THE



Avicultural Magazine


THE JOURNAL OF THE

AVICULTURAL SOCIETY



Fourth Series.— -V©I. XII.—No. IQ-.—-All rights reserved. OCTOBER, 1934.



THE SUCCESSFUL BREEDING OF

DUFRESNE’S WAXBILL


By Elsie Robinson


This season I have experienced the greatest thrill of my existence

as a member of the Avicultural Society, in bringing off successfully the

breeding of a full clutch of four Dufresne’s Waxbills (Coccopygia

dufresnii ).


In sending a photograph of the youngsters a few notes appended

may be of general interest to members of the Society.


The cock bird was purchased December, 1932, the hen June, 1933,

from one of our London importers. During the winter they were kept

in a bird-room, temperature under 60°, and allowed the freedom of the

flight from early May onwards, when they commenced to nest almost

at once. I gave a plentiful supply of hay, string, and feathers from

which they built their nests in various positions, such as under the

growth of climbing plants. Although the birds, throughout, have been

persistent sitters, their efforts were in vain as both the first two clutches

of eggs proved unfertile.


The third nest was commenced the third week in June, incubation

commencing with the first egg laid. The cock and hen took turns in

sitting, their regularity being almost amazing, for not once did I catch

them changing their turn, owing to their quick, shy habit of entering

and leaving the nest. My suspicions were aroused about 23rd July,



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