My Waxbills

[laurab]

This is a copy of a PM I sent to Matthew earlier....

I am sorry I have not joined the Waxbill Society yet, this is due to me deciding to sell or give away all my Waxbills.

I was so convinced that I was not good for them I decided to throw in the towel.

But, the arrival of the 2 Orange Cheek fledglings has had me thinking again:) I can't believe what a difference they have made to me! Work has been getting me down just lately, but these lovely little chicks have completely given me a lift :razz:

I am worried about them for the winter as we spent a lot of money on heating last winter and we cannot affor to do that again. My only other option is for my husband to build a VERY large cage to house them indoors for the winter.....but would this then be too hot:?

I am so undecided, please help!

Matthews reply.....

hello Laura

i really hope you don't sell up you waxbills, i know heating bills can be expensive, i have two sheds and my parents keep moaning about the electricity bills but its a small price to pay to keep such beautiful birds happy and healthy.
i think waxbills are amazing creatures they a short lived birds but they live every day to the full, and i'm sure entertain you.
you have done well to breed your orange-cheeks, don't get rid of them.

they can be housed in cage of aound 3ft by 3ft, or larger. it won't get too hot for them, the only problem i can see you have is then wanting to breed again!! just keep them on a basic diet and perhaps if you have a spare room turn the radiater right down so it keeps the room at aboutm 15-18 degrees c.

all the best

matthew

Top Man! Thanks Matthew:wink:

Can anyone else add to this?

[kenny]

hi laura the only thing i can add is the same as matt dont get rid of them and having those chicks has made you realize time after time this hobby of ours suprises us in exceptionally delightful ways,i think most of us at one time or another has been thinking of throwing the towel in and then something like this happens and it changes your mind i have never stopped being delighted every year with the different stuff that happens with my birds after nearly 30 yrs it still hasnt changed i had a towel throwing in moment this year and changed my mind and i only breed mine for a hobby now,but i know deep down i could not do without them even if it means putting them indoors for the winter as some years i have put canaries in my spare room because it has been to cold for them if you get rid of them what are you going to do!

yours ken

[PAUL HEARN]

Hi Laura,

What I will add to Matthew's and Kenny's comments is that Orange Cheeked Waxbills are more hardy than some breeders give them credit for, as long as they are Wintered above temperatures of 45f-50f and have acess to a nest box/basket they will be fine.
I would say that the shelter to your main aviary is fine to Winter the Orange Cheeks in.

Please keep them and breed many more next year.:wink:

Paul.:grin: