Long Tailed Finch
Found in store, for more details call Birdsville 9667 2555.
available at birdsville all year round.
Natural distribution and habitat of long tailed finches
Native to northern Australia from Broom to west kimberleys there are two sub species of long tailed grass finch the red billed which is on the eastern side of the population and the yellow billed which inhabits west and the north of the population range. They will be found close by permenant water with open grass lands with scattered gum trees and pandanas.
Sexing Long tailed finches
The male has a larger bib and wider skull than the female
Breeding long tailed finches
Breeding in large aviary as a colony or breeding in s small cage with one pair per cage. There breeding season is from october through to april. Long tailed finches will breed in nesting boxes, and wicker nests. Nesting material such as swamp grass and feathers must be on offer for them to construct there nests. These are all available at birdsville. There should always be more nesting sites than pairs to give them some choice this will increase the chances of breeding and decrease birds squabling over one nest. Nests should be dispersed throughout the aviary at varying hights.
The hen will lay 5 to 7 eggs in which both participate in incubating the eggs. incubation takes about 13 days. The young will not leave the nest for a further 3 weeks. Fledglings will be fed by the parents for a further 3 weeks while they build confidence and learn to crack seed. It is important during the raising of the young that live food supply is increased such as meal worms and fly pupae.
Diet for long tailed finches
Seed– A good quality finch mix is important for your birds to florish and especially if you are to have any success in breeding. Be wary of nicely packaged seed from supermarkets as often the quality is often not the best. Pet stores or produce stores should carry the good gear.
Sprouted seed– Relished by long tails, aAlways clean thoroughly with aviclens before feeding your long birds to remove bacteria.
Millet sprays– A fresh soft millet i recommend french white millet sprays above the other varieties for finches.
Greens such as seeding grasses, endives, silverbeet, cucumber and chickweed.. Always be aware of pesticides of any plants offered to finches.
Live food such as meal worms and fly pupae, this in conjunction with a couple of pinches a day of wombaroo insectivore mix. Especially important when breeding your birds
Egg and biscuit formula- another source of protein which is great for your birds this can be added to the container when feeding your birds live food.
Grit A good fine grit mix with limestone, charcoal, shell, crushed cuttlebone and baked egg shells included. Never add shell grit to the seed but have in a seperate container.
Vitamin supplement- An important dietary supplement added to the water supply. Vitamins are wasted when added to the seed due to the fact finches hull seed when it is consumed.
