Indian Silverbill (Lonchura malabarica)
| Indian Silverbill Lonchura malabarica | |
|---|---|
 | |
| Name | Indian Silverbill |
| Name Lat. | Lonchura malabarica |
| Synonym | Euodice malabarica |
| Family | Estrildid Finches |
| Family lat. | Estrildidae |
| Order | Perching Birds |
| Order lat. | Passeriformes |
| Origin | Asia |
| Climate | Subtropical - tropical |
| Diet | Estrilded Finch seed, sprouts |
| Keeping | Pair, group |
| Care Level | Easy |
| Reproduction | Finch nest |
| Life Span | 5-10 years |
| Protection | No |
| 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 distribution range of the Indian Silverbill extends from the southeast of the Arabian Peninsula through southern Iran to Pakistan, India and Sri Lanka. They inhabit dry steppes, bush savannahs, forest edges and sparse forests, but also cultivated land.
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 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
Both sexes are equally colored, a sure distinguishing feature is the song of the male.
They like to breed in biotope-like facilities such as wicker 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, soft grasses, plant wool and feathers for padding. The clutch consists of 5-7 eggs, the incubation period is 11-12 days. The breeding season, biologically, is often in the winter months from October to May. When breeding, the room temperature should be at least 18 ° C.
Important
The Indian Silverbill (Lonchura malabarica) is very similar to the Malabar Pheasant (Euodice malabarica).
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