Madagascar Mannikin
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
These birds are easy to breed in a well planted aviary. The male dances before its hen and sings a soft pretty song consisting of 4 phrases, repeated 3 or 4 times. They also like to chase each other as well as other birds, especially when the later come too close to their nest. For this reason, it may be best to keep them in a small separate aviary, instead of in a community one, although they are not aggressive birds. Their nest is usually built in thick bushes. They also accept nest boxes. The female lays 3-4, sometimes up to 7, white eggs. Incubation times is about 12 days and after 21 days the young leave the nest, but will be cared for by both parents for another 12-14 days. During the breeding season, live insects and germinated seeds are essential.
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.
