The Java sparrow is very popular as pet in many parts of the world. This is a very hardy bird which requires minimal care and attention just like the finches. It comes in colors like grey and white, fawn and pied. Many keep the java sparrows in cages mixed with other birds of similar size like zebra finches and wax bills. However, it is always advisable that the cage should be a single species one.

Description

The original Java sparrow is a combination of grey and white. The head, nape and chin are all black colored. The belly is usually of brown color and the under tail is white. There is hardly any difference between the male and the female java finch except in beak color and shape. The general size of the birds ranges from 13 to 15 cm and it is very hardy in nature.

Diet

Like finches, the Javas’ too are mainly seed eaters with the diet consisting of mixed millet and the common canary seeds.Among green food, you can try with Hemp. Cuttlefish bone and Grit should be there on a daily basis.

Care and Maintenance

The Java sparrows are prolific in nature and the male birds are pretty good singers too! Though they look small, these birds do need a fairly big cage so that their movement inside the cage is not restricted.

These birds are generally not good in building their nests. So materials like coconut fibers and shredded papers can be given so that they build a nest of their own. Baskets and Boxes can also be used for their house.

The birds do not have a general breeding season or period as such. They breed almost throughout the year except very hot summers and coldest winters. Finally, since the bird is a prolific breeder it is essential that you separate the male and female after they have hatched the number of chicks which your cage can sustain.