The Aurora Finch
(Pytilia phoencoptera)

Suitability: These guys are another larger member of the Waxbill family which means that livefood as well as seeds are recommended in order for them to be breed to their potential. They love seed mixes with small seeds such as those in our Taste of Africa line which were developed specifically for the Waxbill family.
Best kept as single pairs in the mixed collection as males will fight at times and this will cause disruption to your breeding.

Breeding: Will not breed without livefood and best results are achieved with a mixture of maggots, mealworms and termites.

Will construct their own nest with swamp grass, white and Emu feathers but their building prowess is legendarily bad! These guys will utilise a range of nest boxes and wicker baskets in which to breed in – given their own nest building this is to be encouraged!

Recommended: Given their increasing rarity I would suggest these are probably not the best species for the novice wanting to move up into the waxbill family rather for the experienced breeder these days. Their endearing nature also makes them popular with their keeper as does their habit of planting when you approach with their tail stuck up into the air – apparently they feel it makes them invisible! Pairs of these finches are very sensitive to nest inspection so, if getting them to foster other waxbills under, make sure you know which category your pairs come under!

They also appear to be in the softer basket and a regular worming and coccidial program is essential for these birds.

Mutations: The only one I have seen was a white headed mutation but it died out before its mode of inheritance was actually known.

Permits: A permit is not required to keep these finches in NSW.