What does the goldfinch eat at home? Goldfinch bird
When choosing a pet, many people do not limit themselves to getting to know different breeds of dogs or cats. Exotic species of animals or reptiles, in turn, can be capricious in terms of care. And then unpretentious birds come into the potential owner’s field of vision. Let's consider one of them, having found out what is involved in keeping a nimble goldfinch in normal home conditions.
General characteristics and appearance
This representative of the finch family is a relative of the familiar sparrow. Ornithologists know that this name unites a large number of lines, among which greenfinches and redpolls, linnets and even siskins stand out. But the most common species remains the common goldfinch (aka black-headed). It is even smaller in size than a sparrow: an adult grows to 10, maximum 12 cm “from beak to tail,” and this with a weight of only 17-20 g. 
Such a fragile build is compensated by his appearance. The bright red color of the front of the head contrasts with the white cheeks and the black tone of the back of the head with the crown. The beak is red and white, with a black tip and dark “whiskers” at the base. It is noteworthy that in adult birds in this area you can see a red ring, while in young birds there is no such decoration due to their age.
Important! Unknowingly, the goldfinch can easily be confused with the American siskin and other related species. When purchasing, be sure to pay attention to the red fragments in the design of the head - they indicate that this is a goldfinch.
The abdomen is reddish-brown (less often brown) and is similar in color to the chest. The white rump looks impressive against the background of a black tail with white specks. The wings stand apart - they are yellow (according to the color of the transverse stripes), and in their rear part there are alternating black and white small spots. Such a handsome man rests on his dark yellow, almost brown paws. Having found out exactly what the song goldfinch looks like, it is logical to ask how it behaves in nature.
Habitat and diet in the wild
Wild individuals inhabit deciduous groves and gardens of Europe and Western Siberia, Western Asia and North Africa. At the same time, the bird prefers relatively open areas - you are unlikely to see it in a dense forest (unlike a sparse planting or even a city park). They are considered a sedentary species, although they are capable of migrating over long distances. They often leave their nests to search for food together (flocks of goldfinches are frequent guests of summer cottages and fields). 
In April they split into pairs, and by the beginning of summer, nests built from various roots connected by cobwebs are visible on the tree crowns. Around this time, transparent green eggs with red spots on the blunt edge appear in the nests. On average, each clutch consists of 3-5 eggs.
Did you know? Sparrows can be considered the smartest birds, if we take only the ratio of total weight to brain mass. It is estimated that out of 100 g of total weight, the brain accounts for 4.5 g.
The female incubates them for about two weeks and feeds the offspring with aphids or small larvae for the same amount of time. At the age of 15-20 days, the chicks try to leave the nest, but not for long (they are supported by their parents for up to a month). The basis of the diet of an adult bird is the seeds of grasses, shrubs or trees. They love achenes of burdock, horse sorrel and thistle. They do not refuse worms with larvae, although this is more “baby food”. The question of what the free goldfinch eats has another solution. If there is a sparse supply of seeds in the chosen place, birds without any problems switch to eating the leaves and stems of small weeds. 
How the goldfinch sings
The singing of this bird, coupled with its bright color, determined its popularity among numerous owners. Experienced owners, together with biologists, claim that the goldfinch is able to produce more than 20 variants of melodies, in terms of euphony, not inferior to the repertoire of canaries. It all depends on the pet’s mood: a well-groomed bird will delight the ear with high-speed chirping with elements of whistling. Such improvisations can last for hours, especially in the spring.
Important! The goldfinch willingly copies motifs heard from other birds. But when several species are kept in one house at once, interest in their neighbors may after a while give way to bad mood and apathy - for this species it is important to be the center of attention.
It is also possible to switch to more monotonous and rougher trills if the bird is left alone for a long time and does not receive the necessary attention from its owners. Singing has traditionally remained the activity of males, although some females are superior to them in this regard. But during molting, sexual differences fade into the background - during this period, goldfinches are simply silent, taking a “creative break.” 
Is it worth keeping at home?
Having confirmed the artistic inclinations of this species, many immediately get excited about the idea of having this feathered miracle in their apartment. But before that, it is advisable to soberly weigh the pros and cons of such cohabitation.
pros
Let's start with the advantages. These include:
- bright appearance;
- beautiful trills that can be listened to almost all year round;
- natural intelligence and innate curiosity;
- the bird's sociable disposition;
- fast learner;
- unpretentiousness in nutrition and maintenance.
Minuses
There are also disadvantages that should also be kept in mind:
- a specimen caught in a nearby field is unlikely to give concerts and be willing to make contact - it is best to purchase an individual at a pet store;
- Individuals of different sexes do not get along very well when kept together - this is fraught with permanent stress. In such conditions, one can forget about singing and offspring;
- chicks, already separated from their parents and living in the same cage, often become competitors (mainly for food), which can lead to fights and injuries.
Did you know? Hummingbirds are unique not only for their miniature size - they are the only bird that can confidently fly both forward and backward.
If you are sure that such difficulties will bypass pets, you can safely get birds.
Conditions for keeping at home
If you are interested in how to properly care for a goldfinch living at home, you can see that there is no particular difficulty here. Although there are still some nuances.
Choosing and arranging a home
It all starts with selecting a cage or enclosure. The minimum size of bird housing is 50x30 cm (although it is better to take a cage with a reserve). Another mandatory requirement is the presence of at least two levels, because an active pet needs more space. Pay attention to the tray at the base - it should be smooth, without cracks or burrs that can injure the bird.
The distance between the rods also plays a role: this interval should be within 1-1.5 cm. A larger gap carries the risk of injury. In addition, this way the goldfinch can escape from its refuge, or a curious cat will stretch its paw there. In addition to the hanging feeder and drinking bowl, even before moving in, you will have to install swings and perches inside - nimble individuals require a full-fledged play area. Having a small pool will only be a plus. The cage for the domestic goldfinch is placed away from direct sunlight and drafts. At the same time, it should be well lit. Important! Make sure that the perches are smooth - a knotty surface can lead to irritation on the paws, which leads to more serious consequences such as pododermatitis.
Normal room temperature is suitable. Try to avoid two extremes in terms of air - both dry and humid air will be dangerous to the health of birds. For these reasons, the cage is placed away from switched-on batteries or damp corners.
How many goldfinches are best kept in one cage?
Ideally, each bird has a separate cage. Cohabitation of two active individuals (especially a male and a female) almost always leads to domestic conflicts. The initiative usually belongs to the “female” half of the population - the female tries to monopolize everything, from food to free space. Against this background, her partner risks falling into apathy, which is immediately evident from his stubborn silence and shaggy appearance. 
Cleaning the cage
Daily cleaning comes down to replacing water (both for drinking and bathing), changing food and removing scattered particles.
Did you know? Birds of prey, unlike many more peaceful birds, are monogamous - a pair is chosen once and for life.
While the cleaning is being done, the goldfinch is released to stretch its wings: on average, 10 minutes a day will allow you to maintain physical shape. Before releasing it, make sure that the doors and windows in the room are securely closed, and that there are no other animals nearby for whom the chick cutting through the air could turn out to be a real target or even dinner.
It is better to remove sharp or heavy objects from the table and other surfaces - a curious bird may become interested in them, causing injury to itself. The same applies to open containers with boiling water and hot dishes, cosmetics or household chemicals, for example, powder.What to feed the goldfinch at home
Breeding any animals, including goldfinches, in standard home conditions is unthinkable without a properly composed menu.
Important! Birds should not be indulged in sweets - a piece of candy or chocolate grabbed on the fly will cause serious stomach upset.
In the case of these birds, the diet consists of:
- ready grain mixture. It is made from equal parts of millet and burdock, rapeseed and dandelion. You can add sunflower and hemp with plantain to them. But the achenes of coniferous trees (pines and spruce) are already for gourmets: not all birds accept such ingredients;
- live food in the form of ant pupae and mealworms. They are given in the amount of 4-5 pieces per day. Although worms are also considered a delicacy not for everyone (while everyone loves pupae);
- wet “chatter” and cereals for insectivores. They are fed 2-3 times a week;
- a special delicacy - a salad of finely chopped and hard-boiled eggs, grated boiled carrots and pieces of crackers. This mixture is very useful for adults.
How to determine gender and how long they live at home
When thinking about the prospect of breeding, the future owner will certainly ask how and by what characteristics to distinguish a male goldfinch, and what to look for in order to choose a female from a pair. Ornithologists suggest that upon careful examination it is quite simple. You just need to know a few signs:
- Males are always larger, they have a larger beak, and the clarity and purity of color is always better (females look less bright and even dull).
- The “cap” on the goldfinch’s head is distinguished by graying, clearly visible against the red-black background of the plumage.
- The red fragment on her head itself slightly does not reach the line of her eyes.
- On the crown of the female there is a gray or black element in the form of a cross.
Did you know? A bald eagle can lift its legs up during flight, and this will not in any way affect its speed or stability.
Scientific reference books often recommend looking at the red stripe under the beak, or rather its width. It is believed that for males this figure is 7-10 mm, and for females it is about 4-6 mm. The sign is true, although not widespread - sometimes these stripes do not exist at all. Having found out the essence of sexual differences, it is important to find out how long well-groomed goldfinches live at home. The answer is: even in captivity, this bird will live quietly for 15 years. It is not uncommon for a feathered artist to celebrate his 20th birthday in good health. 
Predisposition to disease
Goldfinches also sometimes get sick, and the owner should be aware of all birth sores of this species. The first thing that comes to mind is various types of injuries that a curious bird can receive due to the carelessness of its owners or due to restlessness. Bruises and dislocations, fractures and sprains require consultation with a veterinarian. The damaged limb is fixed, a restorative diet is prescribed, and during recovery the bird is not allowed to fly (such loads are temporarily prohibited).
Important! Hygiene is extremely important when working with birds. So, forgetting to wash your hands after changing food or washing the enclosure, a person runs the risk of contracting salmonellosis or psittacosis from a bird.
Violations of the rules of detention can result in one of a number of dangerous illnesses:
Did you know? Ornithologists have found that the weight of feathers always exceeds the weight of the bones.
More common, but no less dangerous problems are poisoning of varying degrees and colds. Apathy, weakness, vomiting and thirst are threatening signals that suggest a visit to the doctor and initiation of treatment. To avoid all these difficulties, it is enough to pay attention to prevention. Compliance with the daily routine and cleaning routine, space and selection of quality products will help maintain the health of your winged pet.
Possibility of breeding in captivity
It is quite possible to get offspring at home. In nature, goldfinches breed towards the end of spring, while in captivity this process is not tied to the time of year and can be year-round. Its onset is “provoked” by placing lichen, pieces of bark or meadow grass, and even the fur of other pets in the cage. All these materials are placed little by little, and the active female immediately begins to build a nest.
After it is twisted, the male is released into the cage. Noticing that the mating games produced a result in the form of a clutch of several eggs, he is sent back. Otherwise, everything goes on as usual - the female calmly incubates the clutch for two weeks. The hatched chicks are kept with her for the first 16-20 days of life, after which they can be safely moved to a separate cage.Important! Sitting over the future offspring, the female becomes a little nervous. Be careful - she may painfully pull the owner's finger, mistaking it as a threat.
Sometimes chance interferes with this natural scenario. For example, a bird that grew up “with everything ready” may refuse to hatch chicks. In such cases, owners interested in increasing their livestock take the eggs and transfer them to an incubator or simply under a powerful lamp. After getting to know the bright and melodious goldfinches, you learned how to keep them at home. We hope that such neighbors will give only joy and positivity, and all diseases will be spared. More light notes every day!This small bird of the finch family makes a wonderful pet. If you have been thinking about keeping birds at home for a long time, pay attention to the bright warbler - we think you won’t go wrong.
Meet the Goldfinch
The main advantages of this bird are, undoubtedly, its motley plumage (which is scientifically called camouflage) and year-round colorful singing. And also - intelligence, friendliness, lifespan up to 20 years and familiarity with our climate.
The very name “goldfinch” speaks of the brightness and panache of their outfit: white, red, black, yellow - all these colors are present in the bird’s “costume”. Young goldfinches, by the way, are not so elegant, but with age they acquire the “correct” adult color.
As for the repertoire, it is truly large - more than 20 variants of sonorous, effervescent trill compositions. At home, male goldfinches sing almost all year round, excluding periods of molting or stress (for example, due to relocation or conflict with relatives) - early rises with the first rays of the sun and songs are guaranteed. Females do not sing - they chirp and whistle. It must be remembered that in a new place the bird will not immediately begin to sing; sometimes even a couple of months are required for the adaptation period of especially timid and nervous individuals.
Sometimes singing goldfinches are given more “sweet-voiced” birds like canaries as teachers. Goldfinches willingly learn and diversify teachers' songs with their own trills. It is also customary to obtain hybrid offspring from male and female goldfinches - such “babies” are highly valued because of their coloring and singing.
The intelligence of goldfinches is also known among bird owners. It is very easy to teach birds to recognize their owner, fly onto a hand or shoulder, and perform simple tricks. But picking up birds, much less frightening them or suddenly grabbing them, is strictly prohibited - the goldfinch can even die from a broken heart!
Maintenance and care
These birds are quite unpretentious in their care, although there are some nuances in their maintenance.
First about the cage. It is advised to first place a goldfinch that has just been brought into the house for a couple of days in a kuteika - a box closed on all sides with water and food, which will allow the bird to adapt to a new place. Otherwise, there is a high probability that the timid bird will rush around very much in the new cage and injure itself. If your pet is from a pet store, there is nothing to worry about. It is advisable from time to time to let the bird fly around the room, eliminating all traumatic factors (abundance of glass, objects with sharp edges, vessels with water, the presence of pets, open doors and windows).
The cage (preferably an aviary) for the goldfinch should be spacious enough: this way the bird will feel more comfortable. Inside it is necessary to install a system of multi-level wooden perches, a drinking bowl and a feeder. The bottom can be covered with sand or covered with white paper, which you will change as it gets dirty. Periodically, you need to place a bowl of water in the cage where the bird can bathe: goldfinches love to do this.
You should choose a place for the cage that is bright, but protected from drafts and direct sunlight in summer. From time to time it is necessary to carry out a general cleaning of the cage with disinfection using special means.
Now let's talk about food Goldfinches are granivores. The basis of their diet is mixed grain mixtures with oats, millet, hemp and sunflower seeds, burdock, spruce seeds, dandelion, plantain, burdock: about two spoons per day in two servings. It is necessary to add plant and animal components to food: dandelion leaves, grated carrots, apple and pear slices, crushed white crackers, mealworms, ant larvae. A vitamin supplement is recommended. There should always be fresh water in the drinking bowl.
Concerning neighborhood
, then goldfinches are quite cocky, especially if the territory is small and there is only one feeder in the cage. In addition, due to conflicts, males may become apathetic and stop singing. Therefore, male-female pairs of these birds are not kept - it is preferable to be kept alone or in a group with other granivorous birds. Although even in a large company, bully goldfinches will try to expropriate the feeder, sitting on it with outstretched wings and fluffed plumage and frightening the neighbors with crackling screams. However, it rarely comes to serious fights - goldfinches prefer only to demonstrate their superiority from a distance.
Otherwise, the goldfinch is an extremely pleasant pet.
Galina Zimina
A worthy alternative in terms of numbers to cat and dog lovers at home are songbird lovers. And, it's not just about. There are other birds whose trills can simply bewitch. For example, goldfinches. And, exactly about the peculiarities of keeping goldfinches at home, about the appearance of these birds, about their diet and how to ensure that your goldfinch does not stop talking– our publication will tell you about all this...
Description of the goldfinch
Birds called goldfinch are usually classified as members of the finch family; the goldfinch’s body size is smaller than that of a sparrow, and the body length from head to tip of tail is 12 centimeters. An adult bird weighs only 20 grams. Adult goldfinches are brightly colored, but the top of the head, wing area and tail remain black, giving them a truly dapper appearance. And, here is the area of the forehead, cheeks, belly and upper tail - snow-white. In the beak area you can see a wide red ring, and on the wings there are transverse bright yellow stripes. Wherein,
young representatives of the species do not have a red ring, but they have small longitudinal streaks on the back and chest.
It is not so easy to distinguish a female from a male goldfinch just by color - these birds look equally elegant, however, the female still has duller plumage and is smaller than the male.
How goldfinches sing
We already mentioned that goldfinches are songbirds, and this is true. Their repertoire can consist of more than 20 variants of melodies, and the sounds they make while singing can be either pleasant and melodic, or harsh and rude. Goldfinches can only compete with canaries in their singing abilities. By the way, like them, goldfinches become silent and do not sing. In addition, it has been noticed that females sing more beautifully than males, so if you want to have a singing goldfinch in your home, it’s better to get a female.
Goldfinches in Nature
In Nature, goldfinches are sedentary birds, but in the north of their habitat they can roam quite long distances. Also, they can fly in small flocks or groups between breeding periods in order to search for food. So, do not be surprised that you can meet flocks of goldfinches in the forest, in a field, in a country house or even in a city park.
These birds build nests in groves, in light forest strips and gardens, as well as in sparse plantings. They can also be found in floodplain forests and copses, especially where there are dense thickets of weeds.
In Nature, the diet of goldfinches is plant-based, therefore, birds prefer to stay closer to those areas that are rich in grass, but even weeds can become food for them if there are no seeds of bushes, grasses and trees. However, despite the fact that adult birds feed on plants and seeds, they include insects in the feeding diet of their chicks.
If you look at a global scale and evaluate the benefits and harm of these birds, then goldfinches are not only beautiful songbirds, but also useful birds that can destroy a large number of harmful insects. Add to this their ability to sing loudly almost all year round, an attractive, catchy outfit, and a friendly character - and you will understand that these birds can be kept in captivity without any problems.
Is it worth keeping a goldfinch at home?
Advantages of keeping goldfinches at home
If you are just considering the possibility of keeping a goldfinch in your house, or you have already got this bird, but have belatedly decided to get acquainted with what your life together will be like, we hasten to please you - there are many advantages of keeping these birds so that you will not doubt the correctness of your decision. Firstly, this is the beautiful appearance of the birds, their beautiful singing almost throughout the year. Secondly, these are very smart and friendly birds that can easily and quickly be raised and trained and turn into public favorites. Thirdly, if you decide to cross a male goldfinch with a canary, the resulting hybrid chicks will not only look beautiful, but also simply sing divinely, and if you decide to start selling such hybrids seriously, you can make good money from it.
Disadvantages of keeping goldfinches at home
If you did not purchase a goldfinch in a pet store, but caught it in the wild, or you were sold a wild goldfinch, we have to disappoint you, wild birds remain wild, and rarely delight their owners with their sonorous singing. Also, if you plan to breed goldfinches or keep several individuals, you will have to take care of different cages for them, since the male and female in the same cage get along poorly and may stop singing due to their everyday troubles.
Features of keeping goldfinches at home
Where is the best place to keep goldfinches?
As we already wrote above, it is better to keep goldfinches in a cage or in an aviary alone. These birds quickly adapt to new conditions, the main thing is that you take care of their comfort. So, the cage must be at least 50 centimeters in length, and it must have at least 2 levels. You should definitely place perches and swings inside the cage. It is better to install the cage itself in a place where there is a lot of light, but there is no direct sunlight or drafts. The distance between the bars in the cage should be no more than 1.5 centimeters so that the goldfinch cannot escape or injure itself during it.
The cage should be cleaned daily, changing the water for bathing and drinking, and once a week you can do a general cleaning, using bird-safe products to clean the perches, feeder and tray. After you have treated all the corners and surfaces of the cage, you should rinse it under running water, allow it to dry and ventilate for several more hours.
By the way, while cleaning the cage, you can let the goldfinch fly around the room - it will even be useful for him to stretch his wings a little. Just make sure that the doors and windows in the room are closed, and that there are no pets in the room, for which the goldfinch could become their dinner.
What to feed goldfinches
At home, birds should be fed a grain mixture that includes burdock, oatmeal, rapeseed, millet, spruce seeds, canary seed, pine, dandelion, hemp, plantain and sunflower - all mixed in equal quantities. Ant pupae will also be useful for goldfinches, as well as mealworms - they can be given as animal food, 3-5 daily during the season. But regarding mealworms, I would like to note that not all goldfinches like them, therefore, you will have to focus on the individual gastronomic preferences of your bird. As the practice of the owners of these songbirds shows, they do not refuse various porridges and wet mash, which may be intended for birds that eat insects. They should be given at least 2 times a week, and during the period of molting and reproduction - replace one of the feedings with them.
As for the number of feedings per day and portion sizes, goldfinches should be fed at least 2 times a day and not in large portions.
You can also pamper the bird with the following delicacy - boil the carrots and grate them, add some breadcrumbs and a finely chopped hard-boiled egg to it. This mixture will not only be nutritious and tasty, but also beneficial for your goldfinch.
Goldfinches Health
If you notice that the goldfinch is sitting in the corner of the cage, ruffled, refuses food and water, its feathers are falling out, discharge is flowing from its beak and eyes, the iris of the eye itself has become dull, there are disturbances in the functioning of the gastrointestinal tract - the bird should be shown to a veterinarian - he will be able to establish a diagnosis and prescribe treatment. We would not recommend that you self-medicate your bird, trying to guess at random what it might be sick with.
It is noteworthy that in addition to their “avian” diseases, goldfinches can also suffer from ailments that pose a real threat to human health and life. They can infect the owner with psittacosis, tuberculosis, salmonellosis and other dangerous diseases, therefore, it is always worth remembering personal safety and hygiene when caring for and communicating with the bird.
But, there are other cases when goldfinches can suffer from human diseases. For example, gout - its symptoms manifest themselves in metabolic disorders, excess urea and salt content in tissues and in the blood. And, although there are many reasons for the development of gout in goldfinches, most often it is a lack of vitamin A, an incorrect diet, intoxication of the body, poor-quality food, or drug poisoning.
At the initial stage, the disease occurs practically without symptoms; goldfinches only experience strong thirst and a sharp change in mood. Then, owners notice the appearance of white nodules with streaks in the area of the joints and tendons of the bird, while the joints look swollen. The disease progresses rapidly, and if the goldfinch is not provided with qualified veterinary care within the first few days, it may die. The main cure for gout in the case of these birds is a strict diet that excludes protein products of animal origin from their diet, but corn flour, berries and greens, on the contrary, will be useful, as they help reduce the body’s production of uric acid. In order to strengthen the bird’s immunity, you can also start giving it vitamin complexes, but they must be prescribed by a veterinarian. Regarding the administration of medications, they are appropriate in advanced cases when time is lost, but they do not guarantee a 100% recovery result.
As for the prevention of various diseases in goldfinches, this means compliance with the rules and recommendations regarding the care and maintenance of birds in captivity, as well as cleanliness and hygiene in the cage and a proper diet, which contains all the vitamins necessary for the bird...
The goldfinch is an unpretentious bird, well adapted to life in a cage, but this does not mean that it can be fed with anything. One of the main requirements for feeding is variety. Proper nutrition provides the goldfinch with the necessary level of health. A healthy and active bird pleases its owner with its spectacular plumage and rich singing. Receiving a varied diet in captivity, a tamed bird will sing at home almost all year round (except for the molting period) and live for more than 10 years, whereas in nature even a five-year-old goldfinch is a rare occurrence.
Content Rules
The sex of birds is determined by the “mask” on the head:
- In males, a red spot protrudes beyond the eyes, and the “whiskers” are black.
- In females, the red color reaches only to the middle of the eyes, the “whiskers” are grayish or brown.
Goldfinches are kept alone. An ordinary cage and easily accessible food are suitable for their maintenance. Optimal cell sizes:
- length - 50 cm;
- width - 30 cm;
- height - 34 cm.
In a cage that is too small, the goldfinch will move little and become fat. In a more spacious structure, it is inconvenient to care for the bird; it will feel uncomfortable, stop singing, begin to run wild and will stay only at the top, as if independently trying to reduce the size of its overly spacious home.
There is a criterion - the minimum cage size for any bird is one at which it must help itself with its wings when jumping between two perches. That is, the bird should not jump, but flutter. This allows her to keep her pectoral muscles toned.
Goldfinch cage
Caring for goldfinches involves feeding, daily cleaning of the cage, washing the feeder and drinking bowl. Once a week the cage is washed with soap. The bird needs ultraviolet light, so the cage is exposed to sunlight or under a UV lamp twice a week for two hours.
Feeding
Rules for feeding the goldfinch:
- always enough food;
- plenty of water to drink – your pet won’t live even a day without water;
- grain feed in combination with succulent foods;
- the constant presence of sand and a mineral mixture in the cell, which is due to the peculiarities of goldfinches’ digestion.
Birds are highly organized animals; they have highly developed individual tastes, so it is normal if the goldfinch does not take all the food. There is no cause for concern if the bird, for example, does not eat carrots or salt, which are recommended in many reference books.
Diet
You need to be careful with the amount of food. It is worth adhering to the recommended standards. If you simply make sure the feeder is always full of grain, the birds will get fat and die.
Approximate amount of grain per bird (in teaspoons):
- in summer – 1;
- autumn and spring – 2;
- winter – 3.
Usually goldfinches are fed in the morning by pouring 10-15 g (2-3 teaspoons) of grain mixture into the feeder per bird. The water is changed daily. Grain and grated carrots are placed in a feeder. Pieces of apple are stuck between the bars of the cage, and the branches are secured there with a clothespin.
You need to give as much food as the bird can eat in one day, so that there is nothing left for the next feeding.
Watching your pet, it is very easy to notice that he is hungry. The goldfinch begins to jump on perches and jump on the walls of the cage - this is how its search reflex manifests itself.
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Diet
Goldfinches are granivorous birds, but they also need berries, fruits, grass and protein supplements, including live insects. In addition to everyday food, special foods are given from time to time - as a treat or for the prevention of diseases.
Grain mixtures
The main food of the goldfinch is a grain mixture. In nature, these birds eat the seeds of several hundred plants. The homemade grain mixture may include:
- sunflower;
- plantain;
- hemp;
- rapeseed;
- burdock;
- canary seed;
- flax-seed;
- pine and spruce seed;
- dandelion seeds;
- lettuce and rape seed;
- seeds of wormwood, alder, birch, etc.
Basic seeds for goldfinches are burdock, rapeseed, canary seed, and flaxseed. The rest are used insignificantly as additives.
Burdock (burdock) seeds are especially important. In nature, in winter, goldfinches mainly feed on this food and in captivity they cannot do without it. Burdock seeds are an essential ingredient in grain mixtures. They contain a high amount of fat.
Instead of grain, the burdock shell often contains the larva of an insect, that is, the bird receives two-in-one food - grain and protein supplement. Burdock seeds ripen in August-September. At this time, you can collect thorny fruits and then give them to the goldfinch all year round, 3-4 pieces a day. The bird will take great pleasure in turning them over and picking out the seeds.
Flax, sunflower and hemp seeds are high in fat. But they can be given only in limited quantities so that the bird does not become obese. Sunflower and hemp seeds must first be crushed. Sprouted sunflower seeds are more beneficial than dry ones.
Rapeseed (turnip) seeds are one of the best grain feeds. Rapeseed comes in different colors. Reddish is bitter, birds eat it poorly. Large purple-red grains peck readily.
Ready-made grain mixtures
You cannot feed goldfinches with ready-made grain mixtures for canaries or budgies. They do not have enough calories, goldfinches lose weight and get sick on them. If necessary, the bird can be kept for 2-3 months on canary food, adding 5% sunflower seeds and 5% flax seeds.
Popular ready-made grain mixtures for goldfinches:
| Name | Photo | Compound |
| RIO food for forest birds “Basic diet” |  |
|
| Fiory Cardellini for goldfinches |  |
|
| Kiki Excellent for Goldfinches |  |
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Juicy feed
In winter, every other day or two, the birds are given a piece of apple, grated carrot or lettuce. In summer - half a dandelion or chicory leaf. Goldfinches love this greenery very much; it does not cause stomach upset.
In winter, any grain mixture can be turned into a vitamin supplement. The seeds are sown in a box of soil and germinated. When the shoots grow 5-10 cm, they are uprooted and given to the birds.
Animal feed
Protein feeds are given occasionally - once or twice a week. Small insects are suitable, especially aphids, which can be given directly on the leaf. Goldfinches eat beetles, caterpillars and flies. Not all individuals eat mealworms and bloodworms.
In June it is useful to give ant pupae. At this time, birds are preparing to molt and they need protein.
Feeding and treats
All granivorous birds require constant access to sand. Without it, pets wither and die. The reason is that birds do not have teeth. To grind solid food, pebbles and grains of sand are used, which birds specifically swallow.
Sand is placed in shallow containers (some birds like to swim in it) or poured in a 1-2 cm layer at the bottom of the cage. Both river and sea sand are suitable for goldfinches.
Mineral mixtures are a source of vitamins and minerals. They include:
- shell;
- shell rock;
- red clay;
- calcium gluconate;
- salt;
- charcoal.
You can simply put powder from chalk, shell rock, sepia in separate jars, and then see what the bird shows more interest in.
You can make mineral “bird stone” at home. Goldfinches will happily peck at it.
Ingredients:
- slaked lime – 20%;
- washed river sand –20%;
- baking soda – 8%;
- calcium phosphate – 1%;
- charcoal – 5%;
- magnesium carbonate – 0.3%;
- bone meal – 2%;
- crushed eggshells - 42-43%.
All components are mixed with a small amount of water, rolled into flat cakes and dried. Many poultry farmers give goldfinches a few grains of table salt every day. Previously, it was believed that birds needed salt. However, some goldfinches are indifferent to it, while others willingly eat it. If the bird does not eat salt, it will not cause significant harm to its health.
You cannot add salt to food or mineral supplements - if mixed, the bird may eat more of it than is safe.
Some goldfinches love honey. You can give it by spreading a thin layer on an apple slice, and simply put the candied one in the cage. The apple replenishes iron reserves, and honey serves as a carbohydrate supplement.
Twigs of thuja with nuts, willow and cherry are popular with goldfinches. Their bark and buds contain vitamins and minerals in their natural form.
To prevent and improve the functioning of the immune system, goldfinches are given a decoction of red onion peel to drink - 2-3 drops per day. Onion peels are rich in biologically active components. It contains vitamins E, C, PP, carotene, phytoncides, potassium, calcium and iron.
Goldfinches at home A worthy alternative in terms of numbers to cat and dog lovers at home are lovers of songbirds. And we're not just talking about canaries. There are other birds whose trills can simply bewitch. For example, goldfinches.
This is what a goldfinch looks like. Birds called goldfinch are usually classified as members of the finch family. The body size of the goldfinch is smaller than that of a sparrow, and the body length from the head to the tip of the tail is 12 centimeters. An adult bird weighs only 20 grams. Adult goldfinches are brightly colored, but the top of the head, wing area and tail remain black, giving them a truly dapper appearance. And, here is the area of the forehead, cheeks, belly and upper tail - snow-white. In the beak area you can see a wide red ring, and on the wings there are transverse bright yellow stripes. At the same time, young representatives of the species do not have a red ring, but they have small longitudinal streaks in the back and chest. It is not so easy to distinguish a female from a male goldfinch just by color - these birds look equally elegant, however, the female still has duller plumage and is smaller than the male.
How goldfinches sing We have already mentioned that goldfinches are songbirds, and this is true. Their repertoire can consist of more than 20 variants of melodies, and the sounds they make while singing can be either pleasant and melodic, or harsh and rude. Goldfinches can only compete with canaries in their singing abilities. By the way, like them, goldfinches become silent during molting and do not sing. In addition, it has been noted that females sing more beautifully than males, so if you want to have a singing goldfinch in your home, it’s better to get a female.
Goldfinches in nature In nature, goldfinches are sedentary birds, but in the north of their habitat they can roam quite long distances. Also, they can fly in small flocks or groups between breeding periods in order to search for food. So, do not be surprised that you can meet flocks of goldfinches in the forest, in a field, in a country house or even in a city park. These birds build nests in groves, in light forest strips and gardens, as well as in sparse plantings. They can also be found in floodplain forests and copses, especially where there are dense thickets of weeds. In nature, the goldfinches’ diet is plant-based, therefore, birds prefer to stay close to areas that are rich in grass, but even weeds can become food for them , if there are no seeds of shrubs, grasses and trees. However, despite the fact that adult birds feed on plants and seeds, they include insects in the feeding diet of their chicks. If you look at a global scale and evaluate the benefits and harm of these birds, then goldfinches are not only beautiful songbirds, but also useful birds that can destroy a large number of harmful insects. Add to this their ability to sing loudly almost all year round, an attractive, catchy outfit, and a friendly character - and you will understand that these birds can be kept in captivity without any problems.
Is it worth getting a goldfinch at home? The advantages of keeping goldfinches at home If you are just considering the opportunity to have a goldfinch in the house, or you have already got this bird, but belatedly decided to get acquainted with what your life together will be like, we hasten to please you - the advantages There is enough content for these birds so that you do not doubt the correctness of your decision. Firstly, this is the beautiful appearance of the birds, their beautiful singing almost throughout the year. Secondly, these are very smart and friendly birds that can easily and quickly be raised and trained and turn into public favorites. Thirdly, if you decide to cross a male goldfinch with a canary, the resulting hybrid chicks will not only look beautiful, but also simply sing divinely, and if you decide to start selling such hybrids seriously, you can make good money from it. Disadvantages of keeping goldfinches at home If you did not purchase a goldfinch at a pet store, but caught it in the wild, or sold a wild goldfinch to you, we have to disappoint you, wild birds remain wild, and rarely delight their owners with their sonorous singing. Also, if you plan to breed goldfinches or keep several individuals, you will have to take care of different cages for them, since the male and female in the same cage get along poorly and may stop singing due to their everyday troubles.
What to feed goldfinches At home, birds should be fed with a grain mixture that includes burdock, oatmeal, rapeseed, millet, spruce seeds, canary seed, pine, dandelion, hemp, plantain and sunflower - all mixed in equal quantities. Ant pupae will also be useful for goldfinches, as well as mealworms - they can be given as animal food, 3-5 daily during the season. But regarding mealworms, I would like to note that not all goldfinches like them, therefore, you will have to focus on the individual gastronomic preferences of your bird. As the practice of the owners of these songbirds shows, they do not refuse various porridges and wet mash, which may be intended for birds that eat insects. They should be given at least 2 times a week, and during the period of molting and reproduction - replace one of the feedings with them. As for the number of feedings per day and portion sizes, goldfinches should be fed at least 2 times a day and not in large portions. You can also pamper the bird with the following delicacy - boil the carrots and grate them, add some breadcrumbs and a finely chopped hard-boiled egg to it. This mixture will not only be nutritious and tasty, but also beneficial for your goldfinch.
