Plum Head finches and calicum

Sable · Post by **Sable** » Wed Nov 12, 2008 3:18 am

Hi everyone, has anyone found that these finches need more calcium then other finches. Until now i have found them easy to breed but this season (southern hemisphere) i have lost 2 females and another close shave with egg binding managed to save her and she is doing well. Any ideas on how to further increase the available calcium for them. they do have cuttlefish, vitamin charcoal mix and egg shells.
i would be very interested to here whether anyone else has noticed this tendency in this finch.
as this is now an endangered list finch in New Zealand i am trying to ensure that i have better success in breeding them. thanks All Sable

L in Ontario · Post by **L in Ontario** » Wed Nov 12, 2008 8:45 am

Have you tried adding liquid calcium to their drinking water? That's the only reliable method (I believe) of making 100% sure they get some calcium. They don't have to eat everything you're offering, but they do have to drink.

Sable · Post by **Sable** » Thu Nov 13, 2008 2:42 am

Hi Liz yes i am giving them calcium in the water and just wondered whether any had any other ideas on increasing there intake through feed.
thanks Sable

gomer · Post by **gomer** » Thu Nov 13, 2008 4:08 am

such a underrated finch.i to keep plumheads and have some young just out and others sitting.D3 is good as well it allows the calcium to be absorbed in the gut.

Sable · Post by **Sable** » Fri Nov 14, 2008 2:57 am

Hi gomer, your not wrong, this finch just about died out in NZ had a come back and is now on the down again. i love the way the sun shines off the plum colouring and the song. What is D3 i am not sure what this is.
I am hoping I ahve one sitting and others looking interested thanks Karen

gomer · Post by **gomer** » Fri Nov 14, 2008 6:06 am

I give mine breeding aid,and biocal,someone said cod liver oil has D3.Check out this site for product info.http://www.birdsrus.com.au/?page=82&list_cat=193
I would think vetafarm would be in NZ.Last season was very good for me with plumheads,and I think this season will be just as good for them.
As far as calcium gos you can give them egg shell, cuttlefish etc.but they need to be absorbed into the body,and that is what D3 does,helps process it into the body.

L in Ontario · Post by **L in Ontario** » Fri Nov 14, 2008 8:23 am

Can someone pls post pics of your Plum Head Finches?

Sable · Post by **Sable** » Fri Nov 14, 2008 7:45 pm

hi L, how do i add photos, took a brilliant one of a male (considering how they flit around and now have no idea how to upload it. think i am very challenged. think i heard chick noises in this avery here's hoping. going to do the big stay away so as not to upset them. Sable

B CAMP · Post by **B CAMP** » Fri Nov 14, 2008 7:53 pm

Sable
Try this link it will make it easy to post pictures one of the smarter members made this http://www.finchforum.com/viewtopic.php?t=2813

Sable · Post by **Sable** » Fri Nov 14, 2008 8:07 pm

thanks B Camp, but check out my profile managed to upload my finch its a bit small but i got that far. will look at doing the pic thing when i don't have a cold nothing is making sense right now LOL. Sable

Sable · Post by **Sable** » Fri Nov 14, 2008 8:15 pm

i think this will work OMG it did i am not challenged when someone keeps it simple.
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B CAMP · Post by **B CAMP** » Fri Nov 14, 2008 8:22 pm

Told you good job. very pretty bird

L in Ontario · Post by **L in Ontario** » Fri Nov 14, 2008 9:27 pm

Wow that's a different looking finch! What does it's back look like? The same?

Sable · Post by **Sable** » Sun Nov 16, 2008 12:57 am

No he has dark brown spotted wings, haven't a pic of him from the back but can try and get one at some time. sable

dfcauley · Post by **dfcauley** » Sun Nov 16, 2008 6:35 am

Pretty bird! I saw some yesterday at the bird mart and almost got a pair.....but opted for a strawberry hen instead. I think next month I will check again. Is it the same as what they call a Cherry finch?