• Scientific Name: Euplectes orix orix
• Common Name/s: GRENADIER WEAVER,  RED BISHOP,  GRENADIER BISHOP.
• Sub Species in country / area of origin: 5
• Origin / Distribution: Africa
• Habitat In Wild: Found along waterways in reeds and grasslands. Have adapted to use farmlands for food.
• Status In Wild:  ?
• Status In (Australian) Captivity: Not common
• Age To Sexual Maturity: Cock birds 2 years,  hens 1 year.
• Adult plumage:  Cock birds attain full colour at about 2 years of age.
• Lifespan (estimate):  approx. 12 plus years
• Sexing: Monomorphic / Dimorphic (Dimorphic in breeding season, otherwise monomorphic.)  Young birds are almost impossible to sex visually.  DNA sexing may be the safest and simplest method of accurately determining the sex of young birds.
• Mutations: None
• Availability: Specialist breeders or some bird dealers.
• Temperament: One cock bird can be kept with multiple hens.  Planted aviary needed.
• Cost (Victoria) Per Pair: - Normal colour (Approx.) $450
• Description Of Adults: Cock bird has a colourful nuptial plumage.  In the eclipse plumage the cock birds look similar to a sparrow.

1. Length: Approx 140 - 150 mm (or approx 6 inches)
2. Colour ( "normal" colour ): Refer photo/s above if available.
3. Weight: Approx. 25 - 27 gms (or almost 1 oz)

Level Of Knowledge Required: Beginner / Intermediate / Advanced / Specialist Breeders Only.

Government Regulations & By-Laws: Refer to "Government Laws" web page.

Housing Requirements: Click on "Housing birds" web page for full details on the housing of Weavers & Whydahs or read on for specific details for this finch.

There are more breeding pairs of Grenadiers than most of the weavers so keeping them as the only pair of birds per aviary is less critical.  They prefer a large planted aviary and as they are generally non aggressive, they can be kept in a mixed collection of other finches.  Cock birds will aggressively guard and protect the nest and the surrounding area.  They are not suited to canary style cages.

Grenadiers will hybridize with Orange Bishops and other Weavers.

In Africa they suspend their nests between the reeds.  These plants can be grown in our aviaries and used by the weavers.

Prefer a large planted aviary with dense shrubs, tall growing grasses, poa grasses and potted or miniature bamboos.  They are not suitable for cages if the intention is to have them breed.

Diet / Feeding: Click on "Weavers & Whydahs" web page for full details on the nutrition of Weavers & Whydahs or read on for specific details for this finch.

Weavers and whydahs are seed eaters that require significant quantities of live food to raise their young.  A variety of insects gives best results e.g. mealworms, crickets, small grass hoppers, small cockroaches, termites, moths etc.

Some fruits (e.g. apple, sweet corn) and some green leafy vegetables can be offered.

A good quality finch seed mix, seeding grasses/grains and a variety of insects are necessary.  Some people supply soaked or sprouted seed.

Basic seed mix should include Canary seed, White French Millet, Japanese Millet, and Yellow and Red Panicum.

Nesting: A basic overview only.

• Roosting nest: Yes / No
• Nesting months:  Late Spring to late summer.
• Nesting receptacles:  Nest is usually suspended between 2 to 4 strong branches of low trees or shrubs.  Cock bird will weave a nest.  Hen may line the nest with fine soft grasses and other soft materials.
• Nesting materials:  Nest made from finely stripped green grasses.  The preferred material is growing New Guinea palm grass.  The cock bird nips through part of the stem then flies away stripping a ribbon of fresh green material for the construction of the nest.
• Who incubates the eggs: Hen / cock / both share.

The cock bird will partially build nests waiting for the hen to make her choice.  The hen lines the nest.

Nest inspection is generally tolerated.  The hen keeps the nest free of droppings.

Breeding:  Also refer to the "Weavers & Whydahs" web page for more breeding information.

Egg Colour Aqua.  Clutch/s per year 2 - 3.  Eggs per nest  1 - 4.  Incubation approx. 14 days.  Fledge approx.  3 weeks.  Independent approx. another 3 weeks.

There are more breeding pairs of Grenadiers than most of the weavers so keeping them as the only pair of birds per aviary is less critical.  They prefer a large planted aviary and as they are generally non aggressive, they can be kept in a mixed collection of other finches.  Cock birds will aggressively guard and protect the nest and the surrounding area.

The cock bird has a nuptial plumage during breeding season.  The cock birds usually acquire their breeding plumage about October.
Hens have a minimal plumage change through the year.

A cock bird will pair up with one, two or more hens and successes with breeding Grenadier Weavers is better than those of the other weavers.

In an aviary it is generally safe to leave the young with their parents in the same aviary after they become independent.  Aggression may start when the young cock birds start to colour up.  If aggression starts, remove the young birds to a separate aviary.

Artificial incubation, hand rearing or fostering will not be covered on this web site.  It is too complex and diverse in nature to be attempted here.  Refer "Specific References" as listed below and "General References" listings.

Health Issues: Refer "Avian Health Issues" web page for information and references.

• Worming and parasite control and Quarantine requirements of new bird/s or sick bird/s are considered to require veterinary advice and therefore not covered on this web site.  Refer "Avian Health Issues" web page option.
• Avian medicine is advancing at a rapid pace.  Keep updating your knowledge and skills.

General References: Refer to references listed on "Book References" web page.

Specific References:

• Australian Aviculture
• A/A Vol 54 No. 8 Aug 2000 Page 173-175.
• A/A Vol 44 No. 6 Jun 1990 Page 144-148 (Inc photos)
• A/A Vol 37 No. 7 Jul 1983 Page 164-166 (Inc photo)
• A/A Vol 19 No 7 Jul 1965 Page 93-96.
• A/A Vol 14 No. 12 Dec 1960 Page 161-162.
• A/A Vol 10 No 4 Apr 1956 Page 41-42.
• A/A Vol 5 No 5 May 1951 Page 56-57.
• A/A Vol 5 No 4 Apr 1951 Page 52.
• A/A Vol 4 No 9 Sept 1950 Page 105-107.
• A/A Vol 3 No 4 Apr 1949 Page 40, 36.
• Australian Birdkeeper
• ABK Vol 14 Issue 12. Dec-Jan 2002 Page 690-695.
• ABK Vol 13 Issue 1. Feb-Mar 2000 Page 35-36 
• ABK Vol 11 Issue 4. Aug-Sept 1998 Page 176-179.
• ABK Vol  6 Issue 11. Oct-Nov 1993 Page 553-554
• ABK Vol  4 Issue 12. Dec-Jan 1992 Page 564-567
• ABK Vol  4 Issue 7. Feb-Mar 1991 Page 305-308

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