Cordon Blue finches: Breeding, Blue-capped, Red-cheeked, Blue-breasted
There are 3 species of Cordon Blue finches
The blue waxbill (Uraeginthus angolensis), also called southern blue waxbill, blue-breasted waxbill, southern cordon-bleu, blue-cheeked cordon-bleu, blue-breasted cordon-bleu , and Angola cordon-bleu.
The red-cheeked cordon-bleu or red-cheeked cordonbleu (Uraeginthus bengalus)
The blue-capped cordon-bleu or blue-capped cordonbleu (Uraeginthus cyanocephalus)
Breeding Cordon Bleu finches (Uraeginthus species), particularly the Blue-Capped Cordon Bleu (Uraeginthus cyanocephalus), can be a rewarding endeavor with the right conditions and care. Here’s a comprehensive guide to their breeding requirements:
1. Environment & Housing
- Aviary or Cage: Cordon Bleu finches prefer a spacious aviary or cage where they can fly and exhibit natural behaviors. A minimum cage size of 24×24 inches is recommended for a pair.
- Nest Sites: They are cavity nesters, so provide nesting boxes or enclosed nests designed for finches. They may also build nests in dense bushes if housed in an aviary with plants.
- Nesting Material: Offer materials like coconut fiber, soft grass, and shredded paper. Both the male and female will actively participate in building the nest.
2. Diet for Breeding
- Seed Mix: Provide a high-quality finch seed mix, including small seeds like millet, canary seed, and niger seed.
- Soft Foods: Offer protein-rich soft foods, especially during breeding and chick-rearing. This includes egg food and soaked seeds.
- Live Insects: Incorporating live food such as small mealworms or fruit flies is essential when chicks are present, as these provide the necessary protein.
- Fresh Greens: Add leafy greens like spinach, dandelion, and chickweed to their diet for added vitamins.
- Calcium: Cuttlebone or calcium supplements are critical for egg-laying females to prevent calcium deficiency.
3. Cordon Blue finches Breeding Behavior
- Pairing: Cordon Bleus should be paired with compatible mates. Males court females with a distinct dance and singing, often holding a piece of nesting material in their beak.
- Courtship: During courtship, the male will display by hopping and singing while holding a grass stem or other item in his beak. If the female accepts him, they will bond and begin nesting.
- Egg-Laying: The female typically lays 3-6 eggs. Both the male and female share incubation duties, with the eggs hatching in about 11-14 days.
4. Chick Care and Development
- Feeding Chicks: Once the chicks hatch, the parents will feed them a mix of regurgitated seeds and live food. It’s important to ensure a good supply of soft and live food during this period.
- Fledging: The chicks will fledge (leave the nest) after 17-21 days but will continue to be fed by the parents for another week or two until they are fully independent.
- Weaning: By around 4-6 weeks, the chicks should be fully weaned and eating independently.
5. Breeding Season
- In captivity, Cordon Bleu finches can breed year-round if conditions are favorable. However, it’s best to give them a break between breeding cycles to prevent exhaustion.
6. Cordon Blue finches Common Challenges
- Aggression: Males may become territorial during the breeding season, so providing plenty of space or housing pairs separately is advisable.
- Infertility: Infertility issues can arise due to improper diet, lack of bonding, or unsuitable environmental conditions.
- Egg Binding: Females may suffer from egg binding if they don’t get enough calcium. Ensure constant access to cuttlebone.
Breeding Cordon Blue finches requires attention to their environmental needs and a nutrient-rich diet, especially during chick rearing. With proper care, they can successfully breed in captivity and raise healthy offspring.
