Cherry finches?

[kenny66]

Stupid question, being uncommon and a mutation, is that good or bad? I'm new to birds, and still unsure about genetics, mutations, ect. In other words, should I buy the fawn? and is it okay to breed her?

no problem with plumbheads to breed mutations to a normal or another mutation. All it will do is change the percentage of mutation/normal colors you will get. I wouldn't worry about genetics for the moment. In this case, the mutation is just as strong as the normal coloring.

[Sally]

You know, Kenny is right, don't worry about genetics at this stage of the game. If you like the normal male and fawn hen, go ahead and get them and just enjoy them.

[deshud]

Thank you, sometimes I overthink. I think I will buy them. I already ordered a double flight cage for them as I heard they like a lot of room, and they'll have it all to themselves.

[finchmix22]

Oh how cool is that for those finches! I wish I could have a double flight for each pair. Enjoy them!

[kenny66]

Stupid question, being uncommon and a mutation, is that good or bad? I'm new to birds, and still unsure about genetics, mutations, ect. In other words, should I buy the fawn? and is it okay to breed her?

Hi
I saw that you are new to finches so I thought I would offer a couple of observations which have worked for me. I have found that cleanliness is the most important element in keeping healthy finches. Cleaning up faeces, ensuring that there is not a heap of seed waste around and clean accommodation are very important aspects to successful finch keeping. I follow a regular regime of medication-Moxidectin for Air Sac Mite (ASM) and intestinal worms (5ml/Lt every 3 months) Baycox for coccidiosis(3ml/Lt every 3 months). I use antibiotics sparingly and only after vet examination and advice. A good premium finch mix and plenty of veggies such as lebanes cucumber and coz lettuce completes the diet picture along with shell grit-crushed charcoal-cuttle bone etc. It is also important to provide an appropriate cage size and some cover for the birds to hide away from constant observation and in some cases an appropriate nesting receptical for roosting purposes and a welcome retreat. As far as genetics are concerned there are a number of genetic mutations occuring in wild populations which clever breeders can concentrate on to develop desirable traits such as enhanced colour, size, robustness etc. These mutations, when bred, produce a predetermined ratio of outcomes to a set genetic mathmatical formula that allows th breeder to linebreed for the most desirable traits. In some cases this has no effect on vitality but in some cases it can be genetically liked to less desirable recessive traits such as fragility. There are many educated and competant bird geneticists on this forum who can explain this with greater competance than I and you should seek there advice if interested in this subject. I hope that these couple of points might be of some value to you as you begin your journey into the world of finches. By the way plumheads are one of my favorite birds. Good luck with your kids

[deshud]

Thank you for all the information. Just think, 3 months ago I never even handled a bird. Now, I am breeding them. I am learning a lot through the forum. Everyone has been great!

[purplejasminevn]

I have some Cherry finches, and I love this species. They are elegant, active, inquisitive. If you are into showing, they often make good show birds, as they stand very upright--look proud and tall. Mine get along well with other species. Donna (dfcauley) has no problem breeding this species, but mine did toss, I had to foster. But I think it was the male that was the problem. I have mates now for those babies, so I am anxious to see how they do with breeding. I would recommend this species for anyone.

Sally,
Are cherries considered passive ? Do you mix them with others? Thanks

[Sally]

I first kept them separate from other species. Now I have 8 Cherries in an 8x2.5x7 flight with 3 Lavenders and 1 Black-cheeked Waxbill. They all seem to get along, though the Lavenders and BC Waxbill tend to gather together. I would consider them passive, and I think they would get along especially with most Australian species. I think many of our Aussie forum members keep them in mixed aviaries.

[finchmix22]

Sally
Is the flight one you have outdoors, or is it an indoor flight? What type is it? I want another, but one that is longer than 6 ft.

[managermania]

I have a normal male and fawn hen. They are in with CBs, Owls, and Parrots. They do great. They are now on eggs for the first time.

[Sally]

Sally
Is the flight one you have outdoors, or is it an indoor flight? What type is it? I want another, but one that is longer than 6 ft.

It is an indoor flight, but proving to be too big for the room--I am in a small house. It might be OK in the spare bedroom, if that wasn't full of cages!

[DanteD716]

Post pictures if you get them. Cherry finches are pretty!

[deshud]

I am still debating. I keep changing my mind! I just want ALL the finches! I am now thinking about silverbills, cordon bliues, and painted finches. Of course, I'm getting more GS and a pair of gray singers! Too many birds....Not enough money

[DanteD716]

I want them all too! would you like to see my list???

[finchmix22]

Sally
Is the flight one you have outdoors, or is it an indoor flight? What type is it? I want another, but one that is longer than 6 ft.

It is an indoor flight, but proving to be too big for the room--I am in a small house. It might be OK in the spare bedroom, if that wasn't full of cages!

Where did you buy that large of a flight cage? I would love one that large for my finch room. The largest I have is the A& E double flight, which is 64x22.