Hi there! I have a question regarding my java rice finches, and i was wondering if you could give me some advice!
i have four normal grey java rice finches that are roughly 2 years old (i've had them for two or three months) housed in a cage that is 36" tall, 18" wide and 18" long. [i know they prefer longer cages, but space does not permit <img src="/images/graemlins/smile.gif" alt="" /> ] i believe i have 3 males (that sing) and 1 female. one of the males and the female have definitely paired up (which causes a little bit of bickering here and there). their only other cagemate is a canary.
about two weeks ago, the female laid an egg that we found smashed on the bottom of the cage. concerned that she may become eggbound if not provided with a suitable area to nest, we added a wooden nestbox (recommended for budgies) that hangs on the outside of the cage with the door facing in. we've provided nesting materials such as various grasses, shredded paper and fine threads.
the pair has shown no interest in the nest box, and the female has not lain another egg since. the funny thing is, one of the "single" males sits in the door of the nestbox with his head and shoulders inside the box and makes quiet little "screaming" noises. he has never gone completely into the box.
we feed them a mixture of canary, finch and budgies seeds and extruded pellets, as well as spray millet, cuttle bones and fresh fruits and vegetables (such as broccoli, apple and carrots.) we also give them grit and seed treats a few days a week.
i was just wondering what these behaviours indicate, and what we should do. we did not get the birds with the intent to breed them, but it would be interesting to see them raise the young.
any advice or information you could provide would be greatly appreciated!
emily
p.s. can two normal grey parents produce colour mutations in their young?