Java Sparrow Care Sheet

Housing
Java Sparrows can be kept in aviaries or cages. They must all have access to draught and wind free indoor accommodation, so outdoor aviaries must have a shelter area for the birds to retreat to when they need to. Take expert advice before mixing different species in the same cages or aviaries. These birds require security so if you choose a cage, they are best housed in box style cages with open wires or bars on just one side. Pet birds kept in all wire cages should have the security of a wall nearby. Cages should be as large as possible. Perches should offer a variety of sizes to exercise the feet.

New birds purchased, on arrival at their new home, should be placed in a clean cage with open dishes of seed; this allows the birds to find the food easily in a new environment. Water should also be made available. It is recommended that you keep your new purchases away from your existing stock for at least a week to prevent the possible spread of any diseases / germs that may be carried by the new stock. If you have an older bird that is used to your management, use this bird to show your new arrivals the way around.

Hygiene
Cages, perches, drinkers and feeders need regular disinfection to prevent the build up of too many germs. We recommended that you use the broad spectrum, biodegradable disinfectant/cleaner. Water is a major source of infection as birds contaminate it so easily. Regularly changing of the drinking and bathing water stops germs multiplying, these can cause diseases.
Remember Java Sparrows love bathing, so keep a bath on the cage at all times.

Feeding
Just because these birds are seedeaters does not mean that dry seed and water is all your bird need.
Wild birds eat green sappy seeds that are far more nutritious than dry "bird seed", so seed diets should be supplemented with trace minerals, vitamins and limiting amino acids. The best modern supplements also contain herbal ingredients to support immune and digestive systems and so maintain excellent health.

For individual birds or very small collections here is our recommended minimum diet:

• Suitable clean seed mix – Foreign Finch mix is the usual but single seeds can be used to bolster this basic mix. Seeds such as Japanese Millet, Plain Canary, Panicum, Paddy Rice etc. for example.
• Cuttlefish – essential all year round.
• Grit, small oyster shell mixed with crushed egg shells (when you have them)
• Iodine nibbles
• Millet sprays
• A proprietary egg biscuit soft food is a must when rearing young – you can if you wish add Japanese millet to the mix.
• Offer fresh greens, fruit or vegetables if your birds will take them.

This diet will provide your bird(s) with a full spectrum of vitamins, minerals and liming amino acids as well as promoting herbs, essential oils and many other important nutrients.
Ask the person you are purchasing the Birds from for their own management system this will help the birds new to you to be safely converted to your system over the first few weeks you have them.

Copyright 2006, Bryan Roberts, The Java Sparrow Society UK.

Disclaimer:
Whilst every effort has been made to ensure that the information offered is correct at the time of purchase The JSSUK except no responsibility for the details supplied sex, age, parentage, etc. The sale and purchase of the birds remain an agreement between the vendor and purchaser.