Bengalese Munia (domestic form) (Lonchura striata f. dom.)

Bengalese Munia (domestic form) Lonchura striata f. dom.
Name	Bengalese Munia (domestic form)
Name Lat.	Lonchura striata f. dom.
Family	Estrildid Finches
Family lat.	Estrildidae
Order	Perching Birds
Order lat.	Passeriformes
Origin	Breed
Climate	Temperate - tropical
Diet	Finch seed, sprouts, herbage, insects
Keeping	Pair, group
Care Level	Easy
Reproduction	Finch nest
Life Span	5-10 years
Protection	No
Metric Units
Size	12 cm
Temperature	Room temperature
Housing	80 x 40 x 40 cm
US Units
Size	4.7"
Temperature	Room temperature
Housing	30" x 15" x 15"

Distribution and habitat

The Japanese Seagulls are the domesticated form of the Lonchura striata (pointed-tailed bronze males) bred in China, which reached Japan at the beginning of the 18th century and were further bred there. From Japan they were also exported to Europe and are bred in numerous color mutations.

Cage size

The minimum cage size is 80 x 40 x 60 cm (L x W x H) for 2-4 animals. The cage must be placed in a bright, draught-free and quiet place at a height of at least 80 cm (except aviaries), have a rectangular base and be opaque on three sides, aviaries on one side. Keeping in an indoor aviary (e.g. 150 x 70 x 150 cm) is preferable. Birds kept in a cage should be allowed daily controlled free flight indoors without danger after a period of acclimatization.

Maintenance

The floor must be covered with sand, wood granulate, bark mulch or similar material and must be cleaned regularly. At least 3 perches made of wood or branches of different thickness and height must be installed in such a way that they can only be reached by flying and that the longest possible flight distance is created. They need a bathing opportunity as well as biotope-like hiding, sleeping and nesting possibilities. It is recommended to provide them with grasses, twigs and bushes. They should be kept at room temperature, between 18 and 25 °C.

Diet

The species-specific food supply consists of mixed seeds, available in specialized trade as "exotic food" in premium quality, supplemented with foxtail millet, tangle grass seeds, green food (chickweed, green panicle millet, fresh grass panicles, cucumber slices etc.), germinated seeds (millet, oats, wheat) and especially for rearing young additionally egg food as well as in small quantities insect larvae (buffalo worms, ant pupae, pinkies). Charcoal, vitamine lime and shell grit are needed as digestive aids. Drinking water must always be available in birdbaths or in stable, open containers. Food and water must be offered fresh daily, and the containers must be cleaned beforehand.

A regular and varied diet promotes health and prevents deficiency symptoms.

Reproduction and breeding

The sexes can be distinguished by the song and call of the male. The first song of the male occurs already after 3-4 months of life.

They breed in semi-open nest boxes or nesting baskets (bionest) of medium size. Suitable nesting materials include sisal, coconut fibers, long grasses, and animal hair and feathers for padding. A clutch consists of 4-6 eggs, the incubation period is about 12 days. The breeding season is, biologically speaking, year-round. Do not allow more than 2-3 broods per year! When breeding, the room temperature should be at least 18 °C.

Important

They must not be kept in a round cage. An aviary is required for keeping a group (flock)

When kept in an outdoor aviary with a height of at least 1.70 m, they also need a heated shelter with a floor area of at least 1 m², which can be visited by the birds at any time. The temperature in the shelter must not fall below 10 °C and the furnishings must correspond to those of cage keeping.

They may only be kept in pairs or in a group or flock. Socialization with other finches is possible

In rooms, including shelters, sufficient daylight or flicker-free artificial light (stroboscopic effect) corresponding to daylight must be provided. The lighting duration shall be 8-14 hours per day and the natural day-night rhythm shall be observed. Adequate indoor climate shall be provided. The health condition of the birds shall be checked daily

Further literature can be found in your pet store.

References

Text: Othmar Sieberer; Image: petdata

Source: BMEL (1995): Tierschutzgutachten - Mindestanforderungen an die Haltung von Kleinvögeln; BMEL-Haustier-Berater.de; BIELFELD (1996): Das Prachtfinken-Buch, Verlag Eugen Ulmer; GRUMMT & STREHLOW (2009): Zootierhaltung - Tiere in menschlicher Obhut: Vögel, Verlag Harri Deutsch

• Gemäß § 21 Abs. 5 Tierschutzgesetz idgF