Anyone keep Java Rice finches "outside" (enclosed

Silvia · Post by **Silvia** » Mon Oct 29, 2007 6:44 pm

Hi
I live in Florida . I have a backyard enclosed screen patio has a roof and cement floor . Ofcourse no ac in it thus its humid when it rains ,etc.
There is a large area in it that doesnt get direct sunlight as shaded by bushes .

I was thinking of a large cage for a pair of Java rice finches but not sure how they would do.

Ofcourse during hurricane or the infrequent cold spells I would bring them in the house .
Keeping them in house is fine but I thought perhaps they might enjoy the patio bit more plus house temp is 70 degrees.

Any input with Javas or any finches outside would be great .

Thank you

Silvia

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kenny · Post by **kenny** » Wed Oct 31, 2007 5:40 am

hi silvia
that setup sounds ok to me ,i keep javas in an outside aviary all the year round and in a winter temperatures here reach below freezing and mine never seem to suffer...these birds have escaped into the wild from peoples aviarys and live quite happily even in the uk

ken

Silvia · Post by **Silvia** » Wed Oct 31, 2007 2:24 pm

kenny wrote:hi silvia
that setup sounds ok to me ,i keep javas in an outside aviary all the year round and in a winter temperatures here reach below freezing and mine never seem to suffer...these birds have escaped into the wild from peoples aviarys and live quite happily even in the uk

ken

Wow thats amazing never thought they could withstand that. I just bought a book on outdoor avairies .
I was amazed how many in UK keep them. Zebras seem to be very popular there .
I initially wanted a large cage but after looking at the pics in this forum an avairy looks best .
I imagine you provide some type "shed" etc for cold nights?

Thanks

kenny · Post by **kenny** » Thu Nov 01, 2007 9:17 am

hi silvia
i have an indoor shelter in my aviary ,but it is not heated!and never has been my javas seem to all congregate in there as if they are having a family gathering! the first one is the outside of the shelter with the holes where they enter and the second shows the inside of the shelter..before today i have had my aviary roof covered in snow and not lost any birds through the cold

ken

Silvia · Post by **Silvia** » Thu Nov 01, 2007 9:41 pm

I would have never thought they could withstand temps cooler than high 50s for to long go figure.
Great looking birds and avairy . The avairy is very well done with great quality wood.
I just bought a book on avairies and amazed how many keep them in chilly temps yet the birds like yours do well and breed.

I was worried of the nights here its like high 60s as intend to use wooden bird houses but no need to worry now .

I have only lived here in Florida a year and anything under 68 I find chilly lol guess I have adapted well

Thanks

kenny · Post by **kenny** » Fri Nov 02, 2007 8:47 am

hi silvia
i know that you have the birds interests at heart,but living in florida you have no problem with temperature i think they will be fine! i have not found a java sparrow with ruffled feathers in all my years of breeding them they always stay in that sleek manner that you are acustomed to seeing ,to be quite honest they are either sleek feathered or dead as i have never seen a java sparrow sitting fluffed up on a perch if they are ill they put up a pretty damn good way of not showing it

ken