The Java Rice Finch or Java Sparrow, really has unique beauty in my eye, rather resembling the puffin penguin with its sleek, immaculate feathering of  slate grey, black and white. They hail from Java or Bali and are one of the larger bodied finches at 5.5"-6", sporting rather impressive beaks. The males have a striking song (the surest factor in discerning male from female), slightly puffier upper mandibles, and redder eye rings once in breeding condition.


I have had no problems in getting them to eat a wide variety of food including insects, and they really enjoy bathing. I have taken to spray misting some of my less enthusiastic gouldians as they seem to revel in the "rain", and the Javas will immediately try to get in on the action, no matter if they just had a bath themselves. It is not difficult pairing up true pairs. They are not as fussy as some species. I would recommend them to the finch breeder who considers themself fairly knowledgable with the more domesticated species and would like to try a more exotic one.


Java Rice finches are lively, will entertain you with their song and curiosity, and are a joy to watch as they will preen, sit, bathe, explore, sleep and eat together. Those who keep them will tell you they are one of their most favorite finches and who can blame them? My pairs have proven to be wonderful parents in caring and feeding for their young. Both females and males will bring in nesting material for their nestbox and I have never had a pair provide anything but excellent care for their babies.


I provide hatchlings with sprouted seed, insects, scrambled fresh egg and some greens and millet spray. The nest I would recommend for these bigger finches are english budgie sized nestboxes. I have a pair now that make quite exceptional pets besides breeders. I have found no difficulty in taming my latest pair. In fact they are now even more inquisitive of me than I am of them. Many a time they surprise me by perching right by my bedside table with mischief in their big brown eyes. These exotics  have mesmerized me with their boldness of character and trilling song, that I have now birdproofed my bedroom on account of them. I recommend a large spacous cage for them to be able to fly in if caged, at least 36" wide  x 18" high  if you cannot provide  them with a birdroom or aviary.
Keeping The Java Rice Sparrow

articles and photos copyright Vicky Dais
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