SOFTBILLS
THE Pekin robin (also called redbilled leiothrix (Leiothrix lutea)) is native to southern Asia and is also now feral in some parts of southern Europe. Owing to their natural habitat, these robins are used to low temperatures, which makes them an ideal bird to keep in this age of high energy costs.
My breeding pair included a hen supplied by Jon Cook from Rugby. Jon wished only for a pair of Gouldians to exchange for his softbill hen. I did offer a cash adjustment but he refused it! Gareth Woods, a proactive supplier to the bird hobby, filled the vacancy for a cock bird to go with my hen.
My birds were introduced to each other inso I purchased three bamboo plants, which I planted in buckets from B&Q. Although I installed a canary nest-pan among the bamboo, they invariably constructed their own nests. This can be a problem, since they are definitely not structural engineers! It is important to try and support the base of the nest, so as to safeguard the eggs and the chicks when they hatch. It is usual to expect a nest of three eggs.
