Orange-cheeked waxbills

Post by **Sally** » Sat May 19, 2007 7:38 pm

I went to our semi-annual Bird Mart today, and two different vendors had lots of Orange-cheeked waxbills. The first priced them at $35/pair, so I asked how to sex them, and was told it was very difficult, you just had to take a chance. The second vendor priced them at $10ea, and said he could sex them by the orange cheek (more color on the males). He also said that they make good fosters for Cordon Bleus, just as Societies are good fosters for Gouldians. I asked if they are fed insects when fostering, in order to provide the correct diet for CB babies, and he said no, just seeds, but you can feed mini worms.

I just remembered reading that these birds are very hard to sex visually, and had never heard of them being used as fosters for CBs. They are cute little birds, and I thought I might take a chance and get a few, but didn't really have the room for them right now, so decided against it.

Upon arriving home, I did a web search, and can't confirm anything he told me, either about sexing or fostering. Also, I watched as he caught six birds for someone who wanted three pair--catch a bird, male, catch a bird, male, catch a bird, male. He then asked the person if they wanted all six in the same carrying cage, or if he wanted the females separate. The person said they could all go together, so he resumed--catch a bird, female, catch a bird, female, catch a bird, female. Remember, this is a cage full of these little guys, probably at least 20, flying in a blur. Pretty lucky, to always catch what he needed, huh?

Anyway, has anyone ever heard of them being used as fosters for CBs? If I had room, I would have gotten them to try out that theory. Or is there new info about being able to sex them visually?

Oh, and I did get what I went there for--2 male Stars, 3 Gouldian hens, and a pair of Owls!! They are all in quarantine in my bedroom right now, and I am so excited I can hardly stand it! I'll be awake with them at dawn!

And I did overhear a lady asking about getting information on finches, so I butted in and told her about finchinfo.com. She was getting a pair of Owls, and I told her I had just read up on them last night, since I had planned to get a pair today.

tammieb · Post by **tammieb** » Sat May 19, 2007 7:51 pm

Ha... that guy is too funny! I don't believe anyone could be that lucky.

Sounds like you had a good day. I would love to attend a bird mart/fair. They only have one in my area. Kansas City has one in the very early spring and the weather is always terrible on that particular weekend.

We'd love to see photos of your new birds Sally.

Thalia · Post by **Thalia** » Sun May 20, 2007 12:07 pm

I agree pics are definitely needed. Even if the guy was full of it, at least you saved $15 on the birds

FinchLady07 · Post by **FinchLady07** » Sun May 20, 2007 10:09 pm

I wish I had room for so many birds!

StevePax · Post by **StevePax** » Mon May 21, 2007 8:49 am

I have on OC Waxbill. Used to have 2.

As for sexing - I've heard and read just about everything under the sun for sexing these tiny guys. The honest truth - you cannot reliably visually sex them. The cheek doesn't tell you, and the vent doesn't tell you. You just can't do it.

As for fostering CBs, I've never heard that before, but there is a pretty big relative size difference between the two - fledgling CBs would be bigger than the OC Waxbill him/herself!

They are tiny little suckers - mine managed to squeeze through a small opening in my cage that none of the other birds in there would ever get through. Then, when he was done sitting in the artificial tree in my living room, he went back to the cage and squeezed right back through! You gotta be careful with bar spacing with these guys, for sure.

I like mine, though - he's very chirpy. I swear, every time he takes off or lands, he has to chirp.

Post by **Sally** » Mon May 21, 2007 11:12 am

Actually, Thalia, I didn't get any of these OCs. I was tempted, but I really don't have any more room right now. Plus, I think they could have gotten thru my cage bar spacing. Next Bird Mart, I might be able to get some--they really are cute!

And Finchlady07, I don't really have enough room for all these birds, I just don't have any self-control! LOL! It would probably be better to concentrate on one species, but then I see another bird I just HAVE to have. I also have 2 dogs, 5 cats, 3 horses, and 4 planted aquariums, so you can see I have collectoritis in a bad way. Is there something like AA for pet owners?

Crystal · Post by **Crystal** » Mon May 21, 2007 6:15 pm

Thanks for telling that lady about the site :)