Aussie Finch Forum

Hi

Just want to know which munia would be best for me
Thinking white headed nun,black headed nun or maybe african silver-bills

What do all these species require in terms on nesting and housing

What methods are used to sex these species

And where can i find some

ThanksI

Put alot of thought in which Munia you wish to keep because you court disaster putting in two types as they will readily cross.
I have been told that people have run two types but eventually you will end up with a nest of Hybrids.
Silver Bills are getting far more common now are easy to breed but far too expensive for what you get(my opinion only),they are currently
around $150 pp but really are only a $40 pp bird. I am sure this will be prooved in a year or so,it also was a similar situation with the Yellow Rumps.
Javan Munias yes if you can get good quality young birds that haven't been crossed.Black Nuns yes if you can once again get good stock(birds with jet black head feathers)that leaves Tri and Silver Nuns of the readily avail. Munias. My pick would be Silver Headed while not as striking as Tri's they are easier to breed and require far less extras with regard aviary set up.

No advice. Just encouragement. It is good to see a young person like yourself deciding to put some effort into preserving one of the Munia species. If you have more avairies do keep more than one. If not as EOrix has said concentrate one one and be known for your success with it.
LML

Very good idea trying to go for munias, not as strikingly coloured as the rest just a earthy tones. I'm looking in a few years to also run a small colony of munias and I'm looking at the white headed nun or silverbill, but all are nice birds ranging from black head to tri colour and all have similar requirements.

probably go with white headed nun

now what nest boxes do they use if any

I'm lead to believe that they prefer to build their own in grass or reeds but would love to hear what others use.

Yes bunches of brush or grass tussocks are their preferred nest sites. Very rarely nest in boxes. Like to use some coarser grasses for the main nest structure too & maybe line it with some finer grasses.

would purple fountain grass be alright

If you want some African silverbills, the QFS Conservation program is now open to anyone. Silverbills are available at $35 a pair (which covers DNA cost) plus freight. Two pairs per person. Contact me - [email protected]