Java Sparrows Housing

[SKfinch]

Hi
I am a new member in your forum, after my research and from what I have read so far it seems you have a wonderful community full of experience and knowledge.

I had a pair of Java Sparrows 2 weeks ago in a cage 70L x 40W x 60H, only with wood dowels perches and plastic dishes for food with a plastic bowel for water, along with outside wooden nest box . I placed them in my home office room.

They looked fine until once I moved them out to my open terrace where I was astonished, they changed their behavior immediately i.e. both of them turn to be more active than they do inside my room singing nonstop, both of them started to go inside the nesting box which they never did inside my room and from what I saw I think they loved where they are placed, I felt they loved it so much as a baby being very happy and excited getting his favorite candy.

After 2 hours I moved them inside, again they changed their behavior back to what they used to do in a no time, less active, never attempt to go inside the nest box and somehow not that happy, not singing that much.

I am very new in keeping Javas I live with fisher and african grey parrots. I am seeking you advice, is there anything I have to do? Is this normal for them to behave? do I need to change anything with their location, cage and/or surroundings?

Thank you in advance

[cindy]

They are rather private when nesting.....what other birds are in the office and how close are they to you when working, is there a lot of traffic? Try to observe where they are going to sit in the cage and what they may be watching, if something is bothering them. To much noise, to close to the activity.

I have a good size colony of different mutations, some are in colony cages in the bird room, others are in the main room where it is active and there are other birds present including out Green Cheek Conure. They seem fine where they are but the ones in a large flight cage all scrabble to the top of the flight to branches high up if I walk in the room and sort of freeze. Funny because these were raised in the main room.

A lot of their behavior has to do with what is going on around them. Were they raised outside prior to living at your home. You need to find a place where they will be happy in your home, moving them from room to room especially if you want them to breed is not recommended.

[SKfinch]

Thank you Cindy

Well I have 3 cages in my room housing a pair of Java, pair of Canary and a pair of Fisher. the 3 cages are all side by side on a wood rack and not close to where I do work.

Traffic wise; no one enter my room other than me once in the morning once in the evening. also my room is quite nothing there that can make such noise.

Other question I succeeded to find a dried Mulberry tree branches from a plant store nearby, they are white to creamy in color if you cut it, you can see its filled with a white sponge inside. Can I use such branches in my cage? would it be harmful for the birds?

[cindy]

Are the Java near the lovebirds?

[SKfinch]

No they are beside the canaries

[cindy]

If your goal s to breed them and they are not breeding where you have them but showed interest elsewhere away from the other birds then it might be best to find them a quiet spot near a sunny window perhaps. Something in the room or where they are sitting is possibly making them unsure so they are less active.

[SKfinch]

Cindy Thank you for your time

Well the most important goal is let them feel this is where they should be, not stressed and happy, and breading is one of the most certain confirmative sign.

Other question I succeeded to find a dried Mulberry tree branches from a plant store nearby, they are white to creamy in color if you cut it, you can see its filled with a white sponge inside. Can I use such branches in my cage? would it be harmful for the birds?

Again thank you for your replies.

[cindy]

Mulberry is listed as non-toxic on this site.... excellent site for safe and unsafe woods, plants to use. http://www.parrot-and-conure-world.com/ ... birds.html

My suggestion is to cut the branches, soak in a solution of bleach, and water for 15 minutes scrub, rinse well and dry in the sun for a few days. Often trees from a nursery are sprayed with things to keep pests away, cleaning is more of a preventative. I would let the center dry out a little before using it.

[SKfinch]

Thank you so much Cindy

Well received and noted.