The weavers belong to a family whose scientific name is the Plocidae and which, besides the true weavers, includes the parasitic widow birds or whydahs, the sparrows and the buffalo weavers. All are completely unsuitable for cage-life, the only real chance of any breeding success being achieved in large, roomy and well planted aviaries. This isn’t to say they can’t be housed indoors. On the contrary, a heated birdroom is ideal provided the inside flight meets the criteria above.

The upside of the true weavers, the Ploceinae, is that they are hardy, inexpensive, easy to keep and the males in breeding condition are attractively attired (when not in breeding condition the males resemble the females – which is why I was duped). The downside is that they can be incredibly destructive. Living up to its name, the male weaver will alight on a plant and make a cut near the base of a leaf. Flying upwards, he will tear off a neat long strip. The plants suffer, but, oh, what glorious nests are constructed. To prevent the over destruction of plants some keepers have successfully supplied various lengths of raffia.

The Bishops of the genus Euplectus, also true weavers, are, to me, one of the most spectacular groups of finches available. Outside the breeding season the males appear sparrow-like, like the females, but in breeding condition they take on a velvety black appearance with patches of bright red, orange or yellow. At this time they remind me of miniature birds of paradise as their bright coloured parts can be fluffed out, with the napes appearing ruff-like. 

The true weavers are mainly found in Africa, but some extend to Arabia, India, China and Indonesia. All thrive on mixed millets, but other small seed mixtures should also be supplied. During the breeding season it is also important to provide natural ripe and half-ripe grass seeds, soaked seed, greenfood, eggfood and plenty of varied livefood. This richer diet is, however, worthless without heat. Very few weavers are ever reared in captivity, but many keepers go exceptionally close. One major factor is undoubtedly the changeable English weather as most recorded nests are by birds kept in outside aviaries. Inside flights are so much better as the temperature, and just as important the "daylight hours", can be controlled.

Only one male should be kept in an enclosure no matter what the number of females but, while male weavers are renowned for their polygamous or near polygamous nature, there is still the likelihood of success if only one female is kept with a male. In such a case it is important to provide plenty of cover for the female to escape into if her suitor becomes overly ardent, as well as plenty of livefood to keep both birds occupied. 

The elaborate, wonderfully woven nests are often suspended from branches, but may also be constructed in reeds and grasses. Often, they have an entrance tube hanging down. The nests usually start with a frame being made and from then on the building method differs depending on the species. The male displays by hanging from the nest, flaps his wings and emits buzzing, wheezing notes. This "song" isn’t much to speak of, but I actually found it attractive in a strange kind of way. It is certainly different to the sounds of my finches and waxbills and it was the buzzing noises that endeared me to weavers in the first place.

Some writers state that pairs can be kept with other finches, even the small waxbills. I don’t agree, and not just to prevent the waxbills from being bullied. Weavers are potentially domesticateable, in the wide term, but they need privacy. Waxbills and other finches won’t hesitate to undo a weaver’s work in pursuit of their own nesting material and can, therefore, become something of a nuisance. I well recall some of my own waxbills pulling a nest to pieces. 

Weavers are extremely scarce today compared with former years but the bishops, Napoleon and masked weavers are crying out for specialist attention. Certainly, anyone who does take up the challenge will not be disappointed.