African Silverbill profile
Posted: 20 Feb 2011, 16:58
African Silverbill
Latin Name:
Lonchura Cantans
Other Names:
Silverbill, mouse finch
Mutations:
Chocolate, developed in Europe in the 1980's, and Fawn, developed in Australia by the late G. Cartwright of NSW in the 1980's. For descriptions see the Finch... a breeder's companion by Russell Kingston
Description:
Adult –
• Male – Identical to female. Orange-brown or fawn head and face, with scalloped effect on crown and chin., brown back, dark brown wings and tail black. underside is cream. The beak, which is typical Lonchura, is silver. Legs grey.
• Female – Identical to male.
Juveniles – Looks like a dull adult, with gape lobes. Distinctive 'baby bird' look.
Sexing:
DNA or Surgical sexing will be required for these birds if sexing on site, otherwise if you have time and money, purchase several pairs and they will pair up on their own.
Basic Breeding Info:
Average Clutch Size: 3 to 7 eggs
Incubation Period: 15 days
Leave nest: 21 days
Breeding Season: all year round in most parts of Australia, though preference is for the warmer months.
Status in Australian Aviculture
very rare, needs determined and serious combined effort to bring it back to it's former status of 'common as mice'.
Housing
These birds can either be housed in cages or aviaries. Aviaries are preferable, though they don't always make it possible to control breeding. safety doors are as always a must.
this species will nest quite readily in boxes.
Aviaries should always be made so the solid shelter walls block out the inclement weather, as most finches are not very tolerant of cold, and jacarinis are no exception. A snug shelter will be needed in temperate areas. The aviary should be planted keeping mind the bird's natural arid habitat. Lots of sun during the day is good for these birds, as long as it doesn't get too hot.
A minimum sized cage should be 100cm (L) x 70cm (W) x 60cm (H).
Feeding
These birds should be fed a good seed mix, and lots of greens. Live food is not needed for breeding, but instead greens are essential, and should be provided in large amounts when breeding. Some specialist seeds such as Phalaris and Purple Pigeon Grass seeds may be added.
Keeper Rating
African Silverbills will breed like mice in the right environment, but because of it's great rarity, only very experienced breeders should be trusted with it.
Approximate cost per pair in Australia:
Unknown - Can someone please advise?
PICTURES
some more pictures can be viewed here viewtopic.php?f=61&t=5984
Latin Name:
Lonchura Cantans
Other Names:
Silverbill, mouse finch
Mutations:
Chocolate, developed in Europe in the 1980's, and Fawn, developed in Australia by the late G. Cartwright of NSW in the 1980's. For descriptions see the Finch... a breeder's companion by Russell Kingston
Description:
Adult –
• Male – Identical to female. Orange-brown or fawn head and face, with scalloped effect on crown and chin., brown back, dark brown wings and tail black. underside is cream. The beak, which is typical Lonchura, is silver. Legs grey.
• Female – Identical to male.
Juveniles – Looks like a dull adult, with gape lobes. Distinctive 'baby bird' look.
Sexing:
DNA or Surgical sexing will be required for these birds if sexing on site, otherwise if you have time and money, purchase several pairs and they will pair up on their own.
Basic Breeding Info:
Average Clutch Size: 3 to 7 eggs
Incubation Period: 15 days
Leave nest: 21 days
Breeding Season: all year round in most parts of Australia, though preference is for the warmer months.
Status in Australian Aviculture
very rare, needs determined and serious combined effort to bring it back to it's former status of 'common as mice'.
Housing
These birds can either be housed in cages or aviaries. Aviaries are preferable, though they don't always make it possible to control breeding. safety doors are as always a must.
this species will nest quite readily in boxes.
Aviaries should always be made so the solid shelter walls block out the inclement weather, as most finches are not very tolerant of cold, and jacarinis are no exception. A snug shelter will be needed in temperate areas. The aviary should be planted keeping mind the bird's natural arid habitat. Lots of sun during the day is good for these birds, as long as it doesn't get too hot.
A minimum sized cage should be 100cm (L) x 70cm (W) x 60cm (H).
Feeding
These birds should be fed a good seed mix, and lots of greens. Live food is not needed for breeding, but instead greens are essential, and should be provided in large amounts when breeding. Some specialist seeds such as Phalaris and Purple Pigeon Grass seeds may be added.
Keeper Rating
African Silverbills will breed like mice in the right environment, but because of it's great rarity, only very experienced breeders should be trusted with it.
Approximate cost per pair in Australia:
Unknown - Can someone please advise?
PICTURES
some more pictures can be viewed here viewtopic.php?f=61&t=5984