. 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:
- Length: Approx 100 mm (or 4 inches)
- Colour ( "normal" colour ): Refer
photo/s above if available.
- 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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