The Schlegel Twinspot ( Mandingoa nitidula schlegeli ) is in my opinion an Estrildid species that is unsurpassed because of its stunning colours, truly beautiful song, the duration of its song and its non-aggressive behavior towards its own and other species.

Unfortunately it is one of those species which seems to have virtually no immunity to pathogens that are found in a human environment and so it may not be able to be established in aviculture.

Schlegels must not be housed with other species.

During 2000 and 2005, I bought several Schlegel twinspots with the scientific name of Mandingoa nitidula schlegeli and housed them in my free flying bird room along with other Estrildid species. I found that Schlegels succumbed to disease more readily than most Estrildid species did if mixed with other species. Not only that but I also discovered that Schlegels die of diseases that other species are able to be cured of and survive. Through lab tests of the pathogens found in the droppings of sick Schlegels, I found out why.

I learnt that Schlegel Twinspots have no immunity to certain pathogens and therefore can easily die if they are infected by them. I reasoned that if I housed the Schlegels on their own and eliminated these specific pathogens from their environment, then the Schlegels would be far less prone to succumb to disease.

I have written an article that lists down the pathogens that Schlegels have no immunity to, and how to eradicate or reduce these germs in the birdroom where the birds are housed. I also explain a way of stimulating young Schlegels to develop immunity against these germs. After 5 years of patient observation and laboratory tests I am convinced that if my advice is followed, Schlegel twinspots will thrive and breed in captivity.

My findings with Schlegels should also apply to other Estrildid species which are known to easily succumb to disease and die in human captivity such as Black Siskins, Rosy Twinspots, Crimson Seedcrackers, Pintail Parrot Finches, Violet Eared Waxbills etc.

This article is called "How To Keep Estrildid species (with no immunity to pathogen strains found in human environments) Alive in Captivity and have them Thrive and Breed" and gives all the above information focusing on Schlegel Twinspots. If you click on My Articles web page, you will find this article listed there.