Cherry finches?

[deshud]

I am thinking of getting some cherry finches. Does anyone have experience with this type of species?

[Sally]

I have some Cherry finches, and I love this species. They are elegant, active, inquisitive. If you are into showing, they often make good show birds, as they stand very upright--look proud and tall. Mine get along well with other species. Donna (dfcauley) has no problem breeding this species, but mine did toss, I had to foster. But I think it was the male that was the problem. I have mates now for those babies, so I am anxious to see how they do with breeding. I would recommend this species for anyone.

[mickp]

awww Sally please call the poor little bird by it's correct name

have to agree, a beautiful addition to any aviary.
when /if you get them, remember to be patient and give them plenty of time to settle in to a new home.

[dfcauley]

awww Sally please call the poor little bird by it's correct name .

Plumheads.... I have to admit I never use this name either. Nor do I use Hecks instead of Shaftails... etc....

Yes, they are lovely birds. Very sweet. But my pair thought they were zebras and would not stop breeding.

Lets see...... is there another name for zebras? Ahhhh ...Zebbies!!!!
Or shall I say "holy terrors"

[dan78]

Plumheads absolutely gorgeous little bird, never kept them but a good mate breeds them quite well. Lots a space and privacy is what works for him and alot of Green seeds and leafy greens work a treat,live food doesn't seem to go with them. If I could have some I would. Definitely a bird worth considering.

[Sally]

Hey, mick, haven't heard from you in a long time! Hope all has been well with you. Yes, I forget the 'proper' names for some of these finches. And Plumhead does suit them very well. I still like Owls rather than Double-bars or Bichenos, just because they look like miniature Owls.

[deshud]

I like the name plumheads, and I really like the idea of them not requiring live food Do you know if they're difficult to find, and what price I should be expecting to pay?

[Dayna]

I believe that Jaquie and Jason from Airdrie have them but not 100% on that. They might not have them at the time being but I'm sure they have had them before.

[deshud]

Thanks Dayna, I emailed Jason.

[kenny66]

I am thinking of getting some cherry finches. Does anyone have experience with this type of species?

they breed very well up in the tropics, where I live. They are somewhat understated within the aviary and sober colouring which becomes spectacular in the sunlight. I bred them for years in Sydney, 3000km south of where I am now. They liked privacy and and half ripened seed. They were not particular about the type of aviary or whether it was planted or not.Mine took live food, very occassionally. An easy and delighfull breed in a mixed aviary or by themselves. I found that they needed heaps of calcium for egg production i.e. egg shell-cuttle bone and grits etc.

[deshud]

I think I am going to buy a pair! I can get a pair for 110.00 $ The female is a fawn. I am not that knowledgable about cherries ( or plumheads ) Are fawns common? They're a mutation, right?

[kenny66]

I think I am going to buy a pair! I can get a pair for 110.00 $ The female is a fawn. I am not that knowledgable about cherries ( or plumheads ) Are fawns common? They're a mutation, right?

fawn is uncommon and a mutation

[deshud]

Stupid question, being uncommon and a mutation, is that good or bad? I'm new to birds, and still unsure about genetics, mutations, ect. In other words, should I buy the fawn? and is it okay to breed her?

[Sally]

It is perfectly fine to breed the fawn hen, that is just a mutation. If you pair a normal male to a fawn hen, you will get normal hens and split/fawn males. Then next year, if you got a fawn hen of a different bloodline, you could pair her with one of your split/fawn males, and then you could get fawn males, split/fawn males, fawn hens, normal hens.

[deshud]

Thank you
It's sounds so confusing! I guess I will eventually get it.