Three Coloured Mannikin

Scientific Name: Lonchura malacca

Origin: India

The Three-colored Mannikin is very easy to manage, but not a bird from which to expect spectacular breeding results. It is a very popular specie with beginners since it is so hardy. Most of the mannikin species share this quality. They are all simple to keep.

Description:

Size: Just under 10 cm (4 in)

COCK: Cock and hen are alike.

A pleasing color combination of black, white and chestnut-brown. Cannot be sexed by appearance.

Diet: (Scedeater)

Mixed millets and plain canary seed form the basic diet. Spray millet, seeding grasses and green food are enjoyed. Grit and cuttlefish bone must always be available.

Breeding:

Breeding this species is a challenge for the fancier. It is worth making the effort to try to create the type of conditions this species would find in the wild. Just to give you an idea, in India their habitat would be in long grass, mostly near rice fields where the nests would he built, hanging from the sturdy stems. Therefore, you could use bamboo or ordinary cane or rushes planted in the flight with other shrubs. It is worth trying to encourage the birds to nest. The provision of a few old nests might he worth trying; sometimes this species will take over an old nest and rebuild. Small live food should he provided, together with fresh ants' eggs, and some mashed hard-boiled egg may be fed. Stale soaked bread and germinated seed should be made available if you find yourself with a nest of chicks.

This species has no audible song but it has a most attractive, glossy appearance and usually does well on the show bench. Plenty of different types of mannikins are available but this is certainly one of the best. It is a very healthy bird which usually thrives with the minimum of attention. It is well worth persevering in attempting to breed with this species.

Three Colored Mannikin Information

• For breeding the birds should be kept in aviaries. Caged birds have low rate of success in producing and rearing young ones into adulthood.
• The bird is suitable for a community aviary with peaceful natured finches. Inclusion of only one pair of birds per aviary is ideal for them.
• To avoid hybridizing the birds should not be kept along with munias and others species belonging to the manikin family. Hybridizing gives rise to confusion of determining the breeds of birds as in many cases hybridized birds may appear similar to another distinct breed of bird. Even genetic traits also get diluted reducing the quality of the newly born birds.
• In wild other than feeding and drinking the birds hardly spend their time grazing on grounds. They love tall grasses and scrubby bushes.
• Both the sexes of birds are good parents as the pair develops a strong bonding.