26 | PET GAZETTE | AVIAN
The Strawberry Finch is uniquely developed to life within the tall grasslands . They have developed a high level of colour which not only acts as an indicator to health and breeding readiness but also so that the flocks can see each other when in dense grasslands . They also have very dexterous feet and maintain quite long nails , which assist them with life in the long grasses and food collection .
The wild diet consists of a range of soft bodied insects and a variety of grass seeds , along with some green foods and pollen rich flowers . We must pay particular attention to the diet , as with all highly coloured birds the intensity of colour is tied into a three-part system of provision .
Firstly , we have genetics ; the bird is able to display red feathering as per its genetic make up , for instance it does not have to be crossed with another red species to be able to display red feathering . Secondly , the intensity of red plumage in all birds is increased via the ingestion of carotenoids in the diet . Carotenoids are the pigments within plants that provide them with their red , orange and yellow colours . The wild diet of the bird is rich in the full-spectrum of carotenoids as the plants and insects they consume will all contain high levels of these essential compounds . Thirdly , we have light over many years we have seen that this species , like most are able to display high levels of colouration and maintain upper levels of feather health if they have regular access to unfiltered full-spectrum natural daylight . Unfiltered daylight will enable them to see correctly through the activation of tetrachromatic vision and will also enable them to manufacture and self-regulate usable Vitamin D3 .
Most Waxbills use physical display alongside song and feather colouration to attract a mate , the Strawberry Finch is no exception . The cock will be showing off his best new red suit , singing while bobbing and bowing towards
the hen with a feather or small piece of grass in the beak .
It is clear to me , that although it is the cock that initiates copulation , it is the hen that rules the roost when kept in single pairs . A single cock can be kept with two or three hens if the flight is large enough but watch that one bird does not become the target of bullying . They will build their own nest out of dried grass or will feather line a standard wicker or bamboo hooded type nest .
Up to half a dozen little white eggs can be laid by the birds , which will be incubated for around two weeks . The young will fledge at around 21-25 days after hatching but will be fed by the adults for two to three more weeks . There is some advice within older care guides to split the cocks from the hens and to offer them an austerity diet when out of the eclipse phase . This will rest the hens but I see no benefit to reducing nutrition in either cock or hen . It is within these times that the reserves used within the madness of reproduction can be laid back down within the bones and organs .
The Strawberry Finch has a rather long lifespan , 10 years plus if they are maintained correctly , as such it is vital that we cater for their core needs at all times in order to see them thrive . A wide variety of clean , dried seeds are required in the diet alongside food that is fresh on the stalks or freshly sprouted . Livefoods such as small waxworms and fruit flies will encourage breeding , and a good eggfood should be available all year . Some green foods , fruits and flowers can be offered
while all items should be lightly treated with a full-spectrum carotenoid and mineral powder from a natural origin .
Beware products that list the isolate beta-carotene on its own , carotenoids must be supplied within the full-spectrum to be effective . This is a species that suffers with hypovitaminosis-D and the associated diseases linked to the demineralisation of the bones . We must ensure that they are afforded a suitable source of D3 , ideally from exposure to UV-B or within supplemented D3 , where safe to do so . Grits , cuttle bones , iodine blocks and a quality natural mineral supplement powder should always be available alongside fresh water . This is a bathing bird which will benefit greatly from a shallow warm bath and regular spray downs , this in itself will replicate the regular rains of the wild tropical environment .
In terms of housing , large wooden breeder cages can be used as can indoor flights . The birds should be kept as being species specific to minimise the risk of aggression , interference and hybridisation . Strawberry Finches should be kept away from draughts and kept in a stable , warm area , as the cold will affect them greatly . They can be placed into outside aviaries within the summer months where access to unfiltered daylight will do a lot of good .
Cages and flights maintained within the home or birdroom should be suitably illuminated with high quality full-spectrum and UV- B bird lighting . Remember that LEDs do not produce UV and as such have very little positive impact .
Provide both a horizontal and vertical series of perching in varying diameters , this will exercise the feet and legs and aid with keeping nails short . Branches with leaves are very helpful also as they provide extra cover and security .
Pairs of Strawberry Finches can be sold for around £ 80-100 which is a fair price and one which will ensure that potential keepers put some effort into their continued reproduction . Strawberry Finches are frequently available on wholesale lists and at local breeders meets . I would suggest a period of quiet quarantine before offering for sale in-store , a secure , warm environment will allow them to settle down and destress . A worthy addition for any shop that wishes to expand their usual offering .
The cock will be showing off his best new red suit , singing while bobbing and bowing towards the hen with a feather or small piece of grass in the beak
www . petgazette . biz May 2018