Species list???

[Finch_Breeder]

So your saying painted firetails are easy to sex and do not need live food for breeding?
Edit: sorry I thought you said diamond firetails, not painted firetails.

[Finch_Breeder]

Any special requirements for painteds, can they stand the cold? Might go do some research to build up my knowledge.
Cheers, Mike

[Jayburd]

Cold is fine, but damp is a biiiig no no. They spend a lot of time on the floor, so damp floors will pretty much kill them.

[Tiaris]

The photo is a Firefinch (Black-bellied think) which is not available in captivity in Australia. Try google images for Red-billed Firefinch, Lagonosticta senegala. That's the one you'll be able to obtain in oz.

[Finch_Breeder]

Okay thanks
Do they prefer building their own nests or do they prefer nest boxes?
Cheers, Mike

[Myzomela]

Not that it really matters but I think finch_breeder's photo is of the blue-billed firefinch (Lagonosticta rubricata)- for those who care about these things!

[Finch_Breeder]

Okay thanks
Do they prefer building their own nests or do they prefer nest boxes?
Cheers, Mike

Any one

[goldelf]

Sorry i am still not getting it-when people are saying Fires do you all mean Firefinches as in Ruddies or Painted Firetails? For some reason i thought Ruddies need live food for breeding. ??

[finches247]

Fires are Ruddies- African Specie
Painted Firetails are Emblema-Australian Specie

Firefinches & Painted Firetails will breed without live food.

Firefinches prefer making there nests in brush or in cane nests and Painteds are the same.

[vettepilot_6]

I would have to agree the Ruddie would be better as Painteds spend a lot of time on the ground so unless your aviary is completely damp proof go for the Ruddie...Also I have seen Ruddies in England let out and used like little homing pigeons...so they too become very people calm..