Breeding Fiji parrotfinches: Peale’s Parrotfinch, Housing, nesting, diet
Breeding Fiji Parrotfinches (Erythrura pealii), also known as Peale’s Parrotfinch, is a rewarding but delicate process. Native to the islands of Fiji, these small finches require specialized care and a stable environment to breed successfully in captivity. Here’s a detailed guide to assist in breeding:
1. Environment and Housing
- Aviary Size: Fiji parrotfinches need a spacious, well-ventilated aviary or a large flight cage to accommodate their active nature. The aviary should include plenty of perches and space for flying.
- Plants for Privacy: Incorporate live or artificial plants into the aviary to create secluded spots, which help reduce stress and encourage breeding.
- Temperature: Being tropical birds, Fiji parrotfinches prefer warm environments. The temperature should be maintained around 22-28°C (72-82°F).
- Lighting: Provide 12-14 hours of daylight to simulate natural breeding conditions. Supplemental lighting may be needed during winter months.
2. Nesting
- Nesting Sites: Offer enclosed nest boxes or woven nests made of natural materials. Place nests in areas with low human traffic to minimize disturbances.
- Nesting Materials: Provide soft materials like coconut fibers, dried grasses, and feathers for the birds to construct their nests.
3. Diet for Breeding
- Seed Mix: Provide a high-quality finch seed mix with millet, canary seed, and grass seeds.
- Live Foods: Supplement their diet with mealworms, small insects, and other live foods to increase protein levels, especially important during the breeding and chick-rearing phases.
- Soft Foods: Egg food, soaked seeds, and sprouted seeds are essential for extra nutrients during breeding.
- Fresh Greens and Fruits: Offer fresh vegetables like spinach, lettuce, and fruits such as apple and pear slices for a balanced diet. Always ensure food is safe and properly washed.
- Calcium Supplements: Make sure cuttlebone or powdered calcium is available for proper egg production and to prevent egg binding.
4. Pairing and Mating
- Bonding: Fiji parrotfinches are social birds and will bond with their mate before breeding. Monitor pairs to ensure compatibility before introducing them to the breeding setup.
- Courtship: Males will display courtship behaviors, including singing, hopping, and offering food to the female. A bonded pair will begin working together on the nest once ready to breed.
5. Egg Laying and Incubation
- Clutch Size: The female typically lays 4-6 eggs, which she incubates for about 12-14 days. Both parents may participate in incubation.
- Incubation Period: During this time, disturbances should be kept to a minimum, as too much stress can cause the pair to abandon the nest.
6. Chick Development
- Feeding the Chicks: Both parents feed the chicks with regurgitated food. High-protein foods like live insects are essential for the chicks’ growth.
- Fledging: Chicks typically fledge (leave the nest) around 3-4 weeks after hatching. They may continue to rely on their parents for food for another couple of weeks.
- Weaning: Gradually introduce the young to a diet of seeds and soft foods as they become more independent.
7. Challenges in Breeding Fiji Parrotfinches
- Egg Binding: Female finches can suffer from egg binding if they don’t get enough calcium. Ensure calcium sources like cuttlebone are always available.
- Infertility or Low Hatch Rates: Environmental stress or poor nutrition can affect fertility. Maintaining proper diet, lighting, and privacy is essential.
- Aggression: Although not typically aggressive, watch for any signs of territorial disputes between males or stress in the aviary.
8. Aftercare
- After chicks have fledged and matured, clean out the nest boxes and aviary to maintain hygiene. Parrotfinches may breed multiple times in a season if conditions remain favorable.
Breeding Fiji Parrotfinches conclusion:
Breeding Fiji Parrotfinches successfully requires patience, careful monitoring, and a well-maintained environment. With attention to their dietary needs and privacy, these finches can be raised in captivity with great success.
Breeding Fiji Parrotfinches: Live food – Nancy Ingram
Live food is essential for successfully breeding Fiji Parrotfinches. Raising fruit flies is the easiest and most reliable live food I have in my aviary. The life cycle of fruit flies is perpetuated indefinitely by the addition of 1/4 cup of banana (or other fruit) and 1/4 inch of water to each bowl every 3 days. The plastic bowls are covered with a 1/4-inch screen. The birds jump from screen to screen to startle out the flies.
You might also be interested in breeding other finch species in our finch category.
