Temperament , Diet , and Care Tips
Stephanie Young Merzel / Flickr / CC By 2.0
Small , beautiful , and quiet , the endearing Java finch has been trendy as a batting cage and aviary bird for many year . These birds require a " hands - off " approach to fowl ownership , which is why they are a wonderful choice for both immature andolder bird ownerswho require a boo that is easy to handle for . Their graceful in - coop flight maneuvers and soothing songs aid put them among the most interesting lowly razzing to keep and take note . However , you might need two or three ; they demand other finches to keep them company . And , contain your local practice of law as some states shun the possession of this bird .
Credit:Stephanie Young Merzel / Flickr / CC By 2.0
Species Overview
Common Names : Java finch , Java Timothy Miles Bindon Rice finch , Java true sparrow , Java temple bird , paddy bird
Scientific Name : Lonchura oryzivoraor sometimesPadda oryzivora(Some scientists grouping the Java finch and the Timor true sparrow together . )
Adult Size:5 to 6 column inch
Life Expectancy:5 to 10 years
Origin and History
As the name imply , the Java finch is aboriginal to the Indonesian island , including Java , Bali , and Bawean . They can also be found in Sri Lanka , Hawaii , Jamaica , and Puerto Rico . In Java , this finch is a vulnerable mintage .
This Asiatic finch typically lives in bombastic flocks on grasslands and savannas . The birds have also observe a love for cultivated fields , in particular those grow rice . On many of its aboriginal islands , the Fannie Merritt Farmer consider the bird a pest . The fowl are banned in some area where they are not native . If feral population do arise , they are a threat to local agriculture .
Temperament
Java finches are little , social birds but often are far too shy for direct human interaction . Some pet owners have reported success in bonding with their finch , though .
Typically , they thrive in pair or small mickle kept within a flying cage . These birds should not be a solo pet . In most cases , they will become depressed without another finch to keep them caller .
Beyond that , these birdie are quiet , inactive , and non - belligerent . They can live with other mintage of finches , both large and small , without issue . A pair of Javas can be an excellent addition to a various volary . The only time they show hostility is normally between two male Javas , and even that is minimal .
Speech and Vocalizations
The Java finch has very calming vocalizations with a signaturechip - chipping - chipsong . Males tribunal females with call that let in a coordinated clicking sound with their beak similar to a tympan . This conduct is standardized to how a human beatboxes or claps their handwriting along with a vocal .
Java Finch Colors and Markings
The natural food coloring of the Java finch includes a gray back and a black drumhead and tail feathers . They have gray - Ceylon cinnamon colored breasts and bellies and large white patch on their cheeks . Some people say they remind them of tiny penguin .
Another distinguishing gadget characteristic of the Java finch is the thin Orange River ring around their eye . They also have bright reddish - orange beaks and bright orangish cutis on their legs and foot .
Both male and females of the species display the same coloring on their feather . There are a few room to say the sex apart , though it ’s not easy without a side - by - side comparison . For example , the males have darker eyes and a slightly wide , blunter snoot that swells at the top during the genteelness time of year . The skillful fashion to sexuality these finches is to look at which bird is singing . While the females do call , only the male sing . It may take a male person a long time to sing , though some birder say that after a workweek of closing off , most will . separate between them can be difficult if you keep a group of finch , but you may do it with heedful aid and banding .
Variouscolor mutationsof Java finches occur within the preferent trade . These include pied javas , agate javas , black - headed javas , cinnamon or fawn javas , cream javas , dark silver and lite silver javas , and white javas .
Caring for Java Finches
Because of their compact sizing , these finches have become verypopular pet birdsamong those who have limited place and can not house a large dame mintage . If you are thinking of adopt a Java finch , then you may as well prepare yourself to take in at least two or three .
The cage command for Java finch should be large enough to allow escape and will vary establish on how many birds you decide to keep . Generally , an aviary about 7 - feet gamey would be idealistic . However , if you could not accommodate an aviary , you will need a cage that is at a minimum of 18 column inch all-inclusive by 30 inches farsighted by 18 inches high minimum with 1/4 - inch to 1/2 - inch taproom space
Nesting loge are not necessary unless you want to multiply the birds . Provide raft of perches , ladder , swing , and toys to keep them felicitous . They also relish bath , so a bag of water supply for this purpose will be much appreciated .
Java finch are prolific breeder and will do so year - round except when it gets too spicy or too inhuman . If you ’d like to keep a non - breeding aviary , the best bet is to get same - sex pairs . As an choice , remove nesting boxes or any laid egg . To ensure your female does n’t peril her wellness by continuously laying eggs to exchange her " lost " nut , plant fake orchis as decoys .
Common Health Problems
Java finches are make out to be a very hardy species and seldom fall ill if cared for decently . A well - equilibrize dieting will lower the risk of nutritionary deficiencies . Like any birds , they can get several avian disease passed from other doll , include :
Before introducing a novel shuttle to your aviary , it is always best to quarantine your bird for six week and observe if your new skirt exhibits any signs of ill health .
Diet and Nutrition
Although these birds have become noted for run through Sir Tim Rice in the wild , their regular diet consists typically of source and fruits . In enslavement , Java finch should be course a beneficial , high - qualityseed mixture . prey your finch one to two teaspoons of well quality finch seed mix every Clarence Shepard Day Jr. and offer a teaspoon of a specially formulated shot food .
Many Java finch owner report winner feeding them parakeet formulate mixes rather than finch food . Java finches will nibble out any seeds they do n’t want and leave a considerable mess , so it ’s authoritative to conform the food to what theywilleat .
Supplement their seed admixture and pellet with nuts , grains , and exquisitely chopped , shuttle - good fruits and vegetables . Your bird will also enjoy crushed egg or huitre shells , which provides extra calcium . Most javas are not fond of cuttlebones .
Exercise
Like allfinch specie , these are incredibly active little birds that seem to have endless total of energy . A marvelous trajectory cage will give them the room to take flight , play , climb , jump , and exercise .
These birds make ideal pets for people who do n’t have enough prison term to adhere and interact with a parrot or other birdie ; they do not require out - of - John Milton Cage Jr. playtime . As long they have another bird and plentifulness of toys , they ’re great at think about themselves .
Not too loud and has a beautiful song
Does not involve out - of - cage time or interaction
blue , non - agressive shuttle that usually get along with other chick
need a enceinte John Cage or aviary to get the exercise this energetic bird needs
mother lonesome well ; should be house with at least one to two familiar bird
Where to Adopt or Buy a Java Finch
These hiss are illegal to possess in California , Georgia , Hawaii , Nevada , New Mexico , Kentucky , New Hampshire , Florida , Pennsylvania , West Virginia , Wyoming , Maine , Virgin Islands , and Puerto Rico . Or , your state may necessitate a permit to own this species . There is legislation pending regarding legal possession of these bird in several states . Before engender a Java finch , check with your State ’s Fish & Wildlife Department .
Java finches are sold bybreedersand can sometimes be found through adoption agencies . They can be $ 50 to $ 100 , depending on the color mutation . To find useable shuttle , some online sources you may try include :
If you are going the breeder route , ask the breeder long they have been breeding and working with the species . If you may , tour their facility . wait forsigns of good overall healthof the spate . The birds should be active and alert with bright eyes , clean feathers , and full crops .
More Pet Bird Species and Further Research
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Otherwise , check out all of our othersmall bird species profiles .
