Until a few years ago, The Forbes Parrot Finch was considered by some to be the rarest finch in aviculture. Prices for a single pair in North America were in the several thousand dollar range. Good breeding results in Europe and the willingness of the government of Indonesia to export a numer of birds each year have been responsible for prices lowering significantly. The average cost in recent days has been about $300 US/pair with prices in Canada being somewhat lower $300 Cdn/pair ($215 US). This continued downward trend holds the promise that this species will become more affordable and their establishment in North Americal aviculture will be assured. There is some indication however that the Forbes is being hybridized with the Blue-faced PF by some unscrupulous individuals, the resultant offspring being somewhat larger than a parrot finch of the true species but still recognizable as a Forbes to the uninitiated.
These are vivacious birds that need a lot of activity to keep fit. They should not be kept in the usual breeding cages that are customarily used to breed gouldians. The are very prone to obesity and need large quarters to practice their acrobatics. In the three years of experience with this species I have suffered the loss of several birds due to this insidious weight gain. This weight is put on over a period of several months and once it visually noticeable it is very difficult if not impossible to eliminate. The cock seem to be most succeptible but the hens are also effected. I have found that large quarters alone are not sufficient and certainly will not cause the bird to slim down. Diet has to play a major part in keeping these birds healthy.
Forbes Parrot Finches are avid eaters as are all members of the Erythrura genus. Because of this, I have found it imperative to restrict the diet of these birds. That is not to say that they should be lacking in variety but rather that foods rich in fats and carbohydrates be limited in quantity. I have found that germinated seed being higher in protein is a much superior choice as a basic staple food for this species. The Forbes PF is primarily a seed eater but dry seed is higher in carbohydrates and has less nutritional value that the sprouted seed, I have therefore eliminated it from the diet. To restrict the calorie intake I provide these finches with leafy vegetables (romaine lettuce) firstly. They eat this voraciously. I then serve a small portion of chopped hardboiled egg and finally the germinated seed (1/2 teaspoon per bird). It appears that protein rich foods result in greater activity and therefore do not translate in weight gain.
INTRODUCTION
BEHAVIOUR IN CAPTIVITY AND HOUSING
DIET
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