Australian finches

[deshud]

I am looking at staying within the australian species. (except for my singers) I already have a pair of gouldians, and purchasing a pair of plumheads. I have came across painted finches, not much information on them, has anyone owned them, have any experience with them? I know there are 18 different australian species. What are your favourite australian species?

[DanteD716]

I like shafttails, stars, and parrotfinches. Here's a list: http://www.birdsexpress.net/australia-birds.html

[dfcauley]

What are your favourite australian species?

If you can get some painted finches I would urge you strongly to get them. They are becoming very rare and they are beautiful birds!! My favorite by far!! They are so calm and peacful and absolutely stunning!!!

[finchmix22]

My favorites are: RHPF, BHPF, Forbes PF, Owl, YF/Lutino Star, Painted finch and Cherry finch. Of course, that is a wish list. I only have the owls, rhpf, and stars.

[G8love4finches]

Ditto!.....I like them all!.....So many birds, so little room!

[PrettyBird]

I was looking into the red painted finch, since I last saw a pair when I got my GBW...found out that they are 500 a pair. I cannot afford that price though Maybe when I strike it rich I can get a pair

As for other aussie finches...well they are all pretty and unique in their own way.
I think whichever one strikes YOUR fancy, you should get

[dan78]

Being from Australia I've kept most of our speices at one time or another, as for painteds (emblemas) I breed them very freely in an outdoor aviery and at this point I have 9 pair 4 of which are in retirement. Right now I have 21 young on perch 12 red and 9 yellow. If affordable consider this speices and don't let them become extinct over there. Any questions about any Aussie finch please ask.

[dan78]

Painted -emblema picta
Sexing- males have larger mask than hens, more red on belly/chest while females have more white spots than cocks and and belly colour more paler- sorry very quick description
Food- I feed mine good seed millets Canary red panicum and some oil seed, greens ,veg and fruit as well as live food but they never seem to like soft food or egg but they do take it it just depends on what they are use to
Breeding- starts around early spring and last through to autum but in artificial surroundings will breed all year. Cock usually start breeding with song and dance followed by both building nests- mine use nest boxes, wicker baskets and building natural nests in brush. Nests are made with grasses, coconut fibres, twigs ,bark and are lined with feathers fluff and charcoal. Eggs on average a hen will lay approx 4 but as any finch this may vary, incubation is rotated between hen and cock on a 2-3 hour rotation and hen sits for the night. Young hatch at approx 16 day mark this is when my live food is mainly given with alot of varying Green leaf foods. Young fledge at around the 25 Day some leave a bit to early, cock and hen will feed unitl hen resumes her Bing again then male just feeds. Young are independent around their week old mark.
Sorry this has been a bit rushed if you need more info please ask. My results have shown me that a colony has been more affective in breeding results than breeding single pairs in a cabinet. Myers are currently mixed with siskins strawberries stars gouldians and a pair of canaries.

[tt101]

i dont think i could pick a favourite species, they are all so stunning and amazing in there own ways. there is an australian finchto match every taste. i personally love the more colorful finches. i own a pair of gouldians and can't wait to snatch up some pied red faced parrot finches and some owls

[deshud]

Thanks everyone for your opinions and information. Helpful as always. Trying to find painted, Very expensive.

[finchman101]

Wow I never knew they were that expensive over there.

[tt101]

Wow I never knew they were that expensive over there.

you have no idea how crazy it can be here. most parrots can be bought there for under 100 and the very same parrots are 400 and up here. many finches are also the same case, but it is good for breeders because it allows us to sustain our birds and plans. i think eventually it will be very cheap to get birds because of the growth of breeders. although its a shame whats happening to some wild populations.

[finchman101]

I saw a pair of red painteds in the pet store here in Australia a while back for only $60. I was maybe expecting $100 to $150 over there not $400.

[tt101]

I saw a pair of red painteds in the pet store here in Australia a while back for only $60. I was maybe expecting $100 to $150 over there not $400.

wow thats amazing and if i ever seen something like that here i would be shocked!!!!, and i agree that it quite the difference in price. i am looking for a rosella and may have to sell an arm and a leg to get a hold of a baby but i bet you can find them fro pretty close to a 100

[dan78]

$400-500Pp that's amazing as finchman has said here at a broker you are looking at $60pp and from a breeder $40-50pp. In with that we are from Australia so I guess that has alot to do with it. As for single rosealla you can pick one up for about $80 but also depends on which type your after as some require a license to keep.