Keeping st helena waxbills

[nathan morley]

What do I need to know about st Helena wax bills couse I'm getting some

[sierranomad]

Hi Nathan:

Welcome to the forum. A good start is the Finch Information Center (link is to the left); then go to Species.

Others here who have St. Helena Waxbill will likely add their experience.

[Sally]

I have three pairs of St. Helena's, at least I hope it is three m/f pairs--just picked up a new male yesterday to replace one I had lost. Like so many of the really tiny waxbills, they are very active birds, so need as much space as you can give them. Because of their size, make sure there are no gaps in the cage wires where they can slip thru.

Mine have built many nests, using prefab hooded wicker nests or building their own out of coco fiber, but I keep finding eggs on the floor of the cage. I've been told they need lots of privacy for breeding. Mine are fairly wasteful with seed mix, tending to sort thru the seed, and I find a lot of whole seed in the hull drawer of the seed hopper. They love eggfood, veggies, soaked seed.

I have not noticed any song, but my birdroom is so crowded that it is difficult for individual songs to be heard, but these guys do call a lot. I think you will really enjoy them. I am partial to waxbills anyway!

[finchmix22]

Welcome and I hope you have the St. Helena's. I just bought two birds that I was told were both St. Helena's and only one is actually that species. The other is a Red Ear Waxbill, so I am learning.