greens are essential, and should be provided in large amounts when breeding. Some specialist seeds such as Phalaris and Purple Pigeon Grass seeds may be added.

Keeper Rating
African Silverbills will breed like mice in the right environment, but because of it's great rarity, only very experienced breeders should be trusted with it.

Approximate cost per pair in Australia:
Unknown - Can someone please advise?

PICTURES
IMG_7093_2.JPG
some more pictures can be viewed here viewtopic.php?f=61&t=5984
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Julian

Birdwatcher and finch-keeper.

Feel free to check out my photos here: https://www.flickr.com/photos/lewinsrail/
And my birding antics here: http://worthtwointhebushbirding.blogspot.com.au/
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casehulsebosch
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Posts: 552
Joined: 03 Feb 2011, 19:37
Location: new zealand

Hallo Jayburd. Good on ya for taking on the different profiles of birds not as yet included on the forum. just a few side notes thought. There are of course more mutations of this species i.e. cinnamon, chocolate, grey, brown, isabel and white and maybe some more but it has been some time, and than some, since I bred this species.
For a description of this species, and any species for that matter, the full description should be given. Not everybody has Russell Kingston's book and he is probably as well known in some parts of the world as Alois van Mingeroet :eh: is in Australia.
Sexing. With a little time and observation this bird is as easy to sex as a Bengelese and the male can be distinguished by his song. cheers, Case
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Weaver
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Posts: 153
Joined: 13 Apr 2010, 10:30
Location: Sydney

Thanks primarily to one Sydney breeder who brought up most of the old/odd birds available some years back we are now lucky enough to have a somebirds to be working with. 3 or 4 dedicated breeders are now putting in the effort to reestablish these birds.
The outlook for these guys is good with each of the groups doing quite well. Small nest sizes (1 or 2) were experienced initially but now with the exchange of different blood lines we are seeing the nest sizes increase again. Over the next few seasons we can expect Silverbills to be more readily available again. We then need to ensure we don't let them dwindle to such small numbers again.
Recently some pairs changed hands for $400/pair
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Jayburd
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Posts: 5795
Joined: 08 Dec 2009, 12:08
Location: Canberra

thank you both :D yeah I've heard of the breeder in sydney, read an article on him and have decided I MUST meet him!
I will update the profile.
Julian

Birdwatcher and finch-keeper.

Feel free to check out my photos here: https://www.flickr.com/photos/lewinsrail/
And my birding antics here: http://worthtwointhebushbirding.blogspot.com.au/
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finchbreeder
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Posts: 11489
Joined: 27 Jun 2009, 20:00
Location: Midwest of West. Aust. Coast
Location: Midwest of West.Aust.Coast

Good on you Jay for your efforts. :thumbup: And an extra big "good on you" to the dedicated breeders who are working so hard to not just bring this little finch back from the brink but to make it accessable to most serrious breeders. :clap: :clap: :clap:
LML
LML
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