Crimson or Rhodospingus FInch
Characteristics
Upperparts dark blue-black, under parts reddish-pink fading to orange on the abdomen. Bright red crest. The female lacks all red and is gray and brown in coloring, resembling a hen sparrow.
Social Behaviors
Prefers same species groups.
Housing
Inhabits scrub and bushy areas. Likes to hide in thick cover.
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
In the wild as well as in captivity, the breeding season is exceptionally short. The species breeds in open hives and in half open nest boxes. They will also use old nests left by weavers. The hen hatches and builds the nest alone. The clutch consists of 3-4 blue-white eggs. The incubation period is only 11-12 days. The young leave the nest after 8-9 days. In a large, well planted aviary, these birds are very tolerant by nature. Although this might be less true during the breeding season, serious irregularities are unlikely to occur. There are usually 3-4 breedings per season, but it’s best to limit them to 2 per year in order to prevent egg binding among other problems.
