The Complete Guide to Keeping Hwamei: A Practical Guide for Beginners to Keep Hwamei Well

The hwamei is a common songbird in southern China, named for the white stripe of feathers around its eyes that resembles an eyebrow marking. Its song is melodious and varied, and it has a lively temperament. It has long been a favorite among bird-keeping enthusiasts and is a very popular song-type ornamental bird.

When selecting a hwamei, you can first look at its mental state and appearance. A healthy individual has bright eyes, feathers that lie close to the body with a glossy sheen, moves nimbly, and sings vigorously. A bird that has just arrived home needs a period of quiet rest; place it in a quiet spot so it can slowly become familiar with its surroundings, and do not handle it or disturb it frequently.

As for feeding, the hwamei's diet is based on grain-type feed. A common practice is to use egg-mixed rice as the base, then supplement it appropriately with insects such as mealworms and a small amount of fruit to help provide protein and vitamins. Drinking water must be kept clean and changed daily, and food and water containers should also be cleaned regularly to prevent food from spoiling and causing intestinal problems.

In terms of daily care, the hwamei enjoys bathing. When the weather is warm, you can provide a shallow dish of water for it to bathe on its own, which helps keep its feathers clean. The birdcage should be spacious and well ventilated, the perch should be of moderate thickness, and droppings at the bottom of the cage should be cleaned up promptly. If conditions allow, you can take the bird outdoors for a walk so it comes into contact with the natural environment and the songs of its own kind, which helps with its temperament and singing condition.

It must be especially noted that the hwamei is a wild bird protected by law. Keeping one should involve obtaining captive-bred individuals through legal channels and complying with local relevant regulations. Never capture wild birds. In addition, during the molting period, pay attention to nutrition and a quiet environment, and reduce disturbances to help it molt smoothly and recover its condition.