In aviculture
the term Waxbill is generally used to cover not only Waxbills, but also the
small African and Asiatic finches. These are more correctly defined as Estrildid
Finches. Many species are available for the bird-keeper, but historically
the majority have been imported wild-caught birds with unfortunately only
small numbers of a few species being bred in the UK. Captive-bred birds are
also available from breeders on the Continent, some of whom are very successful
with Waxbills and other foreign finches.
As part of its measures to prevent the spread of the H5N1 avian flu virus, the EU put in place a temporary ban on the import of wild-caught birds into Europe. With effect from July 2007, this ban will be made permanent, indeed even captive-bred birds may be imported only from a few EU-approved countries of origin and all these birds must be either close-ringed or microchipped.
HOUSING
Ideally these species are best housed in an indoor flight where temperature
and lighting can be controlled, as most need a minimum temperature of 10-15
degrees C, and at least 12 hours of light. Some species can be housed in an
outdoor, planted flight during the warmer months. They can be housed in cages
but need larger cages than those generally used for domesticated species such
as Bengalese. Waxbills can usually be housed in a group with other species
of similar size but, in some cases, pairs of the same species may have to
be kept separately when breeding.
FEEDING
"Foreign Finch" seed mixtures are suitable, but a high proportion
of smaller seeds is preferable so it may be necessary to add additional pannicum
millet. Egg food and a commercially available Insectivorous food should also
be available and some live food, such as mini-mealworms, buffalo worms, white
worms, fruit-fly etc. is usually required to get the birds into breeding condition
and to rear young. Water for drinking and bathing, together with small grit
and grated cuttlefish bone must be supplied.
BREEDING
Can be difficult but some species are easier than others. The main difficulty
is providing an adequate supply of protein in a form which the birds will
accept. Unlike the domesticated species, most birds do not readily take egg
food or Insectivorous mixtures but like to look for live food such as small
insects or pupae. Temperature is important as, being tropical species, many
tend to leave eggs or young in the nest rather than brooding continuously.
Generally speaking the Asiatic Munias and Mannikins are less dependant on
live food than the African species. It may be necessary to resort to fostering
eggs under Bengalese. As all Estrildid species build a domed nest it is difficult
to carry out any inspection of nests without the risk of parents deserting.
BREEDING
RECORDS
Every year members are requested to submit a report of all birds they have
bred to our Breeding Records Officer for collation.
All members who submit a report receive a Certificate and Special Awards are made for exceptionally good results.
All results are reported to The Foreign Bird Federation for inclusion in their overall UK records.
