{"id":12238,"date":"2024-09-25T11:50:49","date_gmt":"2024-09-25T11:50:49","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.wwbirds.co.za\/dir\/?p=12238"},"modified":"2024-09-25T12:52:42","modified_gmt":"2024-09-25T12:52:42","slug":"cordon-blue-finches","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.wwbirds.co.za\/dir\/cordon-blue-finches\/","title":{"rendered":"Cordon Blue finches: Breeding, Blue-capped, Red-cheeked, Blue-breasted"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<p>There are 3 species of Cordon Blue finches<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The\u00a0<a href=\"https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Blue_waxbill\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\" title=\"\"><strong>blue waxbill<\/strong>\u00a0<\/a>(<em><strong>Uraeginthus angolensis<\/strong><\/em>), also called\u00a0<strong>southern blue waxbill<\/strong>,\u00a0<strong>blue-breasted waxbill<\/strong>,\u00a0<strong>southern cordon-bleu<\/strong>,\u00a0<strong>blue-cheeked cordon-bleu<\/strong>,\u00a0<strong>blue-breasted cordon-bleu<\/strong>\u00a0, and\u00a0<strong>Angola cordon-bleu<\/strong>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The\u00a0<strong><a href=\"https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Red-cheeked_cordon-bleu\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\" title=\"\">red-cheeked cordon-bleu<\/a><\/strong>\u00a0or\u00a0<strong>red-cheeked cordonbleu<\/strong>\u00a0(<em><strong>Uraeginthus bengalus<\/strong><\/em>)\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The\u00a0<strong><a href=\"https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Blue-capped_cordon-bleu\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\" title=\"\">blue-capped cordon-bleu<\/a><\/strong>\u00a0or\u00a0<strong>blue-capped cordonbleu<\/strong>\u00a0(<em><strong>Uraeginthus cyanocephalus<\/strong><\/em>)<\/p>\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\">\n<figure class=\"aligncenter size-full\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"471\" height=\"401\" src=\"https:\/\/www.wwbirds.co.za\/dir\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/09\/Blue-capped-cordon-bleu-2.png\" alt=\"Cordon Blue finches, blue-capped\" class=\"wp-image-12244\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.wwbirds.co.za\/dir\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/09\/Blue-capped-cordon-bleu-2.png 471w, https:\/\/www.wwbirds.co.za\/dir\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/09\/Blue-capped-cordon-bleu-2-300x255.png 300w, https:\/\/www.wwbirds.co.za\/dir\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/09\/Blue-capped-cordon-bleu-2-50x43.png 50w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 471px) 100vw, 471px\" \/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Courtesy Tina Billings<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n<p>Breeding <strong>Cordon Bleu finches<\/strong> (<em>Uraeginthus<\/em> species), particularly the <strong>Blue-Capped Cordon Bleu<\/strong> (<em>Uraeginthus cyanocephalus<\/em>), can be a rewarding endeavor with the right conditions and care. Here\u2019s a comprehensive guide to their breeding requirements:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">1. <strong>Environment &amp; Housing<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>Aviary or Cage<\/strong>: Cordon Bleu finches prefer a <strong>spacious aviary<\/strong> or cage where they can fly and exhibit natural behaviors. A minimum cage size of <strong>24&#215;24 inches<\/strong> is recommended for a pair.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Nest Sites<\/strong>: They are cavity nesters, so provide <strong>nesting boxes<\/strong> or enclosed nests designed for finches. They may also build nests in dense bushes if housed in an aviary with plants.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Nesting Material<\/strong>: Offer materials like <strong>coconut fiber<\/strong>, soft grass, and shredded paper. Both the male and female will actively participate in building the nest.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">2. <strong>Diet for Breeding<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>Seed Mix<\/strong>: Provide a high-quality finch seed mix, including small seeds like millet, canary seed, and niger seed.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Soft Foods<\/strong>: Offer protein-rich soft foods, especially during breeding and chick-rearing. This includes <strong>egg food<\/strong> and <strong>soaked seeds<\/strong>.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong><a href=\"https:\/\/www.wwbirds.co.za\/dir\/live-food-for-finches\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\" title=\"\">Live Insects<\/a><\/strong>: Incorporating live food such as small mealworms or fruit flies is essential when chicks are present, as these provide the necessary protein.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong><a href=\"https:\/\/www.wwbirds.co.za\/dir\/fresh-food-for-finches\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\" title=\"\">Fresh Greens<\/a><\/strong>: Add leafy greens like <strong>spinach<\/strong>, <strong>dandelion<\/strong>, and <strong>chickweed<\/strong> to their diet for added vitamins.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Calcium<\/strong>: Cuttlebone or calcium supplements are critical for egg-laying females to prevent calcium deficiency.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">3. Cordon Blue finches Breeding Behavior<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>Pairing<\/strong>: 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.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Courtship<\/strong>: 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.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Egg-Laying<\/strong>: The female typically lays <strong>3-6 eggs<\/strong>. Both the male and female share incubation duties, with the eggs hatching in about <strong>11-14 days<\/strong>.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">4. <strong>Chick Care and Development<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>Feeding Chicks<\/strong>: Once the chicks hatch, the parents will feed them a mix of <strong>regurgitated seeds<\/strong> and <strong>live food<\/strong>. It&#8217;s important to ensure a good supply of soft and live food during this period.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Fledging<\/strong>: The chicks will fledge (leave the nest) after <strong>17-21 days<\/strong> but will continue to be fed by the parents for another <strong>week or two<\/strong> until they are fully independent.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Weaning<\/strong>: By around <strong>4-6 weeks<\/strong>, the chicks should be fully weaned and eating independently.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">5. <strong>Breeding Season<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>In captivity, Cordon Bleu finches can breed year-round if conditions are favorable. However, it&#8217;s best to give them a break between breeding cycles to prevent exhaustion.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">6. Cordon Blue finches Common Challenges<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>Aggression<\/strong>: Males may become territorial during the breeding season, so providing plenty of space or housing pairs separately is advisable.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Infertility<\/strong>: Infertility issues can arise due to improper diet, lack of bonding, or unsuitable environmental conditions.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Egg Binding<\/strong>: Females may suffer from egg binding if they don\u2019t get enough calcium. Ensure constant access to cuttlebone.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p>Breeding <strong>Cordon Blue finches<\/strong> 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.<\/p>\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\">\n<figure class=\"aligncenter size-full\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"627\" height=\"524\" src=\"https:\/\/www.wwbirds.co.za\/dir\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/09\/blue-capped-cordonbleu.png\" alt=\"Cordon Blue finches, blue-capped\" class=\"wp-image-12251\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.wwbirds.co.za\/dir\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/09\/blue-capped-cordonbleu.png 627w, https:\/\/www.wwbirds.co.za\/dir\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/09\/blue-capped-cordonbleu-300x251.png 300w, https:\/\/www.wwbirds.co.za\/dir\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/09\/blue-capped-cordonbleu-50x42.png 50w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 627px) 100vw, 627px\" \/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Courtesy: Birds Of Paradise<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>There are 3 species of Cordon Blue finches The\u00a0blue waxbill\u00a0(Uraeginthus angolensis), also called\u00a0southern blue waxbill,\u00a0blue-breasted waxbill,\u00a0southern cordon-bleu,\u00a0blue-cheeked cordon-bleu,\u00a0blue-breasted cordon-bleu\u00a0, and\u00a0Angola cordon-bleu. The\u00a0red-cheeked cordon-bleu\u00a0or\u00a0red-cheeked cordonbleu\u00a0(Uraeginthus bengalus)\u00a0 The\u00a0blue-capped cordon-bleu\u00a0or\u00a0blue-capped cordonbleu\u00a0(Uraeginthus cyanocephalus) Breeding Cordon Bleu finches (Uraeginthus&#46;&#46;&#46;<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":12245,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"pmpro_default_level":"","footnotes":""},"categories":[171],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-12238","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-finches","pmpro-has-access"],"aioseo_notices":[],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.wwbirds.co.za\/dir\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/12238","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.wwbirds.co.za\/dir\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.wwbirds.co.za\/dir\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.wwbirds.co.za\/dir\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.wwbirds.co.za\/dir\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=12238"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/www.wwbirds.co.za\/dir\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/12238\/revisions"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.wwbirds.co.za\/dir\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/12245"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.wwbirds.co.za\/dir\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=12238"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.wwbirds.co.za\/dir\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=12238"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.wwbirds.co.za\/dir\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=12238"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}