African Quailfinch

[Colt]

I just thought I would share in case anyone is looking for this species other than Lauren...lol But the Finch Farm recently got some in. These are a very uncommon/rare import that haven't been seen for several years. They are a true ground dwelling species so if you are interested in trying to breed them be sure to set them up appropriately.

The Finch Farm:

http://www.thefinchfarm.com/finchesfors ... red&page=1

General Information:

http://beautyofbirds.com/africanquailfinches.html

http://blogs.thatpetplace.com/thatbirdb ... aufMPlViko

http://www.jimmyb.org.uk/Birds/Bird_Det ... _Finch.htm

I am seriously dying to get a pair. I think Sunbay got five new pairs to go with the three existing birds she has.

[Sally]

Oh, I wish I had room for some of these.

[lovezebs]

Colt

Interesting little birds. I can't recall ever hearing about them before, and have definitely never seen one (even in pictures).
Thanks for sharing the interesting reading sites.

Elana

[Colt]

I wish I had the money Sally...lol

And you're welcome Elana. They are really neat. I figured not many had seen them and those that had probably couldn't find any.

[w.l.]

They are also available in our part of the World now, for a more modest price, though it is the less attractive West African subspecies without the eye-ring.
I am also considering buying a pair, with my main concern being their reputation of flying vertically straight up when frightened, bumping into the ceiling! Also, they seem to require ground covered with much grass to feel really comfortable.
My birdroom may not be ideal for them, but then again, I bet many other buyers will just put them into a bare cage so I might as well just give them a try...
Another thing worth keeping in mind is that they are said to be picky about partners offered so buying a small group is recommended to increase chances of having a well-matching pair.

[Leo519]

I saw them on the Finch Farm too and was curious about their temperament.. Anyone know if they are pushy or more on the passive side? I couldn't find any useful info about them online.
I was also hoping to find video of them because The Finch Farm website says they walk, as opposed to hop, like most finches - Thought that would be really neat to see!

[w.l.]

They are said to be totally peaceful both towards their own kind and other species.
They both hop and walk/run.

[Colt]

Sunbay has three already in a community flight. I'm sure she'll chime in with her personal experience.

[Sunbay]

<<I just thought I would share in case anyone is looking for this species other than Lauren...lol But the Finch Farm recently got some in.>>

Yup, yup YUP!! The years-long wait is almost over!
They should be shipping out next week. I can't wait!

They are VERY peaceful. Charming and endearing. I have never heard them make a sound. They can NOT be on wire. When I got the ones I have now, ALL of them had missing, or messed up toes, from being on wire. They now love being on orchard grass, and having a half-log to perch on. They sleep in a half wicker nest, on the ground.
Never an egg, though. Hopefully the new ones will be productive!

Will be sure to post photos when they arrive!

[Colt]

Can't wait to hear about the new ones.

[debbie276]

This is so exciting, can't wait!

[TheExtremeCraftsman]

I want a pair real bad. just got off the phone with them ref an order. I would like to build a specific aviary just for them. this question is for Colt, Would I build the aviary with a low ceiling and large ground area. And should I creatE a minny habitat for the bottom? I could create a bottom that was removeable so I could have two that are changed when needed. What's you thoughts on this?

[Colt]

TheExtremeCraftsman - That is an interesting concept.

Personally I would not make a low ceiling for their habitat. Mostly because Quail finches, much like the galliformes they are named after (Quail, Chuckar, Partridge, etc...) when startled they explode upwards in flight in order to escape predators on the ground. If they were to spook and slam into a low ceiling results could be fatal.

Post number 4 linked here:

http://www.backyardchickens.com/t/70309 ... need-ideas

Actually shows a really nice small habitat that would work for anyone considering keeping the African Quail Finch. With some modification it could be used quite easily.

If it were me and I was planning on breeding them, I'd frame up something at least three feet tall, two feet wide, and four feet long. Half of the cage I'd do a sand bottom in a pan deep enough to hold it. Be sure to keep the sand dry and clean. A reptile litter scoop designed for a sand substrate would work perfectly for sifting it. The other half I'd do an astro-turf material. I'd have their water and feed on the astro-turf to make clean up easier.

I'd place several hides in the aviary for them, along with a log, possibly a good-sized rock for them to use as a look out perch, and have some small decorative grasses (live) in pots placed in a natural way to make them comfortable. You could also use artificial grass (the stiff kind) that is often sold for large aquariums, and other artificial plants along the walls.

Cages By Design:

http://www.cagesbydesign.com/

Although priced ridiculously, can give you some other great ideas for potential enclosures that can be made for a fraction of the cost.

[Colt]

In regards to changing the bottom out completely, I don't think the birds would feel comfortable enough to breed. Instead I would do it like I suggested above.

I think sunbay (Lauren) keeps her trio now on Timothy Hay and astro-turf, but I could be wrong.

How are you planning on setting your's up Lauren?

[Colt]

So how are all 24 birds doing sunbay? lol

Are you going to be keeping both sub-species? (Are they actually species or sub-species anyway?) What do you older birds think about them. I'm sure you've got the newbies quarantined but if the older birds can hear them I thought all the new company might have piqued their interest.