Red Eared Waxbills?!

[george]

Hi guys!

I bought a pair of red eared waxbills today... I just couldn't resist them and they're quite rare down here so I thought I'd better snap them up!

I've never kept waxbills before and wondered if anyone could offer any information? I'm feeding them finch mix, which has some safflower, sunflower, peanuts and dried fruit mixed in (mostly for my porky kakarikis!), also a few meal worms and a bit of egg food. I was worried about how hardy they are too. They're out in my shed at the moment, it's unheated, I just walked down there with a torch to see if they looked fluffed up or cold but they were just snuggled up on a perch and looked quite happy. Will they be ok out there or should I consider bringing them indoors before they might get colds? And whats the best way to breed them? Do they do better in aviarys, or cages as they're so tiny? What do they prefer to nest in?

Sorry about the question bombardment! I really prefer getting advice from you guys than from books and things as you all suggest things books never mention!

Thanks!! x

[Scully]

Hi George, im in sunny Hampshire, so i know how our weather is at the moment, snowing like a blizzard one min, sunny the next. I dont think i would keep them in the shed if they have just come from indoors, its still pretty nippy in the evenings.

As for the rest, i dont know diddly about waxbills but would love to see some pics ;D

[george]

The weather's been shocking hasn't it!! I ordered a nice wooden cage from the internet which turned up this morning, I just need to varnish it before I put them in it as it's not waterproof. I'll keep them in the house until the weather's a bit more predictable! They'll have to stay in the shed until the cage is ready though. I've been checking on them a few times a night just to make sure they're ok and they still seem fine. The shed often feels fairly warm anyway as there are 6 rabbits, 4 pigeons and 20 odd birds all spreading their body heat about! As for info, I can't find very much! I did find out that the nice man who owns my favourite pet shop used to keep them though so he's said he'll help out if I need anything. Fingers crossed I'll do ok with them!

[george]

Oh, and I have taken some pictures of them but I'm having some problems getting them on the computer! I'll add them as soon as I can!

[telmadee]

never heard of them before, but googled a pic to see them lol, and they do look lovely little things

[george]

I finally got a picture for those of you who want to see one!!

[Berserka]

Very beautiful bird!

[Scully]

what a pretty little bird, thanks for sharing the pic, ive never seen one before.

[george]

They're really much prettier in real life! The male one (I think that's him in the picture) has a lovely pinky coloured belly and the hens is creamy and they have chocolate brown tails. They're so tiny as well! I think they're probably the prettiest birds I own at the moment.

[Berserka]

Can hardly wait for them to breed for you.