Gold-breasted waxbills are small finches native to Africa. They are also often known as orange-breasted or zebra waxbills. They are brightly colored, with green plumage along their wings and backs and bright orange or gold plumage on their fronts. The males tend to be slightly brighter in color than the females. These birds grow to only about 4 inches long, making them one of the smallest pet finches. However, although their small, their known as somewhat hardy birds, and are relatively easy to breed.
Instructions
1. Keep the gold-breasted waxbills in a community aviary. These birds are social, and usually enjoy the company of other waxbills or other finches, even while they are getting ready to breed. However, some birds may be more comfortable in a separate aviary. If the birds do not seem at all interested in breeding after a long period of time, consider moving the pair to a separate aviary.
2. Fill the aviary with small branches, grasses, straw, or clean feathers. The birds will use these feathers to build their nests. White feathers or other white nesting materials often work well, as gold-breasted waxbills seem to like this color.
3. Hang or place small wicker baskets around the aviary. These baskets should be just large enough for both of the parents to climb into. Fill the baskets with more nesting materials. Gold-breasted waxbills like a nesting area that is already full. They will then discard or adjust the materials to suit them. Small, open nest boxes can also be used instead of wicker baskets.
4. Use false foliage to block the view to some of the wicker baskets. Gold-breasted waxbills often like to make a nesting area in a hidden spot.
5. Feed the birds a nutrient-rich diet. This diet should include an enriched finch meal, fresh vegetables, especially green vegetables such as broccoli, and meaty items such as mealworms. Seeds that have sprouted or have been soaked should also be offered. Because their beaks are so small, gold-breasted waxbills have a hard time cracking seeds that are not soaked or sprouted. This nutritious diet will ensure that the birds are in the best possible condition to breed, and the both the eggs and hatchlings will also be as healthy as possible.
6. Add calcium, mineral, and vitamin supplements to the bird's food. A cuttlebone, which provides calcium, or a mineral block can also be placed in the aviary.
7. Wait for the birds to breed. This will happen when the birds feel comfortable with the new nests and nesting materials in their environments. Some birds will start breeding almost immediately, while other birds can take as long as a year to adjust.
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