© Maureen Cranston 2002-
Having had four new aviaries built I have filled them with finches of varying kinds. Nothing too complicated to keep, just nice to look at and easy to colony breed.
Easiest of all are zebra finches and I have one aviary dedicated to then. They are such cheerful little birds, always on the go and chirping away to each other constantly.
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| A group of zebras. |
I have 5 pairs, two grey pairs bought locally and three pairs bought from near Doncaster and they are a variety of colours including pied.
I couldn't believe it when they started breeding almost immediately and have now increased my numbers to a total of 16. They seem to be very comfortable in the long aviary and the only problem I can see is trying to persuade them to go into the indoor roost at night instead of their beloved bush outside but I'm sure I'll manage
The other three aviaries have different species in them. One has a mixture of red ear and orange cheek finches which seem to live happily together and are so settled that they laid eggs but too late to hatch them for this season. The only fatality I have had is one red ear and there seemed no real reason for it, and everyone else seems OK.
The next aviary has three pairs of gold breast finches. They are lovely birds to look at but painfully shy. They will, through time, get used to us passing by and talking to them. Doesn't affect their appetites though so they are obviously building up for winter.
Last but by no means least are my absolute favourites, the bichenos. I only have one pair and they have an aviary all to themselves. This is my third attempt to keep these beautiful birds and, so far, so good. They have a lovely call and are really wonderful to look at. Fingers crossed this time!
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Male Bicheno. |