Species Care Sheet
Red Headed Parrot Finch
Scientific Name: Erythrura Psittacea

SEXING
Although the male and female are similar, there are subtle differences that make it possible to visually sex this species.  In the male, the red extends past the eye.  In the female, the red breaks right at the eye.  In addition, females are slightly smaller with rounder heads.  Often times but not always, the red is not as vivid in the female. Both the male and female will sing but the song is more sustained in the male.  Early morning and dusk and the best times to catch these birds singing.  Offering new bath water will also oftimes entice these birds to sing.

HOUSING
The red headed parrot finch is a very active bird that needs room to fly.  I use a four foot cage for breeding and house them in large aviaries when not breeding.  They get along well with other birds and do well in a mixed aviary.  It is not advisable, however , to house more than one pair of RHP in the same flight as the males will be in constant battle over territory.  Males can safely be housed together if their are no females present.  It is also not advisable to house them with any other red headed birds. They do however seem to tolerate red headed Gouldians. This bird Is a VERY active bather.  They don't just splash in the water, they drench themselves!  Very comical to watch.  They do best with temperatures above 65.The Red headed parrot finch likes to sleep in a nest and so can withstand cooler temperatures provided they are protected from winds and dampness.

DIET
Provide a basic finch seed, greens, cuttlebone. oyster shell, charcoal and fresh water.  During breeding your bird will appreciate large amounts of sprouted seed, Feast Insectivoure and meal worms.  They also eat grass seed heads and greens and fruit like dates, oranges and soaked raisins.  When serving greens, remember, the darker green the better.   Because this is such an active bird, they will benefit from an avian vitamin 3-4 times per week.  Vitamins can be added to either their water or their soft foods.  I prefer to add vitamins to the soft foods.  I serve Daily essentials 3 on their softfood daily and calcivett 2x/week.  During breeding, increase the calcivet to 5 times per week and add Proboost supermax to the softfoods to provide the increased protein needed.

BREEDING
Red headed Parrot finches will build their nest in a 4-5" nest box, large nest basket or in a small shrub.  They fill the nest receptacle with copious amounts of nesting material that consists of burlap, soft fine grasses and occasionally feathers.  They also like to add small pieces of charcoal to their nests.  They use such large quantities of nesting material,   I often wonder how they all fit in the nest at all once it is completed, but they do.  The red headed parrot finch is a good breeder.  It is often times necessary to separate your pairs in order to give the female a rest.  They do form strong attachments to their mates so when you again set them up to breed, it is helpful to give them back their old mate.  The female lays 3-5 eggs and both parents begin incubating after the 4th egg is laid.  The eggs hatch after 12-13 days.  The chicks fledge after about 21 days and are independent 8 days later.  It is best to not remove them from their parents for 3 weeks however.  Red headed parrot finches are quick to mature and are usually sexually mature at about 3 months.  It is best however, not to breed them until they are 6-9 months old.