Black-throated Finch (Poephila cincta)

Black-throated Finch Poephila cincta
Name	Black-throated Finch
Name Lat.	Poephila cincta
Family	Estrildid Finches
Family lat.	Estrildidae
Order	Perching Birds
Order lat.	Passeriformes
Origin	Australia
Climate	Subtropical - tropical
Diet	Estrilded Finch seed, sprouts, veggies
Keeping	Pair, group
Care Level	Easy
Reproduction	Finch nest
Life Span	5-10 years
Protection	CITES Appendix II; EC Annex B
Metric Units
Size	11 cm
Temperature	Room temperature
Housing	80 x 40 x 40 cm
US Units
Size	4.3"
Temperature	Room temperature
Housing	30" x 15" x 15"

Distribution and habitat

The home of the Belted Grass Finch is in northeastern Australia from Queensland to New South Wales. They live in open grasslands interspersed with eucalyptus trees near water. Since the export ban in 1960, they are only available as a breeding form.

Cage size

The minimum cage size is 80 x 40 x 40 cm (L x W x H) for a pair. The cage size must not be undercut even in case of justified single keeping. For another 2-3 birds, species compatibility provided, the floor space must be increased by 25%. 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 aviary is preferable.

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 varying 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, small branches and bushes. The room temperature should not fall below 15 °C.

Diet

The species-specific feed offer consists of mixed seeds, available in specialized trade as "Exotenfutter" in premium quality, supplemented with foxtail millet (red), green panicle millet, germinated seeds (millet, wheat), green fodder (chickweed, half-ripe grass panicles), tangle grass seeds and, especially for rearing young, additional egg fodder, insects and insect larvae (skinned, chopped meal beetle larvae, ant pupae, pinkies). Charcoal, vitamine lime and shell grit are needed as digestive aids. Drinking water must always be available in birdbaths or stable, open containers and, like food, must be offered fresh daily in clean containers.

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

Reproduction and breeding

Females are similar in color to the male, but have a slightly smaller black throat patch and a slightly narrower black flank band.

They like to breed in biotope-like facilities such as basket nests (bionesters) and semi-open nest boxes of medium size, or freely in branches (e.g. broom, bamboo, reeds etc). Nesting material consists of coconut fibers, sisal, longer grasses, and animal hair and feathers for padding. The clutch consists of 5-7 eggs, the incubation period is about 14 days. The breeding season, biologically, all year round. When breeding, the room temperature should be at least 18 ° C.

Species protection

Species protection: WA Appendix II; EU Appendix B. The proof of purchase is the required proof of origin for the animal. Please keep it safe! Your pet store will be happy to provide you with further information

Important

The birds may only be kept in pairs or groups

They must not be kept in a round cage. For flock keeping, an aviary is required. For outdoor aviary keeping, they also require a heated shelter of at least 1 m² floor area and 1.70 m height, which can be visited by the birds at any time. The temperature in the shelter must not fall below 15 °C and the furnishings must correspond to those of cage keeping.

Sufficient daylight or flicker-free artificial light (stroboscopic effect) corresponding to the light spectrum of natural sunlight must be provided in rooms, including shelters. The lighting duration must be between 8 and 14 hours per day. The day-night rhythm must be observed. An adequate indoor climate must be provided. The health condition of the birds must be checked daily.

Further literature can be found in your pet store.

References

Text: Othmar Sieberer; Image: petdata

Source: BMELV (1995): Tierschutzgutachten - Mindestanforderungen an die Haltung von Kleinvögeln; 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