Violet Ear and Magpie Mannikin

monotwine · Post by **monotwine** » Mon Nov 09, 2009 3:53 pm

Finally managed to get a shot of my new aquisitions.
The Violet Ear is a bit camera shy and the Mannikin just too busy to get a clear shot, but you will get the drift.
I have waited a year to get the VEar. The hen was a bit offish to him but they finally after two weeks seem to be thick as thieves, much to my Grenadiers disgust. (He had dibs on the hen as a companion.)

The Mannikin I saw in a book and liked. I had no idea they were so big. They are rather large next to my other finches and are rather boisterous.

GOULDYGIRL · Post by **GOULDYGIRL** » Mon Nov 09, 2009 4:12 pm

Beautiful!!! your the one that has that beautiful violet -earred hen, I knew it was someone. It's funny, in most instances I like the males in most species better but from the few pics of the hens I've seen, I think I like them better

Renee

MLaRue · Post by **MLaRue** » Mon Nov 09, 2009 4:15 pm

I love the Violet Ear!!!

Gorgeous birds!!!

L in Ontario · Post by **L in Ontario** » Mon Nov 09, 2009 9:26 pm

A Violet-earred was at the show this weekend and won a first place! Very pretty as is the Mannikin!

CandoAviary · Post by **CandoAviary** » Mon Nov 09, 2009 10:32 pm

Beautiful hen, Tell me does your male purple grenedier ever try to court her. Will they hybridize? Just curious as their colors are so much the same.

Post by **Sally** » Mon Nov 09, 2009 11:32 pm

So beautiful! Do you have a pair of the Violet Ears now?

Animal Quackers · Post by **Animal Quackers** » Mon Nov 09, 2009 11:46 pm

GOULDYGIRL wrote: It's funny, in most instances I like the males in most species better but from the few pics of the hens I've seen, I think I like them better Renee

I agree! She is so soft and gentle looking! But he is beyond striking!

Domenic · Post by **Domenic** » Tue Nov 10, 2009 12:01 am

Fantastic! Please please please keep us updated on how the VE's get along with the other species. You always read that they will kill anyone in their path. I guess you proved them wrong!

If it isn't too personal, how much did the violet ear cost?

monotwine · Post by **monotwine** » Tue Nov 10, 2009 7:56 am

CandoAviary wrote:Beautiful hen, Tell me does your male purple grenedier ever try to court her. Will they hybridize? Just curious as their colors are so much the same.

Cando, I would not say the Grenadier actually courted her. He was interested, but not consistant in his affections. He sings and she listens, but she was not very interested.
I put the male VE in and the hen did not stop singing for him for two days. She definitly made it known she prefers him.
As to them hybridizing, I suppose it is a possibility. I have not experienced this though. They are closely related species.

Domenic wrote:Fantastic! Please please please keep us updated on how the VE's get along with the other species. You always read that they will kill anyone in their path. I guess you proved them wrong! If it isn't too personal, how much did the violet ear cost?

Well so far so good. The first day the VE went into the mixed aviary he had no issues with any other birds, but the Grenadier. They were just sporting for territory and the one available hen though. Their fighting was not a blood bath, more aerial display and mock charging. They didn't even chase each other about as I thought they would.
As far as I know they must just not be kept with other males, although like the pick hens from a flock!
Breeding will tell the complete tale though. That is when I suspect true aggression will come out. For now there is peace and the VE pair and the Grenadier spend most of the day together.

As to pricing, if I more or less convert Rands to USD. I got the VE from a reputable wholesale supplier at a laughable cost of $25per pair. So glad I made friends with this guy. All his birds are the same price per pair. $25 Usually I would be paying $100 or more per bird!
Naturally I snapped up pairs while I could and have a list of pairs I am looking for in the future.

CandoAviary · Post by **CandoAviary** » Tue Nov 10, 2009 11:57 am

Good friend indeed, What a bargain

I will attempt to keep both of these species, the VE and the PG when I have a natural planted aviary some day. I appreciate the insight you share, Thanks.

monotwine · Post by **monotwine** » Tue Nov 10, 2009 3:28 pm

Well I will share what little insight I currently have and that I will gain from keeping them. I learn as I go all the time.
I must admit that an outdoor natural aviary seems to appease many reputably foul tempers - for now. I have yet to successfully breed them.
Hey if they don't get along it just gives me great grounds to insist on building another aviary! My hubby would kill me.

I appreciate all the info I glean from the finch forum too! Great site.

FINCHforum

Violet Ear and Magpie Mannikin

Violet Ear and Magpie Mannikin

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