Information provided by the Northern Bengalese
Exhibitors Association.
Further enquiries and membership details from: Mr P Hill. 111 Malvern Cres.
Brankstone, Darlington, Co. Durham, DL3 9UF
What is a BENGALESE FINCH and where
does it come from?
The Bengalese Finch is a seed-eating
finch and is not found wild anywhere in the world. It is believed to have been created in
China many years ago.
What is its basic diet?
Mixed millet, fine grit and water.
What other seeds and foods should be
provided?
Canary seed, niger, millet sprays,
paddy rice and cuttlefish bone.
Is it necessary to provide soft food?
Soft food may be given all year
round but mainly in the breeding season as a rearing food. Canary rearing food is popular.
Soaked seed and soaked oats are also acceptable.
How should Bengalese be housed?
Outside flights with dry sleeping
quarters or inside flights or cages. Bengalese appear to be much happier in cages than
open flights.
Is the Bengalese Finch hardy and is
heat required?
Yes, the Bengalese Finch is hardy
and will stand the coldest weather. Most fanciers do provide some sort of heat to keep the
birdroom just above freezing. Light must be provided if one wishes to breed early to
compensate for the long hours of darkness.
Does the Bengalese Finch like to
bathe?
Yes, very much so. Fresh water
should be provided daily where possible.
What are the best perches for
Bengalese Finches?
Natural, twiggy perches of varying
diameter are best.
Which is the best cage floor covering
for Bengalese Finches?
There are many kinds - clean
sawdust, wood shavings and fine sand. Newspaper is very popular, many sheets can be placed
in the cage and the top one removed every other day.
Will Bengalese Finches breed in
flights?
Yes, but in order to be sure of
colour and exhibition standards, most Bengalese Finches are now bred in cages.
What size cage is suitable for
breeding?
24” x 16” x 12” deep
is recommended size.
What size nest box is required?
The best size nest box for Bengalese
Finches is 5” x 5” x 5”
with a hinged lid for inspection. The front should be made so that the birds can get
in and out and have a small perch at the opening.
What is the best nesting material and
where should it be put?
The nest box should be half filled
with hay, soft grasses. Some nesting material should be placed in the cage for the birds
to complete building the nest.
How many eggs does a Bengalese Finch
lay?
The average clutch is five
eggs—but they can lay as many as eight eggs.
How long do Bengalese Finch eggs take
to hatch?
Normally fourteen days from the last
egg laid.
When is the best time to close ring
Bengalese?
Between 8 - 10 days after hatching.
It’s quite easy, just place the front three toes in the ring and then gently slide
the ring over the back one.
When should young Bengalese Finches be
taken away from their parents?
Between 35 - 40 days, if they are definitely self feeding.
How old should Bengalese Finches be
for breeding?
Cocks at least ten months, but it is
better if the hens are at least twelve months.
Should cocks and hens be parted when
not breeding?
It is not necessary. You can split ring cocks for easy identification if housed in large cages or flights.