What about Black Bellied Firefinches?

[annague]

I have the cutest little pair of BB FF's. (Both of them were rescues from different people). First time I've had BB FF's. I had no idea how equisitely beautiful the males are in their Spring plumage (much darker, vivid red than my Senegals).

This month I witnessed Ember do a spread tail dance and courtship display for Ash and then build a nest on the 'ground' of my walk-in aviary -- behind a little structure that my Diamond Doves had already built a nest on.

Now, she is sitting in the nest and he is guarding it (and her) on the ground.

They are such little birds -- can anyone tell me anything about BB FF's... do I need to worry about where they built their nest? (Because I am....)

[CandoAviary]

What nice colors he does have indeed They are beautiful. I guess you can worry about the nest placement... they myst have approved though Best wishes for springtime chicks

[lovemyfinch]

Beautiful vibrant colours.

[ac12]

I'm jealous.
Mine have done nothing but eat since I got them.

[6finchfriends]

Stunning colors! Can't wait to hear if there are eggs in the nest!

[JohnBoy]

They are ground dwellers. Mine build their nest on the ground also..They lay eggs and set but they are never fertile.

[annague]

Well... they are funny little birds. I think I need to look for some fake bushes or something so they can build low but off the ground and with a little more concealment...

Your male looks very beautiful in that picture, John Boy! I'm glad to know that they are 'ground dwellers' even though it worries me. I'm sure I'll have the same challenges everyone else has with them but I'll certainly keep everyone informed in the unlikely event we get some fertile eggs and nestlings.

[CandoAviary]

I believe you will get your fertile eggs and chicks! you seem to have an atmosphere there that the birds are thriving in. I will be awaiting the news of your chicks

[annague]

Awww...shucks, Candace, I wish I felt as confident in my 'atmostphere' as you do!

I still have so much to learn -- just thankful people with experience like you are available to me on the FF!

[FeatherHarp]

Nice looking birds Annague.....I would like to have a pair of them someday too. Good luck with them.

[G8love4finches]

Beautiful birds!....Maybe a little romantic music and candlelight??

[ac12]

hmmmmm
Does this mean that they won't use the ABBA nest box? The cage is only about 12-14" high. So it isn't very far above the cage floor.
If they won't use the ABBA nest box, then I should put a canary nest in the lower part of the cage.?

[annague]

Good information, Fardad. Thank you.

I'm not sure about the ABBA nest box -- mine built his from scratch and has shown zero interest in any of the other nests in the aviary cage (and I probably have 2-3 nests available per pair). I have ABBA boxes, bamboo, grass, twig, homemade baskets, plastic, and a couple others that I'm not sure what material they are made out of but something natural....

My inclination (from observation) is to say that the BB FF's want to build their own structure -- the nest he built is very swirly and unusual looking. I can't really get back there to get a picture right now because of all the nesting going on in the cage.

I just provided coco fiber, sisal, grass and flax fibers for all the birds and he built his own. He did have a little structure to use to build it next too, though....

Let me know if you try it and it works for you...

[ac12]

hmmm
I might use a canary nest as a foundation, as otherwise there is no way to support a nest in my cage.

[annague]

That's an idea that might work, or perhaps a branch of a tree prone against the back or side of the cage where he can pick a nook (or cranny) around the branch and position his nest like he wants....

Looking forward to hearing if your little BB FF guy decides to build his own home!