Description

The Orange-cheeked Waxbill (Estrilda melpoda) is a delightful and beautiful African waxbill finch. If I could recommend an ideal finch, this one would be at the top of the list. The Orange-cheeked Waxbill lives in small family parties or flocks of thirty or more individuals. Their high-pitched peeps are the best clue of their presence. Like most estridids, they are very acrobatic in their movements on twigs and grass stems, “climbing” up and down verticals and hanging upside down while feeding. Orange-cheeked Waxbills for sale are among some of the most colorful waxbills and truly a pure joy to observe!

Size / Weight:  4″

Lifespan: 4 years

Temperament: The Orange-cheeked Waxbills are very sociable birds, they get along with other species, except while breeding when they can become more nervous and territorial. The males like to sing and will vocalize with their high-pitched chirping. Males have different melodies and hens may vocalize a bit, but they will not sing. Orange-cheeked Waxbills are very active and flighty birds and do well in a large flight or aviary, as they are not cage birds, requiring space and places to hide and feel safe.

Breeding: Orange-cheeked Waxbills are very easy to breed and may at any time of the year, but mostly they breed in spring when it gets warmer. Nests may even be placed directly on the ground, which is why it should be kept as dry as possible.  A feather pillow provides a good supply of fine feathers for the lining. The parents require a good supply of live food when raising chicks. Common choices are fruit flies, small mealworms, pinhead crickets, and small spiders. Additionally, they should be provided; soaked and germinated seeds – a favorite for feeding chicks. Grated Cuttlefish Bone and some iodized minerals (pigeon minerals) are often supplemented.

Diet: Classic Finch Seed, Dried Egg Food, Millet Spray, Cuttlefish Bone along with fresh fruits and vegetables. Additionally, small mealworms, fruit flies, and pinhead crickets (which some will take and others will not) should be offered, especially during breeding.