sitting guard some times in the nest entrance. Infant mortality can be very unpredictable; It is very common for the parents to nest again soon after the young fledge. The young can be removed after 30-40 days from fledging or if the cock becomes to forceful (in cages); In flights the young will be tolerated and I have found that the hen will go back to nest when the cock is still feeding the young. Once the juveniles start to moult this can be the time of concern as the cock will chase of young cocks and the hen picks on young hens if there is insufficient space for the juveniles to retreat Thick bush up to one meter from the ground can be utilized as a retreat. More than one feeding station is advisable at this time and site as far from nest site as possible.
Flooring: In flights it is important to keep floor dry to stop the spread of disease Crimsons will spend some of their time on the floor rummaging about for insect life or fallen seeds, but are not great floor dwellers. Sand or Hemp core are good options I use hemp as it absorbs moisture and remains dry.
Water: Fresh water should always be available as Crimson Finches do bathe a lot. Water can be supplied in an earthenware dish that keeps water cool in summer, or be
14 BIRD SCENE
In flights the young will be tolerated and I have found that the hen will go back to nest when the cock is still feeding the young.
provided in the form of drinkers, I use an automatic water system that flushes the plastic baths three times a day and have observed the birds tend to drink when the water comes on and bathe while the water is still running usually first thing in the morning. In the wild I have observed a family group coming in to drink and they landed in branches that over hang the water and move down the branch till they can reach the water. Also landing on rocks reaching in and drinking, at Minors pool I observed them drinking from muddy pools from a water seep in a bank I can only conclude this was to get minerals in the dirty water as crystal clean water was available only yards away.
Feeding Requirements Dry and soaked seed:
Non-breeding: Austerity diet, is Canary seed, Yellow and Red Panicum with added grass seed. Soft food and Pinkies, once or twice a week to balance protein levels.
Breeding: The major seeds to feed Crimsons finches with are Canary seed, White French Millet,
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