Bamboo Parrotfinch
BirdCare.com.au
PO  Box 126 Mitcham Vic 3132 ( Victoria, Australia )

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. Bamboo Parrotfinch
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  • Scientific Name:  Erythrura hyperythra
  • Common Name/s:  BAMBOO PARROT FINCH.
  • Sub Species in country / area of origin:  8
  • Origin / Distribution:  Parts of Asia
  • Habitat In Wild:  Rainforest areas and surrounding secondary vegetation, especially where stands of bamboo occur.
  • Status In Wild:  Declining.
  • Status In (Australian) Captivity:  Rare and expensive.
  • Age To Sexual Maturity:  about 8 months.
  • Adult plumage:  attained at about 4 - 6 months.
  • Best breeding years (estimate):  12 months - 4th year.  Less productive years than most finches. 
  • Lifespan (estimate):  About 8 years.
  • Sexing:  Monomorphic / Dimorphic  With experience, birds can be fairly accurately sexed.  DNA sexing may be necessary.
  • Mutations:  No
  • Availability:  Specialist breeders
  • Temperament:  Tropical bird.  The Bamboo parrotfinch is a shy, nervous birds.  May be kept with other finches but with their rarity in Australian aviaries it would be best to give them an aviary of their own.  A well planted aviary will give them a sense of security and help keep them relaxed and quiet.
  • Cost (Victoria) Per Pair: - Normal colour (Approx.) $2500
  • Description Of Adults:
  1. Length: Approx 100 mm (or 4 inches)
  2. Colour ( "normal" colour ): Refer photo/s above if available.
  3. Weight: Approx  7 gms (or approx. 1/4 oz)

Aviary Notes:

Read notes on "Finches - Non Australian" web page and use in conjunction with details outlined on this page.

Level Of Knowledge Required: Beginner / Intermediate / Advanced / Specialist Breeders Only.

Government Regulations & By-Laws:  Refer to "Government Laws" page.

Housing Requirements:  Click on "Housing birds" web page for general details on the housing of Non Australian Finches or read on for specific details for this finch.

The Bamboo parrotfinch may be kept with other finches but with their rarity in Australian aviaries it would be best to give them an aviary of their own.  A planted aviary is best but they will breed in an indoor cage that has a floor area of about 1,000 mm x  500mm and about 600mm high ( 40 x 20 x 24 inches).  The 1 metre wide cage will allow sufficient dry brush to be attached to one end for the birds to build a nest and feel secure.

Small growing bamboo plants and tall growing grasses can be placed in the aviary as well as shrubs.  The bamboo will grow well in pots provided it is well watered and has sufficient daily sunlight.

In an aviary, Parrotfinches will bathe regularly.  Birds in a cage will benefit from access to a "bath".

Diet / Feeding:  Click on "Feeding birds" web page for general details on the nutrition of  Non Australian Finches or read on for specific details for this finch.

In the wild the Bamboo parrotfinch will eat bamboo seeds.  Aviary requirements are a good quality finch mix, seeding grasses and some fruits (e.g. apple, figs) and vegetables.  Live food is essential especially at breeding season.  Mealworms, crickets and small locusts are suitable.  Sprouted or soaked seed if available.
A variety of fruits should be offered to these birds as fruits may be a significant part of their natural / wild food intake.  Aviary birds seem to be better breeders when fruits are a regular part of the diet.

If the young are being raised by foster parents such as Bengalese finches, the young Parrotfinches should be removed from the foster birds as soon as they are fully independent.  The young should be returned to mix with or associate with other Bamboo Parrotfinches.
If foster parents are used, the foster parents should be encouraged to consume the foods that form part of the Bamboo Parrotfinch requirements.  If the foster birds will eat a "Bamboo parrotfinch" diet, that should maximize the nutritional benefits to the young birds.

Basic seed mix should include Canary seed, White French Millet, Japanese Millet, and Yellow and Red Panicum.

Nesting:  A basic overview only.

  • Roosting nest: ?
  • Nesting months:  Summer and autumn.
  • Nesting receptacles: The Bamboo parrotfinch will build a nest in dry brush or in a half open nest box.  A half open nest box 150mm x 150mm x 150mm (6 x 6 x 6 inches) is adequate.
  • Nest:  The ball shaped nest is built by both parents.  Nests are constructed from grasses, leaves, plant rootlets and other plant matter.  In the wild these birds will use pieces of shredded bamboo leaves.  Nest is lined with soft fine grasses.
  • Who incubates the eggs: Hen at night / cock / both share during the day.

A new nest is built for each clutch.  Adequate nest material must be available throughout the breeding season.
Generally unwise to do nest inspections.
More details on finch nests and a selection of finch nest photos can be located on the "nests", "finch nests" and "finch nest photos" web pages.  Click on "Up" then "nests" then "finch nests" and "finch nests photos" in the navigation bars.

Breeding: Egg Colour White.  Clutch/s per year  2 or 3.  Eggs per nest  3 - 4.  Incubation approx. 14 - 15 days.  Fledge approx. 3 - 4 weeks.  Independent approx. another 5 - 6 weeks.

Both parents feed the young.
A second nest and clutch of eggs may be started before the first youngsters are fully independent.
These birds need an area of privacy to feel secure and start a nest.  Some breeders separate the sexes during the non-breeding season and re-introduce the birds just prior to the breeding season.

Overseas breeders of the Bamboo parrotfinch have successfully fostered them with Bengalese finches.

Artificial incubation, hand rearing or fostering will not be covered on this web site.  It is too complex and diverse in nature to be attempted here.  Refer "Specific References" as listed below and "General References" listings.

Health Issues:  Refer  "Avian Health Issues" web page for information and references.

  • Worming and parasite control and Quarantine requirements of new birds or sick birds are considered to require veterinary advice and therefore not covered on this web site.  Refer above option - "Avian Health Issues" web page.
  • Avian medicine is advancing at a rapid pace.  Keep updating your knowledge and skills.

General References:  Refer to references listed on "Book References" web page.

Specific References:

  • Australian Aviculture
  • A/A Vol 23 No 10 Oct 1969 Page 141-142
  • Australian Birdkeeper

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