Lavander Waxbills

AndreasLon · Post by **AndreasLon** » Wed May 13, 2009 6:49 am

Does anyone have or had lavander waxbills? I keep looking at photos of them in my bird books and I think they look lovely.
If you have any experience of keeping these finches can you share your thoughts with me?
What are they like? What are the pros and cons of them?

Also, if anyone in the UK breeds them, can you let me know?

If possible I'd like to add a couple to my mixed aviary which is split into 2 parts: an indoor bit (as in inside the walls of my house) of 4ftx1x6ft and an outdoor bit of 9ftx1ftx6ft. I have taken a brick out between the two parts. The birds sleep inside and stay in when the weather isn't good, so quite often (hey, this is the UK after all!). They go out during the day, when the weather is nice and at dawn to sing loudly and claim their territory, which is way too sweet!

I currently have 2 red headed parrot finches, 4 bengalese, 1 zebra finch, 1 turquoisine parakeet, 2 lineolated parakeets and 2 heck finches. I will add 5 gouldian finches soon and one more Turquoisine. These are all very peaceful species and I understand that lavender waxbills are also very peaceful.

dfcauley · Post by **dfcauley** » Wed May 13, 2009 7:14 am

Hi,

I do not have any lavendars, but plan to add them to my mixed aviary in the very near future.

I have talked with others abut them and got pros and cons. I think all you can do is try it. From what I hear it depends on the birds.

They are listed as agressive, but I know some have kept them peacefully

I am wanting to do what you have done.... and remove a small place into the wall where my birds can go out into an area. Do you find that they do this on their own and come in on their own when the weather is bad? I would like to place some trees etc in there for them......

AndreasLon · Post by **AndreasLon** » Wed May 13, 2009 8:34 am

Are they classed as aggressive? all my books say they are peaceful. I certainly wouldn't want to add anything agressive to the aviary.

Although, some people do say that parrot finches can be pushy during the mating season but I have to say that mine are two lovely little birds that don't bother anyone.

I have recently added the outdoor extension (3 days ago) so not all birds have worked out that there is a huge flying area on the other side. I have personally seen 5 use it so far. The other ones will eventually discover it. Putting food near the hole has helped.

I could of course make a bigger hole but for insulation purposes I'll keep it to the existing size (about the diametre of a mug) unless I see that it defintely doesn't work.

In terms of going in and out of the outdoor bit, they absolutely do use both areas and still seem to spend more time indoors where the nests and the food is, but I guess it's just a matter of time before they find the outside as safe and familiar. But yes, don't worry about it, they will use both parts so you will still see them and if it rains or it's cold outside they are clever enough to come indoors.
Plants are great. Some finches love them. I find that if you keep some low bush then that doesn't take away flying space from the upper areas and makes them use the lower area more.

dfcauley · Post by **dfcauley** » Wed May 13, 2009 8:45 am

I did read somewhere that if you had an indoor area connected to an outdoor area, that you needed two openings. That sometimes a bird that is dominant will sit in the opeing and not let the others outside.

If I were you.... I would give the lavendars a chance. They are beautiful birds!

AndreasLon · Post by **AndreasLon** » Wed May 13, 2009 9:04 am

Ah, I didn't think of that! That is an argument for at least making the passage bigger and perhaps add 2 perches. In fact I'll do that at the weekend.

I really want to try the lavander waxbill. Now I just need to find some!

CandoAviary · Post by **CandoAviary** » Wed May 13, 2009 11:25 am

A bigger or double opening is a good idea. Also adding a door that can be shut to keep the bird in is also a good idea. Most birds will come indoors to roost but I have heard of them getting spooked and flying out at night. In the dark they cannot see well enough to get back in.(unless it is a rosey bourke

) I also had a friend that his little birds got so wet from a sudden wind/rain storm that they could not fly up high enough to get into the building...It was a little chilly and I guess with them being wet and stressed several perished.
Maybe put an opening low

AndreasLon · Post by **AndreasLon** » Wed May 13, 2009 11:50 am

Oh my God!

Rain and chill is something we get all the time here.

I'll add a lower entrance!

L in Ontario · Post by **L in Ontario** » Wed May 13, 2009 12:21 pm

Sounds marvelous! Do you have any photos of the work in progress? i hope you find some Lavenders!!

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Lavander Waxbills

Lavander Waxbills

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