Habitat

Distributed throughout India, Ceylon and some parts of Bengal. These birds are generally very sociable. Munias are extremely restless and playful birds, with chirping sound throughout the day.

Length of life in captivity

These birds have lived in the captivity for 3 years. These birds appear to thrive well in captivity.

Housing

Munias are kept in large sized cages. Shell grit provided b the side of the cage. Perches and small pots are provided for the birds to rest.

Food

Mixed grains - 5 gms

Common Illnesses Among Munias

Diarrhea

A bird parried watery motion and on fecal analysis, it was found to contain eggs, capillaria sp. The bird was dewormed. But still diarrhea persists. Then one shot of sulpha drugs stooped the enteritis. Electrolytes mixed with feed/water.

Conjunctivitis

The eyes and the surrounding parts become swollen and discharges noticed from the eyes. The bird was put in a separate cage and the eyes were washed with saline water and eye drops (2 drops) applied over the affected eyes thrice daily for 3 days. Bird was active on 3rd day and took its entire feed.

Heat stress/apoplexy

Sudden death of birds occurred in summer due to heat stress. Hence, gunny bags are tied over the cage and watered in morning and night during summer to reduce heat stress.

Synonyms

Black headed Munia and Spotted Munia