Breeding Violet-ear Waxbills: Housing, pairing, diet
Breeding Violet-ear Waxbills (Uraeginthus granatina) requires knowledge about their specific needs in terms of environment, nutrition, and pairing. These small, vibrant birds are native to sub-Saharan Africa and are known for their beautiful plumage, making them attractive in aviculture. Here’s a guide to help with their breeding:
1. Housing and Environment
- Aviary Setup: Violet-ear Waxbills thrive in a spacious aviary, as they are active birds. An aviary that allows flight is essential for their well-being. It should have natural branches, plants, and hiding spots to reduce stress and mimic their natural habitat.
- Temperature: Being native to warmer climates, they prefer temperatures around 21-27°C (70-80°F). Keep the aviary out of drafts and ensure stable temperatures.
- Nest Options: They prefer enclosed nesting spaces. Providing nesting boxes, canary nests, or small covered containers with nesting material like coconut fibers or soft grasses is ideal.
2. Pairing and Breeding Behavior
- Selecting a Pair: Ensure that you have a compatible pair. Observing their behavior is crucial since not all pairs will breed harmoniously. Violet-ear Waxbills are typically monogamous, and the male will display courtship behaviors like singing, hopping, and feeding the female.
- Breeding Season: In captivity, they can breed year-round if conditions are favorable, but typically, they are more active in breeding during the spring and summer months when daylight is longer.
- Egg Laying: The female usually lays 3-6 eggs, which are incubated for about 12-14 days. Both parents take turns incubating the eggs and feeding the chicks.
3. Feeding for Breeding Success
- Diet: A high-quality, varied diet is essential for breeding success. Offer a mix of seeds, soft foods, and live food such as mealworms or small insects, which provide essential proteins for breeding birds and growing chicks. As well as fresh food.
- Calcium: To ensure strong eggshells, offer calcium supplements like cuttlebone or powdered calcium. Eggfood can also be provided during the breeding period for extra nutrition.
- Water: Clean, fresh water should always be available for drinking and bathing. Bathing helps maintain feather quality, which is crucial for breeding success.
4. Chick Care
- Feeding Chicks: The parents will feed the chicks, but it’s important to provide them with enough soft food and live insects to meet their nutritional needs. Chicks will fledge at around 3 weeks but will still depend on the parents for food for another week or two.
- Weaning: After the fledging period, gradually introduce the chicks to seed-based diets similar to the adults. Monitor their progress to ensure they’re eating independently.
5. Challenges in breeding Violet-ear Waxbills
- Aggression: Some males can be aggressive toward their mates or even the chicks. Monitoring their behavior during the breeding process is crucial.
- Infertility or Unhatched Eggs: Like other finches, environmental stressors, improper diet, or inbreeding can result in fertility issues. Maintaining optimal conditions and genetic diversity is important.
By providing an enriched environment, a balanced diet, and proper care, you can increase the chances of successfully breeding Violet-ear Waxbills.
All photos courtesy Tina Billings
Further research about breeding other waxbill species:
Breeding Orange-breasted Waxbills
Common waxbill breeding: Rooibekkie, Saint Helena Waxbill
