We have had several pairs of Java Sparrow finches over the years. All have proved hardy and have been excellent community birds. They do not harass other, smaller finches and seem unmoved either by other finches or the softbills.

The first pair to bred successfully had just one chick which, whilst living for 2 years or more, never matured, remaining a rich uniform brown throughout. However, we now have a pair that have produced a trio of hatchings and we're hopeful that they will develop normally. They nested in a standard finch nest box. They generally roost in branches high up in the aviary, often taking the top corner slot.

They feed primarily on small seed which they usually take from the ground. They will also have mealworm.

They are not easy to sex though we are told that the female has a smaller, paler bill. There are now many colour variations available which have come about through captive breeding. We have seen white and pale brown varieties but have always prefered the original colouration.