Recommended Aussie Breeds?

[ragamuffin]

Hi all

My other half and I have not long ventured into the world of finches, and we're thinking on setting up an aviary so we can expand a little. We've already got a pair of zebs, and we're thinking a pair of gouldians and a pair of Cubans to go with them at this point. Yep, realise Cubans aren't Aussie, but those little guys look too interesting to resist.

What I'm wondering, is what are some Aussie breeds of finch that are becoming more uncommon and need more people out there looking after them, and possibly breeding? While I would like to have 'nice looking' finches (hence our wanting to get the gouldians and Cubans), I'd also like to try and contribute to keeping a species going.

I know there's likely to be a few, and then there's everyone's favourites, but at the moment I'm just chasing some food for thought.

Cheers
Amanda

[Diane]

Dont know about being uncommon but a specie I like is the Emblema or Painted finch, they are a very laid back kind of finch...well at least the ones I have are...they get along with other finches, the cocks have an interesting call too, bit like the cartoon noises of a broken spring . There are two colours to choose from, (but keep colour to colour) easy to tell sexes apart and colour up fairly quickly. Reasonable price for a pair too.
viewtopic.php?f=108&t=5578

About the Cubans, nice little bird but be very wary of its territorial aggression, there are many instances mentioned on here and I can verify one myself. A pair in a large mixed aviary from parents that never had any problem with other birds. Everything went along great for weeks with me watching like a hawk for any signs of chasing ect. Then one morning a dead bird with blood on the cubans.
Bye Bye Cubans

[ragamuffin]

Might have to rethink our Cuban idea then (drat, there go the names Missile and Cigar! ). We'd heard from a friend who also has finches that they are fairly friendly towards humans, which was one of the appeals of them, but with what I've seen on here perhaps they would be better as an indoor pet in a large cage.

[Jayburd]

Hi Amanda,

Fantastic aim, a bird that comes to mind is the African Silverbill (not Aussie, but in need of help nonetheless). I've heard they're easy to breed, and the Queensland Finch Society has a breeding programme going for them. I think there are some posts about it in the for sale section.

Cubans and Gouldians is a nice start to a collection. Some cubans have the tendency to be aggressive as Di has said, they aren't all the same, all birds are individuals. Just keep an eye on the male, especially near breeding season.

Just watch the zebras, they will breed quickly and take over the aviary if you're not careful. They can be quite disruptive with their over-inquisitive nature, but a great finch anyway.

I second Painteds, they're awesome

[Red]

What I'm wondering, is what are some Aussie breeds of finch that are becoming more uncommon and need more people out there looking after them, and possibly breeding?

Not a native species, but Australian Plainhead Canaries are a rare Australian breed that need people willing to take them on. Probably not what you had in mind.

[elferoz777]

I start with chest nuts then move into goulds for the practice sake.

After you achieve some solid results there rufous backed manikins or whatever they are called are an attractive bird in need of help.

[Craig52]

I start with chest nuts then move into goulds for the practice sake.

After you achieve some solid results there rufous backed manikins or whatever they are called are an attractive bird in need of help.

Have you keep rufous backs elf,as their temperment is worst than cubans and probably the reason they are on the decline. Craig

[finches247]

I would say Spice Finch or Plumheaded Finches would be good uncommon birds

[elferoz777]

I start with chest nuts then move into goulds for the practice sake.

After you achieve some solid results there rufous backed manikins or whatever they are called are an attractive bird in need of help.

Have you keep rufous backs elf,as their temperment is worst than cubans and probably the reason they are on the decline. Craig

Not at all.

I was just suggesting a breed that needed a leg up is all.

I think they look stunning but the issues you mentioned make then not so desirable.

[tonytoast]

Pictorellas are few and far between.... Yellow Rumps are also fairly uncommon however may lack the colour you seek. One very cool native in terms of behaviour is the Black Throat....just some suggestions.