Gray Headed or Pearl Headed Silverbill
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
The courtship behavior and the singing of the male is, as with the majority of these finches, the most reliable indication of sex. They are very friendly towards other birds in an aviary, even towards birds of their own kind. Females are even tolerant of nest inspections. In a large, well planted aviary, good breeding results are often achieved. They build large free nests in bushes or in wooden commercial nest boxes. If there is an abandoned nest available however, they will prefer it to a nesting box. The hen lays 4-6 eggs which are incubated for about 12-13 days. After a month the young leave the nest. Fifteen days after flight, young males have been observed carrying out the nuptial display. Pairs are difficult to determine, therefore, it is wise to buy 6-8 birds at the same time and let them do the searching.
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.
