Common (St. Helna's) Waxbill

[DanteD716]

Just discovered these, and am now in love. Who has them? Are they good with OC waxbills? Not interested in breeding but tips on that? Cage size? Links? I want one!

[cindy]

I had them at one time....housed as a pair in a 30 x 18 cage. Males build an cocks nest onto of the canary nest...never produced, I rehomed them after a year to a friend with a large walk in climate controlled aviary. I prefer the lavendars, more color.

[DanteD716]

so cute!! I want some!! I swear, when I get my aviary I am focusing on waxbills. I just love them. They are moving up on my wishlist, second to owls.

[flrancho]

I've never had them personally, but I was kind of looking for them when I had my Pin-tailed Whydah pair since their the host species. Never found them.

They're a peaceful species through, so I'd imagine they should get along with other waxbills.

[kenny66]

I breed them. They are nice to keep but I have found one problem in that they will steal chicks from other birds that nest close to them when they have chicks themselves. They have stolen yellow headed star chicks and orange breasted waxbill chicks from the nest and killed them. However, I currently have a pair of emblemas nesting straight on top of the St Helenas nest who are on their second clutch, no problems. I also have orange breasted waxbills nesting close to them for the second time so I will see what happens. They take a lot of live food when they have chicks but it is not essential for breeding. Pretty bird though when in mating condition andvery trusting. They will fly straight onto the live food container whilst I am carrying it. I agree about the waxbills-they are a lovely group to own.

[kenny66]

I breed them. They are nice to keep but I have found one problem in that they will steal chicks from other birds that nest close to them when they have chicks themselves. They have stolen yellow headed star chicks and orange breasted waxbill chicks from the nest and killed them. However, I currently have a pair of emblemas nesting straight on top of the St Helenas nest who are on their second clutch, no problems. I also have orange breasted waxbills nesting close to them for the second time so I will see what happens. They take a lot of live food when they have chicks but it is not essential for breeding. Pretty bird though when in mating condition andvery trusting. They will fly straight onto the live food container whilst I am carrying it. I agree about the waxbills-they are a lovely group to own.

I have them in a very large aviary but I have also had them in flight cages 4ftX3ftX3ft no problems-they bred in these.

[DanteD716]

I would keep the in a 12ft by 12ft aviary, thanks guys!

[kenny66]

I would keep the in a 12ft by 12ft aviary, thanks guys!

no problem then

[DanteD716]

Sounds good, I cannot wait

[DanteD716]

ponytail joe has red eared waxbills for 25 each and gold breasted for 30 each, would st helenas, red eared, orange cheek and gold breasted go well together??

[PrettyBird]

They are so cute! I still prefer my GBWs..I like being able to visually sex them. But thats just me lol.

[DanteD716]

If I do order from Joe, I would like to get gold breasted.

[monotwine]

Cute little things. I loved my bandits (as I fondly called them) when I had them a few years back. I found they were very active and needed flying space. They liked to flock. They chatter to each other frequently and you get the feel they are a family.

I eventually gave my little flock away to a friend. I have wild St Helena's on my property and they kept pairing up with mine in the cage as I had more hens than cock birds. The prisoner love affair was too heart wrenching to watch.

They are difficult to sex though, so if you want to breed them get a few pairs.

[kenny66]

I havent had much problem sexing the St Helenas because of the brighter rose colour on the males chest. They go well with OBWB but as stated earlier I have had them kill other species chicks from nests close to theirs. By the way, St Helenas are either the most numerous bird in the world or second most numerous.

[Rayray]

easiest way to sex Sint Helena's ( if they from one import) males always have BLACK feathers underneath the tail , a female has brown feathers , the red or rose chest doesn't say a thing
I am breeding with these a few years already with 3 pairs in an aviary , with plenty space it doesn't give a problem !!