FEATURE
When setting up breeding pairs, one should select partially or half-coloured birds. They will go to nest at six months of age and by their third year, their breeding potential is in decline
Red-billed Fire Finches. I have seen them kept and bred in everything from small cages through to large enclosures. They do tolerate half-open flights. However, care may need to be exercised in cold climates. In deference to their natural habitat, the housing should be devoid of residual dampness. It is important that they be shielded from cold winds and driving rain. Feeding Red-billed Fire Finches is relatively simple. The basis is a good quality dry finch mix of seeds. Additional small seeds will be appreciated. One such seed is Phalaris, a small canary seed that is enjoyed by most waxbills. Half-ripe grass seeds may be taken, although less so than some of the other waxbills such as the Common Waxbill, Estrilda astrild. I have never seen them taking broad- leaf greens such as silverbeet. Soft foods, sprouted seed mixtures and plain cake may also be offered. In my experience though, most of their diet in captivity is confined to the dry seed mix and small live food. By far the most successful live food that I feed my waxbills is live termites. Other breeders report success with frozen termites, live or frozen maggots and small mealworms. Larger live food in the form of live crickets, live moths and cockroaches are not taken by the Fire Finches. Because Fire Finches
08 10 BIRD SCENE
like to pick around on the aviary floor, there is a temptation to place their food on the floor. In the interest of good health, however, I urge against this practice. The grit mixture I provide consists of finely ground, baked eggshell, fine shell grit, Diatoms (Avi-Natural), charcoal and finely ground cuttlebone. All drinking and bathing water must be pristine at all times.
Whilst Red-billed Fire Finches will reproduce without the availability of live food, reliable breeding results with high productivity are unlikely. I have had pairs rear small numbers of youngsters during my time abroad when the live food has been withdrawn. When setting up breeding pairs, one should select partially or half-coloured birds. They will go to nest at six months of age and by their third year, their breeding potential is in decline. The longevity of Fire Finches is lower than that of most other waxbills and one can only expect a lifespan of only four years in confinement. Red-billed Fire Finches will accept a variety of nest sites within a cage or aviary. Small enclosed or half-open nest boxes, woven wicker baskets, dried gourds, dried brush and shrubbery growing in the aviary will all suffice. In keeping with their opportunistic habits, the preferred nest
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