Java Sparrow

This hardy species may live for many years with the minimum of care and attention. Once acclimatized, the Java sparrow can be kept in an outside aviary all year round.

The smooth shiny plumage of the Java sparrow rarely looks untidy or ruffled. Feather condition in this species indicates the state of health and ruffled feathers often suggest illness. If in doubt, consult your veterinary surgeon.

It is advisable to keep a Java sparrow with birds of fairly average size such as weavers, whydahs arid Cut-Throat Hitches and not with small waxbills. In large aviaries, however, many fanciers do keep this species mixed with Zebra Finches and other similar birds.

There are now several color forms of the Java sparrow, the original grey and white, fawn and pied. The description below applies to the grey bird.

Description:

Size: 13 cm (51/2 in)

COCK:

Head and tail: black. Cheeks: white. Body: dove-grey. There is an eye ring of red, hare skin. Beak: pink. Legs: pinkish-beige.

HEN:

Alike. sexing cannot be done by appearance, so watch for display behavior.

Diet: (Seedeater)

Mixed millets and plain canary seed form the basic diet. Hemp is also appreciated, as is green food. Grit and cuttlefish bone must always be available.

Breeding:

Boxes or baskets are often used.

Java Sparrow Pet Care Tips

• The birds are genetically prolific. A single clutch may consist of 6 to 8 birds.
• The birds growing in breeding firms are generally banned.
• Though very small in size but it would be ideal for you to serve the bird with a big sized nest. A nest box of the measurements having 5"x5" is good for the bird to incubate but a size of 8"x8" would rather be ideal for the bird while rearing its children.
• As a pet owner you are recommended to offer them a nest box as the birds are poor in building comfortable homes. If allowed to build nests they generally choose coarse materials, like coconut fiber, shredded papers, pine needles and such. They hardly use soft feathers, if at all they use then those are generally large tail feathers of birds like mountain quail.
• The birds do not have specific breeding season. They can breed any time whenever they find the weather to be fine. Except very hot summers and cold winters the birds can breed throughout the year.
• Do not allow your birds to multiply freely otherwise it would become tough for you to take proper care of them.