::: ALCON :::

JAVA RICE FINCH

Also known as Rice Sparow, the Java Rice Finch [Lonchura (Padda) oryzivora] is native of the Islands of Bali and Java, in the Indonesia. Sailors and travelers introduced them in others locals as Borneo, China, Japan, Islands Fiji, Malaya and Philippines. Avid for rice and oat, they were considered as an agricultural pest and thousands and thousands of these were exterminated. They possess diverse variations of colors and very silky feathers.

They are active and curious and in the nature they live in groups. Its original color is white and black head, with the remaining of the body in two tones of gray. With the selected crossings we find a big range of colors, including birds entirely white. They can arrive to the 15 cm of length.

Reproduction:
The distinction between males and females for the external aspect is not very easy, however the males generally present the beak and the contour of the eyes reddest and also sings, in contrast of the females. The Java Rice forms a pair for the life all. The male constructed the nest with fibers of coconut, sisal, grass and others fibrous stuff, in the format of a ball, where the female lay 4 to 7 eggs. This nest can be built inside the box type nests and the couple in the next posture will utilizes the same place. The incubation time is 15 days on average. After 1 month the cubs are ready to leave of the nest, but they begin eat it alone just a week or more after this event.

Maintenance:
The Java Rice Finches adore bathing themselves and this activity must be allowed daily to refresh them and to leave its feathers in good conditions. The bath also becomes related with the collective behavior of these birds, therefore that when one starts to bathe the others follow it. The birdcage must be large (minimum of 70 cm of size x 40 cm of width and 30 cm of height) for the couple and, if possible, possess some plant or camouflage. A similar nest to the Budgerigars (20 x 20 x 20 cm) is recommended. Always cleans the containers of water and food, as well as the birdcage. Try to keep them in an illuminated place, far from airflow and cold. It is very important since they are tropical birds.

Feed:
alcon Club Pássaros Exóticos (alcon Club Exotic Birds), alcon Club Farinhada com Ovo para Canários (alcon Club Egg Food for Canaries), alcon Club Papa para Filhotes - Pássaros.