European Siskins / Violet Eared Waxbills / Purple Grenadiers

09 Dec 2009, 21:09

Spice finches will always be one of the cheaper and less popular finches. They have established themselves in wild colonies in many areas so even if they get low in numbers as far as captive bred birds go, they can be legally trapped to replenish stocks. Spice finches were one of the first finches I had success with as a kid, so i have fond memories of them.

09 Dec 2009, 21:54

I think munias are under-rated by those impressed by show ponies like Gouldians. Spice finches are the equivalent of only $1 here in the Philippines and they are all wild caught but seldom kept and never bred. Even though I've been trying for two years I haven't breed any munias but I would love to know the secrets of getting these wild birds to breed. In the last 4 months I did get a male spice to build a nest with a Javan but she skipped town after I opened the door to the feeding station. Just this week I have had Java sparrows lay after 2 years of waiting. There must be something I'm doing wrong.

10 Dec 2009, 10:33

I wish Tri-nuns were common here. They like the Javas have a regal look to them. And despite being black and white and brown look very impressive. Had a trio for some years and got them to lay a couple of times but no luck in hatching anything and the last one fell off its perch earlier this year.

Ah well, another one on the wish list.
LML

10 Dec 2009, 15:35

Poor Finchbreeder!

about 6 pairs every birdsale here + a few in the pet shops!

10 Dec 2009, 17:34

i see tri nuns available most of the time . around the $80 in the finch club mag so when i see some i will let you know.....pete

10 Dec 2009, 22:20

Thanks Pete.
Mind u at the rate I am going "he who prefers tools" might lock me up.
Have got to get down and pick up some Gouldian hens

I've ordered from Chris.
Just grabbed a pair of red painteds from an old friend up here today, and am collecting a Cuban hen off him next week.

And those Double Bars over the bird shop did look real good.
I wonder how many small feathered Christmas Presi's I can get away with.

LML

11 Dec 2009, 07:15

wow, that's expensive poitta, usually here $40 - 60.

Haha, same here. I wonder... christmas lists abound!

11 Dec 2009, 19:53

its the price you pay for isolation jay. if you are lucky you can pick them up cheaper ...pete

12 Dec 2009, 15:57

Perth's not all THAT isolated pete!

I know, used to live there.

UNLESSSssss your on the outer edge...?

12 Dec 2009, 20:40

Perth is only slightly isolated.
It's us people who have to drive for half a day to get to Perth who are isolated.
LML