OC Waxbills fledglings with pictures

[ikhom]

What kind of nest(box) do they use. I did get a female OCW (I hope it's a female - they do cuddle) but they won't nest.

Liz, I got my female OC in the fall and they started to nest in the spring. At first they were using a closed bamboo finch nest, but then they started to build their own nests at the bottom of the cage. They have to build a new nest for each clutch. If you start a nest for them in the right place they will finish it.

I had three nests at the bottom of the cage at one point. When chicks fledge every night they go to sleep in a new clean nest.

[MLaRue]

They are sooooo cute! Like the Bluecap babies except with orange... Congrats

[finchmix22]

What kind of nest(box) do they use. I did get a female OCW (I hope it's a female - they do cuddle) but they won't nest.

Liz, I got my female OC in the fall and they started to nest in the spring. At first they were using a closed bamboo finch nest, but then they started to build their own nests at the bottom of the cage. They have to build a new nest for each clutch. If you start a nest for them in the right place they will finish it.

I had three nests at the bottom of the cage at one point. When chicks fledge every night they go to sleep in a new clean nest.

How do you know a female OC from a male? I have four and cannot tell what any of them are, regarding sex. Any input would be great. I know I must have one female because I have found tiny eggs in a nest before, but I don't know who the hen is. LOL

[ikhom]

How do you know a female OC from a male? I have four and cannot tell what any of them are, regarding sex. Any input would be great. I know I must have one female because I have found tiny eggs in a nest before, but I don't know who the hen is. LOL

It is difficult to sex OC. My first pair was two males and for over a year I'd thought that it was a real pair. One was brighter than the other with bigger cheeks. Only one alfa male was singing. I bought another bird that was also a male and then another that was a female. She is not as bright and she definitely doesn't sing.

[finchmix22]

To me all my OC's look exactly the same. The only difference I've been told was to check the vent area and see if there is a light yellow or more yellow-orange coloring there. I have noticed a tiny difference between the amount of red on their tail feathers. I have not heard any singing, but only what sounds like chirping to me. I am not sure what the males' song sounds like, compared to other male finch songs.

[L in Ontario]

Thanks for the pics of the nestballs!! You say you start a nest for them - how? Do you just put a pile of cocofibre on the floor in a corner?

Also, I read OCW's need a BIG cage? I have mine in a small cage. What size cage do you have yours in - obviously you are having a lot of success with them! Is it possible for you to show a photo of the whole cage?

[ikhom]

You say you start a nest for them - how? Do you just put a pile of cocofibre on the floor in a corner?
Also, I read OCW's need a BIG cage? I have mine in a small cage. What size cage do you have yours in - obviously you are having a lot of success with them! Is it possible for you to show a photo of the whole cage?

I can take a picture of the cage on the weekend, but it is a common 30"x18"x18" breeding cage. I keep one part of the cage covered with a blanket, so they don't have to jump out of the nest every time someone pass by. They need their privacy.
They can use different nests. I posted some other pictures of nests from my older male. I'm sure a pile could work, but if you shape an opening inside, the size of tennis ball they would like it. I find that they will fill it up from inside out and inside it will get much smaller.

[Sally]

Thanks for the tips on the nests, ikhom. I'm going to try that with my Fire finches, since they spend so much time on the ground. Congrats on the OCW babies, I haven't seen many have success with them.

[L in Ontario]

I've moved my OCW's into a 30x18x18 cage and given them a pile of cocofibres on the floor of the cage along with a canary nest, a hooded bamboo nest and also a tube nest - so they have a choice of 3 different styles. Hopefully one will appeal to them.

Thanks so much Igor - I hope you will be attending the October 9th finch meeting in Kingston!

[ikhom]

My youngest OC juveniles are in a heavy molt and one already singing.

The dad was busy building new nests at the bottom of the cage, so I removed them all. No more nesting material for them. If I need new nests for my birds, I know who can build them for me.

Thanks so much Igor - I hope you will be attending the October 9th finch meeting in Kingston!

I don't know yet.
Does anybody need Green Singers, Owls or OCs?

[summert85]

where do you buy your nesting material..? thanks.

[ikhom]

where do you buy your nesting material..? thanks.

I like to buy my supplies at bird fairs.

[Sally]

where do you buy your nesting material..? thanks.

You can get that kind of coco fiber at www.birdsupplynh.com.

[Ahmed]

i have 2 Orange Cheeked Waxbill but i don't about sex, they not eat live food, egg food but love to play several hours in tall grassy area of my little aviary.
I have 6 pair of Zebra Finch and 1 pair of Strawberry Finch in same flight.
today when i keep OCWB in small cage for making closer photos, one OCWB slip from cage bars easily, bar space is same like your cage.
Well Congrats for breeding..

[Colt]

I know this is an older post, but I've certainly never seen it. And I'd like to say I am sitting over here absolutely green with envy...

I only hope mine will do that well for me.