MANDARIN DIAMOND CARE:
The mandarin diamond is a totally recommended bird to have as a pet.
It is a type of little bird that is very easy to care for, that requires little care and that reproduces very easily.
As for the care required by the mandarin diamond, there are several.
- First of all, and very basic, a good diet and, please, clean water on a daily basis (do not let it create a life of its own in the drinker).
- It is not a bird that needs special care, yes, you must be careful with the cold, since the Mandarin diamond and the cold do not get along at all.
Like all birds, you must keep them away from drafts, this is very important because you can load them without realizing it.
They are birds that can be perfectly alone, that is, you can have a male mandarin diamond, or a female mandarin diamond only without any need to have a partner.
These birds are very sociable birds, they like to live in groups, if you plan to have one of these birds, have at least one couple, if you can afford it.
Mandarin diamonds are easy birds to care for and raise offspring from.
FEMALE MANDARIN DIAMOND:
The song of the mandarin diamond, or rather sound, you could say that it is a sound similar to that of squeezing the tummy of a rubber doll.
The male sings much more than the females, with a great difference, but of course like any other type of "male", all with the aim of attracting the attention of the female mandarin diamond.
THE MANDARIN DIAMOND AS A PET:
These exotic birds have been breeding in the Asian continent for centuries, but a few years ago they are beginning to be very popular in Spain and other countries, where their breeding is practiced in large numbers, because it is a bird that breeds very easily.
They are perfect little birds for those people who cannot attend to the responsibilities of another type of larger animal, apart from their very economical price.
Mandarin diamonds also need a series of care and attention that we must not fail to take into account.
If you want to dedicate yourself to the breeding of this type of bird, you must learn and inform yourself a lot about the subject.
TYPES OF MANDARIN DIAMOND:
There are approximately 130 types of mandarin diamond.
The place where they come from, although it seems strange, is found in the tropical and subtropical regions of both Africa and Australia, as well as South and Southeast Asia, as well as New Guinea, the Philippines and even some Pacific islands.
This bird, like any other type, needs to fly freely for a while.
They must have a place where they can exercise their wings.
Ideally, you would look for a more or less large cage.
In Glu Glu Pet you can buy 1.80 meters tall, which are very good. Yes, they are expensive, but you will only spend it once, and your little birds will be in a super villa for mandarin diamonds.
On the other hand, another important thing is the place where the mandarin diamond cage is going to be placed.
It must be a quiet place, without noise and smoke.
That is why it is advisable that before acquiring them, look for the right place where the bird and its cage are going to be installed.
CHARACTERISTICS OF THE MANDARIN DIAMOND:
The most common is the zebra and unlike the canaries, they do not sing for a long time in a row, moreover, they cannot even be said to sing.
The song of this type of bird is not a song itself, rather they are noises, but the truth is nice.
Despite everything, they have managed to be seen as pets and not only because of the color of their plumage, but because they are very peaceful birds, easy to care for, to raise, and very happy.
One of the main attractions of these birds is their striking colors; but it is advisable that before acquiring this pet the decision is meditated and we think about the care of the mandarin diamond.
We always have to think several times if we can take care of our pet properly.
Please remember that this funny and cute little animal will depend on you at all times.
You will be their caregiver for many years.
At Glu Glu Pet we recommend this type of bird for children, this type of bird to start with because of its ease of care.
They are usually birds, not as domesticable as a parakeet or a lovebird.
They are birds that like to live in groups and we have to be clear that they are animals to enjoy watching them, not to play with them.
If you want to play with a bird, your thing is a lovebird and a parrot.
These birds are very independent and they like privacy very much, you will see how they spend much of the day in the nest, they are intimately together there.
They are also suitable for those people who, due to their work or whatever, spend most of the day away from home.
TYPES OF MANDARIN DIAMOND:
There are an infinity of types of mandarin diamond.
The best known by all, for being the most common is the zebra.
It can measure between 10 and 12 centimeters in length, although it may seem more, it barely weighs 12 grams.
It has a short beak, adapted to eating various seeds.
With a characteristic strong orange beak.
Due to the large number of breeders that there are currently many varieties.
Most of the animal's body is gray although the neck and tail show characteristic black stripes.
At the end of the wings it shows a brown and mottled plumage, the entire belly of the bird is white.
Some little birds also stand out for having black cheeks, with white and brown plumage.
The spots can be seen on the wings, or on the head, the tail can be brown and/or black.
There are also completely white mandarin diamonds, in the latter case it is very difficult to determine the sex.
BEHAVIOR AND CURIOSITIES OF THE MANDARIN DIAMOND:
The character or temperament of the mandarin diamond, are birds considered parrots, especially the males have a softer character, they spend all day humming and interacting with their partners, partners and even with you, if you earn their trust, the males are the most meek without a doubt, since the female is more territorial.
However, these birds are also somewhat skittish birds, however, over time they get used to those who feed and care for them.
The female is much less noisy, although she also makes her little noises logically to communicate.
The female mandarin finch breeds easily and regularly.
Breeders of these birds can see how the male and female make the nest and carry it out together.
It is considered as a species that is very faithful to its partner, always being together with one another.
THE FOOD OF THE MANDARIN DIAMOND:
The feeding of mandarin diamonds is simple and easy to achieve by anyone who wants to dedicate himself to the breeding of these birds.
They normally feed like other birds on seeds.
To be a good mixture and to be considered, this mixture of seeds to be good must contain 60% canaryseed, 30% millet and 10% between flax, rapeseed, hemp, etc.
It is recommended that you put egg yolk in their diet from time to time, since it will provide them with protein, which in turn will give them energy and a more than perfect plumage.
They can also eat fruits, such as pears, apples, give them a variety that you will realize that everyone is different and some like some fruits and others do not like them at all.
Everything is to try, each bird is a world.
Try to make your birds see you without fear, this is very important.
By instinct he will be afraid of you, it is normal, you have to earn his trust.
Don't yell when you're around, watch out for sudden noises.
They are animals and they get scared, so interact with your new pet so that he knows you and enjoys you.
Although it sounds strange to you, talk to your pet, whistle to him, talk to him, don't tell him your life, but call him by his name, tell him something silly, whistle him with a song, and thus you will enjoy your bird watching him every day, since these little birds They have a high energy level and high intelligence that is adorable for those who love birds and exotic birds in general.
MANDARIN DIAMOND DISEASES:
It is important that you look at the bird often to prevent it from having a health problem. Among the diseases of the Mandarin diamond, the most common are:
- Stuck egg: it is a serious problem for our bird, since the female can die, to solve it you must hold her carefully and do a little massage in the area of the egg so that she can expel it. Help yourself with a gauze soaked in warm water to dilate or a little Vaseline. If the egg doesn't come out with a gentle massage, run to the vet. Seriously this is a problem for females.
- The fracture of the leg: it is another of the little things that can happen to a little bird of this type or any other bird, let's be realistic. Especially when taking him in his cage, be careful not to hurt him. If the bird has a fractured leg (not broken) you can try to immobilize it yourself with two rods and a gauze, or a straw as seen in the image, open the straw and then put tape or something to hold it. Once the leg is completely immobilized, leave it alone and the leg in two weeks should heal without any problem.
- Anemia: if you see that the legs or beak of your little bird have a lighter color than usual, it is usually a symptom of anemia. Make sure it is eating what it should, other birds may not let it eat and you may not have noticed.
- Cloacitis: it is an inflammation of the cloaca, this commonly occurs in laying females, go to the vet for these things. They carry medicines that you cannot buy on your own.
- Acariasis: This occurs when they catch mites or lice. To avoid this, place a pool in the bird's cage so that it bathes often, with a few drops of apple cider vinegar. You can also apply it and it is what I do anti-parasite spray from time to time.
- Abnormal growth of the beak: this problem can cause deficiencies in the animal's feeding. Always consult a veterinarian, do not go smart to cut off your beak.
Always but always, please, if you have any doubts, go to the vet, remember that this animal is with you because you have wanted it. And besides, it's entirely up to you.
MANDARIN DIAMOND LIFE EXPECTANCY:
The life expectancy of the mandarin diamond, or how long it lives, ranges between 3 to 4 years in its natural habitat.
In captivity these little birds can live from 5 to 12 years if they are in captivity at home, logically we give them better food, vitamins, etc.
Good nutrition, water and hygiene, some vitamins if you don't like fruit and that's it, don't get complicated.
The mandarin finch is an excellent option to have as a pet for children at home due to its striking colors, it is a small bird and does not require great care in terms of feeding and cleaning, which makes it ideal as a pet for children.
Children will learn a lot taking care of an animal, they will learn to be responsible and take care of nature.
MALE OR FEMALE MANDARIN DIAMOND:
This type of bird is known if they are male and female because they are perfectly differentiated by physical features.
Males have a greyish or steel-blue color on the head and neck, males' wings and torso are chestnut.
The bluish gray appears in the area of the animal's crop and the upper part of its chest, in addition to a black barring.
The rest of the chest and abdomen of our bird is dirty white, on the thighs and the anal opening there is a certain golden hue, the tail feathers of these birds are white with black barring and the flanks are brown and profusely mottled white.
The colors of the female are very different from that of the male, it differs in the scarcity of color basically, by having few spots and black barring on the chest.
Neither does the coloration on the flanks appear in the females, nor the mottling, and the beak is somewhat less colored, although the latter is barely distinguishable unless you are a super expert breeder.
Males are more handsome than females.
CAGE FOR A MANDARIN DIAMOND:
For our pet it is advisable to use a cage for Mandarin diamonds of an approximate size of 60x30x30cm for example, that is, a cage of good dimensions so that they are comfortable, those used to breed lovebirds are considered a good option.
In the cage of our new little bird there should be no lack of food (seeds or fruits), clean water (change it daily, don't be dirty, and put it in a bottle because the expense is minimal).
Don't forget the cuttlefish bone either.
Do not go crazy putting too many toys, because they reduce their movement inside the cage.
You can add a closed nest to the cage if you want.
You place it on the top of the cage, they will feel safer and you leave goat hair on the floor that you can find in Glu Glu Pet.
You will notice that one or both of the birds begin to pick it up and place it inside the nest.
For these little birds to have offspring, you must provide them with plenty of food, water, some vitamins will not hurt them, I recommend the drops for the water, so they drink them yes or yes.
But remember that with vitamins it is necessary to change the water daily, if it does not smell bad and the mixture spoils.
Also very important, a lack of vitamins is just as bad as an excess, so read the instructions, although as a general rule you give them a week and that's it. As you are seeing these birds are very easy to care for.
REPRODUCTION OF THE MANDARIN DIAMOND:
It is recommended to ring the hatchlings more or less after 6 days, although this could cause damage to the legs of the birds, even hatchlings.
Be very careful with this, and the rings can be purchased at Glu Glu Pet.
It is very important to ring them to avoid scams when buying and selling exotic animals, basically old scams.
The days will go by and you will observe that the young begin to grow, you will appreciate their feathers, and the young in general will grow and become stronger little by little.
Now, if it is a weak or sick hatchling of this type of birds, the chick may be expelled from the nest, it hatches that the parents will not want to feed, that is when you must act as a breeder, you can start feeding it with a syringe .
SEPARATION OF A MANDARIN DIAMOND AND ITS LITTLE:
If you want to dedicate yourself to baby food, you must separate it from its parents when it is 20 or 25 days old.
It will be worth it, you will have to feed it as its parents would, but with the help of a syringe.
With the syringe carefully, the food little by little in its throat with the help of a small syringe, touch the crop and thus make sure that it is full, if you do not feed it properly your chick could die.
It is important to control the temperature of our bird, they are very sensitive to cold birds.
If you do not want to have the responsibility of feeding it yourself and want to follow the natural process, at Glu Glu Pet we recommend it without any doubt, leave it to its parents until it is 40 or 45 days old, at that age our calf should already have its beak orange and practically feathered.
If you notice that the male tries to breed again and the chicks have not completely fledged and left the nest, you should separate the male from the female, and leave only the female and the chicks in the cage.
Once the 40 or 45 days have passed, you must put all the chicks in different cages, by sex, if you don't do it, the male that, as I told you, only thinks about mating, will begin to follow his own daughters.
Normally all birds are like that, they don't look at who, but that causes problems in future offspring.
But in these birds and birds in general, you have to be very careful when creating new couples so as not to have inbreeding problems.
