Whydahs

[ad#blod-ad]

Whydahs are ideal subjects for housing with weavers or birds of a similar size. Because whydahs are among the largest and more aggressive species of finches, do not house them with birds of smaller or weaker species, such as smaller waxbills.

Keep them in a large well-planted aviary, since they must have adequate room to exercise their active nature. Once acclimatized, they will be hardy enough to withstand typical winter conditions in a temperate climate, providing they have access to a snug and protective shelter. During nights of very severe winter weather, however, you should lock your birds in to protect them.

Feeding whydahs is relatively easy, because all they require is a simple mixture of yellow millet, white millet, canary grass seed and rape seed, although an excellent supplemental seed diet can consist of teazle, sunflower seed, flax, niger seed, anise, sesame seed, oats and poppy seed. They will also appreciate a selection of livefood, such as small mealworms and baby crickets, and a limited amount of suitable greenfood.

In addition to the simplicity of feeding and accommodating them, the great appeal of keeping whydahs centres around the magnificent appearance of cock birds throughout the breeding season and their fascinating courtship behaviour. The cock whydahs grow magnificent tail plumes that can reach 28-40cm(11-16in) long. Out of breeding season, whydahs measure only 13cm(5in) and cocks and hens appear very similar, making sexing a difficult task.

Many whydahs are parasitic and will lay their eggs in the nests of other birds. This is why it is vital to choose carefully which birds to house with your whydahs. Most parasitic whydahs target particular species. For example, the paradise whydah parasitizes the melba finch in the wild and will also accept it as a host in
captivity. Therefore, if you wish to breed paradise whydahs, it is essential to house it with melba finches.

The pintail whydah parasitizes more than one species; in fact, it can lay its eggs in the nests of 19 different species of birds.

Although fascinating, their parasitic behaviour produces a poor breeding record in captivity. Nevertheless, you can encourage breeding by housing the birds in a large, naturally planted aviary with a plentiful supply of available nests. Providing the ideal environment is essential for breeding success.

Lovebirds

[ad#blod-ad]

Lovebirds range in size from 13 to 15cm (4.5-6in), and for such comparatively small birds, they do have a relatively long lifespan of 10-15 years. As members of the parrot family, they are intelligent and have an inquisitive personality.

Housing lovebirds presents no problems, for a typical aviary used for accommodating parakeets is more than suitable, providing they have easy access to an inside enclosure and that a third of the roof is covered with plastic sheeting to offer shelter from heavy rain. It is possible to keep lovebirds in relatively small cages, although the minimum size should be 90x60x60cm(3x2x2ft); anything smaller is not acceptable. Once acclimatized, most lovebirds are hardy birds and will live very happily in an outdoor environment. More delicate species, such as the Madagascar, or grey-headed, lovebird, however, will be happier if accommodated inside.

The disadvantage of keeping lovebirds is that they can be particularly aggressive with any species other than their own. Never house lovebirds in a mixed aviary. It is possible to keep them on a colony basis, but this requires some experience and cannot be recommended to beginners. At the outset, it would be advisable to keep lovebirds in pairs.

It is vital to provide and regularly renew supplies of chewing material, as lovebirds adore to chew. Also try to create an interesting environment for the birds; if they become bored they may seek amusement in plucking each other’s feathers.

As with housing, feeding lovebirds should present little complications. They will thrive on a simple seed mixture consisting of canary seed, millet, rape seed, sesame seed and oats, supplemented with milo (small round seeds also known as red dari), sunflower seed, safflower seed and greenfood, although, as with all parrot species, cuttlefish bone is often welcome.

There are no external differences between the sexes in most lovebirds, so they must be scientifically sexed. (The exceptions are the Abyssinian and Madagascar lovebirds, in which the females are basically green but the males have coloured heads.) The breeding behaviour of this group is known to be rather unusual, for not only do they build their nests within the actual nesting chamber, but many species also transport the nesting material.in a very bizarre way – by carrying it in the plumage of the rump rather than in the beak. They like to strip bark from branches for nesting – especially willow – so provide a supply of fresh branches.

Lovebirds are quite capable of interbreeding with other species, and this is another good reason why they should only be housed with their own species. The peach-faced and Fischer’s lovebird will breed readily if kept in pairs with sufficient nesting materials. Rarer species tend to be more difficult to breed, but with experience you should succeed. An average lovebird clutch consists of three to seven whitish eggs, usually laid twice a year. The incubation period is 18-24 days and fledging should occur 42-56 days later.