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Java Sparrows
Java Sparrows
I believe there are several factors that, if adhered to, will result in successful captive breeding.
1.The Most Obvious....You Must Have A True Pair .... A Cock And A Hen.
2. Both Birds MUST Be In Breeding Condition, With No Signs Of Moult
3.The Hen Must Be Of Breeding Age....9 To 12 Months Old.
4.Provision Of An Adequate Sized Nest Box And Nesting Materials.
Several of my JSSUK friends have, for many years, been using nest boxes that are designed for Gouldian Finches.
These are smaller and have an offset entrance and give the Java no option but to build their nests directly under the
inspection lid which obviously makes nest inspection so much easier - I have created a page that illustrates how to
make your own Gouldian typoe boxes Click Here to take you there.
The photo above shows a Gouldian type nest box which I am now using, my Java's have taken to these with no problems at all.
The first Gouldian type nest box I purchased was from Arlane Aviculture for 3.50. I then decided to make my own by making the box
slightly larger and fitted a heavier lid. I've drawn up plans for this type of box which can be found on my"build a nest box" page.
As I make my own nest boxes (mainly from scrap off-cuts of plywood obtained from my place of work) very cheaply,
I tend to throw away a nest box after a pair have used it to raise two or three clutches. If I'm honest, I can't really be
bothered to scrape, clean and disinfect used nest boxes...I'd rather replace them with new ones.
The first step I take is to treat the new nest box with
an anti Red Mite powder. This powder was
recommended to me by a fellow JSSUK pal.
It's a product used mainly by poultry farmers and it's
completely organic and, more importantly, very
effective.
I give the nest box a good dose of this powder, close
the lid, then blow into the nest box through the pop
hole. This ensures the powder gets in all the corners
and joints.
Once the dust has settled, I repeat the process
again. There is probably no need to repeat the
dosage but I like to make sure the whole box is
treated.
In my first season of breeding Java Sparrow's I offered them three types of nesting material, Shredded Paper,
Meadow Grass and Coconut Fibres. I discovered that shredded paper was favoured by many of my birds but I found
it to be very messy. I am now offering only two options for my Java's, Meadow Grass and Coconut Fibres. Of these
two materials, Meadow Grass seems to be favoured although they do use the Coconut Fibres in smaller quantities.
If you are new to breeding birds then this photo of a fawn hen illustrates the tell
tale sign that eggs are imminent. Look closely at this photo and you can see that
the hen's rump is swollen. She will lay one egg a day and will produce around six
or seven eggs in an average clutch ( I have experienced a clutch of thirteen eggs
in the past). After she has laid her third or fourth egg she begins her eighteen
days of incubation. The cock bird will also help out sitting the eggs to allow the
hen to feed, bathe and excercise.
Note: I always have a bath on offer to a breeding pair as I believe that the mositure in
the hen's feathers coupled with body temperature will create the right humidity
required during incubation.