Common or St. Helene Waxbill
Characteristics
Although most pet owners are content to observe their birds, with patience and perseverance it is possible to finger tame them. They can be messy eaters and it is wise to place their cage in an area that can be easily cleaned up. These are perching and songbirds.
Housing
Finch, canary, bird of paradise, lyrebird, starling, wren, warbler, or bunting, they will need the largest cage you can afford; since they are not usually finger-tamed and spend most of their time in their cage, they need plenty of room. Cage width and depth are more important than height. Make sure the cage is zinc-safe and lead-free, with appropriate bar size and spacing. Natural hardwood branches make the best perches; sandpaper perches should never be used. Choose a variety of non-toxic wood or acrylic toys to keep your bird busy, and rotate them to avoid boredom.
Diet
These birds should be fed a variety of foods, including vitamin-fortified seed mix, dark green, leafy vegetables, yams, carrots, hard boiled eggs, and some fruit. Grit, gravel, and oyster shells should never be given. Fresh, clean water should be available at all times. Vitamin supplements are not needed with this diet.
Cleaning
Tray liners should be replaced every day and the cage bottom, fittings and dishes regularly washed with hot water and soap. Once a month, disinfect the cage with diluted bleach; be sure to rinse thoroughly. Line the tray with black and white newspaper or paper towels. It is unsafe to use pine/cedar shavings, corn cob or walnut bedding.
Fertility
Sometimes these birds lay only one egg, at other times they may lay 5 or more, but then one must assume that more then one hen is using the same nest. In the aviary, the cock builds a bullet shaped nest from grass and straw, primarily for himself. It is generally well concealed in thick bush. They will also use nest boxes, which should be hung high. After about 10 days the young are hatched and in another 2 weeks they fly out of the nest. Nevertheless, the parents actively continue to feed them for quite some time. Insects and soaked seeds are essential, so is bathing. During the breeding period, it is best to house just one pair in an aviary to avoid troubles.
Warnings
Finch, canary, bird of paradise, lyrebird, starling, wren, warbler, or bunting, they have very sensitive respiratory systems and should not be exposed to cigarette smoke, aerosols, harsh cleaning products, or other toxic fumes.
