European Siskins / Violet Eared Waxbills / Purple Grenadiers

[Jayburd]

oooooooh yes!

Very true... I was 45mins to Fremantle

J

[dano_68]

Hi, I know a breeder here in QLD who is probably that last person left in Australia with breeding pairs of Purple Grenadiers. They now sell for between $2500 - $3000. He does not cross them with any other species, but he has fostered Grenadiers under Blue Caps. Perhaps this is where the rumour (wrong) cam from about hybridizing. The gene pool is now so depleted that they will not be around much longer.

For the record, as far as I know ALL breeding pairs of Violet Ear Waxbills are gone. There are no longer any viable populations left so unfortunately this is another beautiful bird gone from Australia forever

This is what happens when people with big wallets but no experience buy up these rare species. They die out purly due to lack of experience. Point in question, one guy bought 3 pairs of Purple Grenadiers. Within 6 weeks all the hens were dead. Why? Becasue he had no idea what he was doing. Sad story but true!

Here are a few more that where arounf 10 years ago but not any more: Peals Parrot Finch; Lavender Finch, Quail Finch...

[Mickp]

Thats one hell of a statement to make, not sure that I would say something like it unless I had personally travelled all over Australia and visited every bird keeper/breeder.
And I usually manage to have foot in mouth disease on a regular basis

[Jayburd]

I agree with Mickp

You never know what's hiding out there.

I get your question - in - point though.

There are still Peale's around, by the way. And also, the cordons (any of them) can cross with both/either of the purple waxbills. They are all related in the family Uraeginthus.

[E Orix]

Sorry to disagree dano but there are Purple Grenadiers and a few Violet Ears in the Southern States.
Far too expensive for me because Waxbills die to easily on the other hand Weavers etc. are longer lived and far tougher.
But I do agree with you when you mention the major problem of cheque book aviculture.
Sadly we have lost a huge number of birds because the ones who were good enough to breed the rarer species simply couldn't afford to buy them. A prime example is the Pekin Robin at $3000 per pair.
In defence of the sellers though, it is very hard to turn someone away pushing a big wad of cash in front of your eyes.
By the way if anyone has a spare pair or two of Red Collard Whydahs let me know as I would be most willing to push a wad of notes in their face!!!!!!

[craigvdl]

Mate, with that sort of offer you deceive a flood of responses!! Before you hand over the reddies better ask for their birth certificate though....

Craig

[E Orix]

Craig
How are you.
As for the Whydahs I am sure something could be arranged
Oh I dream

[bleeding green]

I know of someone who has the nepolan weavers.
I tried tracking down the cardinals a coupel of years ago. One prominant breeder got in touch with me and said there were a couple of pairs around but if I was lucky enough to track them down I would have to be prepared to $5000 to snatch them. He had one, can't remember if it was a mail or female and was trying to get a mate for it.

[Jayburd]

yeah, I know 2 guys with Napoleons, and a couple of guys with Red Shouldered Whydahs.