Graham's comments
Breeding Forbes/ Tricolored Parrotfinches
(aka - Forbes Parrot finch | Tricolored Parrot finch | Tricolor Parrot finch | Three-colored Parrot Finch | Tanimbar Parrot Finch | Blue-breasted Parrot Finch)
Erythrura tricolor
Specifics which apply more to Tricolor, tricolored or Forbes rather than to Parrotfinches generally.
possibly not a beginner's Parrot Finch, slightly nervous,
needs to be active
straightforward to foster breed but less easy than other species to parent-rear
straightforward to foster breed but less easy than other species to parent-rear
Several names - Forbes/ Tricolor/ Tri colored/ Blue-breasted/ Tanimbar - Parrot Finches
Tricolor or Forbes cock
Housing - look great in aviaries, particularly when in sun.
Otherwise, the biggest cage possible is advisable as they tend towards obesity. Arrange perches to deter straightforward hopping from perch to perch.
So... nest box at highest point. A single front to rear perch. 2 smaller perches nearer the ground food container on floor to encourage vertical flight.
Tend to be a fairly nervous bird so space is very important, especially if trying to parent-rear.
Otherwise, the biggest cage possible is advisable as they tend towards obesity. Arrange perches to deter straightforward hopping from perch to perch.
So... nest box at highest point. A single front to rear perch. 2 smaller perches nearer the ground food container on floor to encourage vertical flight.
Tend to be a fairly nervous bird so space is very important, especially if trying to parent-rear.
Feeding/ Softfood -
can put weight on quickly so be careful on the amount of soft food given.
Feeding is similar as for other parrot finches but tend to like smaller seeds as in the Jos van Himbergen Code No. 4 seed mixture'.
Exact mix is unknown but examples of smaller seeds are plate millet, red Panicum (not red millet.
They like grass seeds ie Kanaus grass, fresh grass seed heads.
Forbes also like niger but it is fattening.
Feeding is similar as for other parrot finches but tend to like smaller seeds as in the Jos van Himbergen Code No. 4 seed mixture'.
Exact mix is unknown but examples of smaller seeds are plate millet, red Panicum (not red millet.
They like grass seeds ie Kanaus grass, fresh grass seed heads.
Forbes also like niger but it is fattening.
Sexing and breeding - one of the more difficult parrot finches to parent
rear, although some breeders can find it relatively easy.
Sexing is easy in this species. The cock has a decidedly darker blue breast than the hen.
br> This shows very early in the first moult as coloured spots appear on the breast after approximately 4 months.
Pair early - it is very important to pair absolutely as soon as possible ie as soon as the colours start to show. But, pair off without a nest box.
Sexing is easy in this species. The cock has a decidedly darker blue breast than the hen.
br> This shows very early in the first moult as coloured spots appear on the breast after approximately 4 months.
Pair early - it is very important to pair absolutely as soon as possible ie as soon as the colours start to show. But, pair off without a nest box.
Tricolor or Forbes hen
Delaying pairing can make pair-bond formation very difficult with older birds.
As soon as come into full colour put in next box. Birds could be as young as 4 or 5 months old. Time to first moult varies according to the conditions - amount of light, food etc.
Forbes seem to breed early and have a short breeding life ie are past their best at 18 months.
Nest boxes - normal half-fronted nest boxes as high as possible, hanging on front or inner top rear corner.
As soon as come into full colour put in next box. Birds could be as young as 4 or 5 months old. Time to first moult varies according to the conditions - amount of light, food etc.
Forbes seem to breed early and have a short breeding life ie are past their best at 18 months.
Nest boxes - normal half-fronted nest boxes as high as possible, hanging on front or inner top rear corner.
