The Pictorella Finch

(Lonchura pectoralis)

Suitability: These guys are a member of the Mannikin family and are the insectivorous member of that group.
Whether as single pairs or 2-3 pairs they appear to have little interaction with other aviary inhabitants and keep to themselves, usually on the ground! Despite their size they are placid in the mixed collection. Hens have thin white lines on their chest while the cocks have cotton wool blotches and are among the easiest to sex of the group.
A standard finch mix, such as Golden Cobb, will be readily taken and they are heavily dependant upon livefood and without large quantities the chicks may be jettisoned from the nest.
Also appear to relish half-ripe green feed and the addition of most green feed to their diet when breeding will enhance results – but no substitute for live food!
Breeding: Construct their own nest on most occasions in the Tea-tree and will rarely use any type of nest box or wicker basket.
The nest is not lined and no sleep nest is constructed. Like to use some greens grass strips for the external shell of the nest -especially the thin needle-like leaves of the larger Poa tussock grasses. Another favourite is the head of the Witch grass plant.
Recommended: These finches do not really suit the beginner as their propensity for live food requires a great deal of attention to successfully rear chicks.
Due to their habit of living close to the ground a good worming and coccidia regime is also recommended.
Mutations: None that I am aware of.
Permit: A permit is required to keep these finches in NSW.