Merry Christmas Everybody!!!!!!

I want to wish everyone a Merry Christmas, many gifts and happiness!!!

All  the Best,
Nick

European Goldfich Under Snow

Nice shot of European Goldfinch under snow:

http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4112/5221104112_c54cc895bd_b.jpg

Bye,
Nick

Breeding european goldfinch under controlled environment - light management

In order to be able to breed european goldfinch in captivity, it is necessary to have an aviary room in optimal conditions (temperature, humidity, light, air).

Sometimes it is not possible, for example in case of dark local. In this case It would be better not start breeding, unless they do not resort to artificial light.

Artificial light, in my view, has at least three advantages
- Increase period of breeding up to four months
- Control almost perfectly when moult starts
- Bring forward by one month the period of reproduction

We recommend using a neon 120cm each 5 mt square, and as many incandescent light bulbs to simulate sunrise and sunset.

A good light programmer needed!
In the table below is shown how to program the light to start playing in mid-April and end in mid-July.

I hope this topic can help you to manage better your artificial light and have a lot of goldfinch babies!

Have a nice day,
Nick

National Finch Show - Reservation Deadline

TOMORROW IS THE LAST DAY YOU CAN MAKE RESERVATIONS FOR THE NATIONAL FINCH SHOW IN SAN DIEGO AND BE ELIGIBLE FOR THE DISCOUNTED GROUP RATE. WHILE THERE MAY BE ROOMS REMAINING AFTER THAT DATE, THERE IS NO GUARANTEE YOU'LL REC'V THE DISCOUNTED RATE IF YOU MAKE RESERVATIONS AFTER THAT DATE. IF YOU'VE NOT ALREADY MADE YOUR RESERVATIONS - BE SURE TO DO SO TODAY! (800-772-8527 - Mention "Finch and Softbill Society of San Diego")

-Rebecca Mikel
NFSS Exec. Secretary

National FInch Show - San Diego, CA - Contacts

Please check out the links below - they are the links to the R.S.V.P. forms for anyone wishing to be a part of the Aviary Tours scheduled to occur as part of the National Finch Show in San Diego in November. The group organizing the tours is attempting to determine how many vehicles they'll need, so your RSVP would be greatly appreciated if you're planning on attending.

-Rebecca Mikel
NFSS Executive Secretary

Here are the links to the R.S.V.P. forms:
http://finchsocietysandiego.org/pollio-Tours.html
http://finchsocietysandiego.org/pollio-AOA.html

National FInch Show - San Diego, CA - Update

Well, we're getting closer to the National Finch and Softbill show. We came SO close to not being able to have an event this year. While we're certainly going to miss the involvement of all the other species; thank goodness the San Diego Finch Club and the West Coast Zebra and Society Show Committee stepped up to the plate and said "NO WAY" ------ because of their dedication and hard work we ARE having a National FInch Show this year.

Have you decided which birds you're taking (or maybe you're just sneaking off for a great "birdy" weekend without your own birds to care for....!) Are your show cages cleaned, painted and ready to use? If not,, you'd better get them unpacked and dusted off!

If "showing" your birds is not something you've tried your hand at before and you have questions about what it entailsl, how to prepare your bird, or where to go to buy or borrow a show cage- make a post to THIS forum - there are any number of people willing to provide helpful advice.

Have you made your room reservations? The "special rate" is only available through October 26th - Call the Town and Country Resort and Convention Center in San Diego today to make your reservations if you've not done already (800-772-8527) - be sure to mention "Finch and Softbill Society of San Diego" in order to receive the discounted rate.

Here's the link for all the information you need to know about this event:

http://sandiegofinchandsoftbill.weebly.com/nfss-2010-national-show.html


Do you have a grand child, niece, or nephew (or a mom, dad, or grandparent) with an interest in Aviculture? There are no age requirements for participation in this hobby!

If you're planning on arriving early or staying after the event has concluded - San Diego is home to any number of fun and exciting things to see and do. Many of them are within walking distance of the "Home Base" for this event! Aviary Tours are scheduled as part of the "official" events - so don't miss out on that opportunity to be a part of the tour, lunch, and a day spent with other enthusiasts.

Don't wait until the last minute to make your plans!

-Rebecca Mikel
NFSS Executive Secretary

Finch Society of San Diego - Update

Work continues in San Diego by the devoted members of the Finch Society of San Diego County and the West Coast Zebra and Society Finch Show Committee members. Each are working diligently to pull together all the necessary details for the National Finch Show scheduled to occur Nov 18-20th at the Town and County Resort and Convention Center, 500 Hotel Circle North, San Diego, CA 92108 (800-772-8527).----don't forget to make room reservations prior to October 26 and to mention "Finch and Softbill Society of San Diego County" in order to get discount room rates.

Those responsible for the event this year represent a group of people with over 34 years of experience and 100 members strong, well versed in organizing shows with other avian organizations. Hats off to this group for their dedication to the hobby and their willingness to "get 'er done"! They've promised to make it an avicultural event to remember - and I have no doubt they will.

Thursday is the start of the official events, with tours of several local aviaries. If you're interested in joining the group for this informative and fun filled day - meet at the Town and Country Hotel at 9:00 a.m. Thursday morning for car pooling. The day will include tours of 3 separate aviaries as well as lunch in Fallbrook.

One of the most popular events in the past has been the AOA (Afternoon of Aviculture) - which involves an avian related presentation and then opening the floor for general questions and discussion. It's a great way to share information and put faces to the names you've been corresponding with on the Forum! This year's speakers include John Wilson, NFSS President (Friday, 11/19, 1:00/1:30 p.m.) who will be speaking on Gouldian Genetics. Immediately following John's presentation is Michael Prochazaka, MD, President, Pet DNA Services of Arizona speaking on "DNA Testing in Aviculture". And wrapping up the AOA, the ever-popular "Judge's Clinic" where you get the opportunity to meet with some of our NFSS Panel Judges for a Q&A. Last, but not least, is the General NFSS meeting scheduled for 6:00 p.m. that evening.

There will be people available to assist with Bird Show entries all day Friday up until 9:00 p.m. There will also be a brief time on Saturday morning during which you may enter your birds, but only up until 8:00 a.m.,as judging is scheduled to begin at 9:00 am. sharp. Our esteemed judge this year - Vince Moase. A banquet and awards presentation will follow the completion of the judging at 7:00 p.m. Saturday evening, after which time all birds may be removed from the show hall.

As more details are finalized and additional information becomes available - there will be posts to the forum - so stay tuned for the latest!

If anyone is interested in a renting a booth - contact Antonia antonio979@aol.com or by phone at (914) 512 0632 booth space is free of charge with a 2 night stay!

-Rebecca Mikel
NFSS Executive Secretary

Relax with sounds of spring

I found this wonderful website of enjoyable sounds, let it plays as background during your workday....

http://moodturn.com/birds/

Enjoy it!
Nick

National Finch Show in San Diego November 18th-20th - update

FROM: SPKENNEL@aol.com

For those of you planning on attending the National Finch Show in San Diego November 18th-20th who have not yet made your room reservations, please remember - the $99 group rate (by mentioning Finch Society of San Diego), is only good for the dates 11/16-23/10. You can call to make reservations at 800-772-8527. They can guarantee as many rooms as necessary up to OCTOBER 26th - after that date, the group rate will be based on availability.

The "home base" for this year's event is the Town and Country Resort and Convention Center, 500 Hotel Circle North, San Diego, CA 92108. This hotel is in the heart of San Diego, and been welcoming guests for over 50 years. They offer luxurious accommodations, countless amenities, and devoted attention to their guests.

Their modern accommodations are in 2 towers or ranch style garden bungalows that capture the feeling of a cozy retreat. There are swimming pools, in room coffee makers, remote control TV, in room pay movies, voice mail, high speed internet access (nomimal fee), full bath amenities, iron/ironing board, AM/FM alarm clock radio, hair dryer, free weekday newspaper and room service (6:00 a.m. - midnight).

They also have 5 restaurants - from casual to "inspired" - from Deli to Fresh Seafood and Steak, home made pastries, and food, fun, and spirits!

The Bella Tosca Day Spa, Salon, and Fitness Center invites you to indulge in a 14,000 square foot mediterranean style spa, complete with a yoga room, meditation room, and state of the art fitness center. Treat yourself to a signature massage or a personal body treatment. The spa features 14 treatment rooms, separate men's and women's area complete with locker room, relaxation area, sauna steam room, and jacuzzi.

There are several local attractions within close driving (and some within walking) distance of the Center - including Sea World of San Diego, San Diego Zoo, and many nearby Indian Gaming facilities throughout San Diego county. There are approximately 70 miles of beaches and over 85 beautiful and challenging golf courses in San Diego near the Resort. Belmont Park - a beachfront amusement park is nearby - as is Qualcomm Stadium and Petco Park.

Transportation to and from the Resort and local attractions is convenient through the San Diego Light -Rail Trolley System - which is located just over the foot bridge, a short walk from the North Tower of the Resort.

Also nearby are some of San Diego's historical sites including Old Towne San Diego, the famous Bazaar Del Mundo, Cabrillo National Monument, Gaslamp Quarter, or one of the region's many missions. Also within close proximity to the Resort are the Botanical Gardens, Museums, Galleries, and Wineries in the North Country.

...............it sounds like we could make room reservations for a month and not run out of fun things to do before and after this National Finch Show!


Rebecca Mikel
NFSS Executive Secretary

Young Female European Goldfinch

Take a look to this photo

http://img339.imageshack.us/img339/5695/car1k.jpg

It's a young female goldfinch, going to have her first moulting.

Nick

National Finch and Softbill Show - November 18th-20th - San Diego, California

FROM: SPKENNEL@aol.com

Each day brings us closer to the National Finch and Softbill Show scheduled for November 18th-20th in San Diego, California.

We already know there's an experienced group of enthusiasts working behind the scenes to make this a spectacular event. We know the Convention Center in which the event is going to be held is a luxurious and grand place - offering some very reasonable prices on rooms if we call prior to Oct 26th (800-772-8527) and mention the Finch Show. We know if we decide to arrive a few days early or stay a few days longer after the completion of the event there are a million fun and exciting things to do in and around the San Diego area - many of them within walking distance of the Convention Center. We know the NFSS Panel Judge selected to judge this years' exhibits, Vince Moase from Canada, is experienced and knowledgeable - and we know there are some very prestigious awards available. We also know there's going to be another informative Afternoon of Aviculture presentation. And, as an added attraction, this year tours of different Aviaries has been arranged for any interested. ( Meet at the Town and Contry Hotel for carpooling at 9:00 a.m. on Thursdsay, 11/19/10 to be part of this fun filled day.)

What MORE could we NEED to know!!!!

Make your reservations TODAY to attend the NFSS Annual Show!

-Rebecca Mikel
NFSS Executive Secretary

Parrot plays drug traffickers' spy

http://tv.repubblica.it/copertina/pappagallo-fa-il-palo-per-i-narcos-arrestato/53263?video=&ref=HRESS-8

Very sad...
Nick

Provide public nest box for wild birds

Hello Everybody,

Fall is coming... and for most part of our bird friends it's time to migrate in hotter places, but for another part of them it's time to find a new safe home where spend fall season.

To help them to find a good place to stay and maybe persuade birds to seattle down, it's a good idea setup an external public nest box.

There are several kind of nest box, each for every kind of bird.

I chose to build a wooden one, closet kind, appropriete for most part of wild italian bird fauna.

Take a look at my work!

Save 1 hour of your life and made it or buy it, setup on top of a wall or hang to a tree, in a safe place, far from people and hidden for raptors; this simply action could safe a family bird life.

Have a nice Fall!
Nick

European Goldfinch Moult

Moulting starts in Oct-Nov, take about 1 month, and it's the most dangerous period of goldfinch's life.

Feed healty foods, and some fat seeds, clean water and take care to remove fecal everyday(yes everyday...)

Red mask will comes out during moulting, the color will show its healty status(orange bed, red so so, red good) Don't forget allow to bird "sun shower", in this way you fix the color.
Check status every 2 days (chest and fecal).
Coccidiosis is lurking ...


Take clear Hospital Cage for emergency, will be the only thing can save until veterinary don't come.

Good luck,
Nick

Amazing Picture!

He is tring to understand...who are you??

http://www.flickr.com/photos/max_westby/30051081/sizes/o/

Great Pic!

Nick

Fighting Goldfinches

Hello Everybody,

I found another amazin picture about two males goldfinches fighting to conquer the external feeder
http://www.flickr.com/photos/climberhunt/3163707908/sizes/o/

Best Regards,
Nick

Original Natural Nest

Hello Everybody,

this time I found a nice shoot of real nest made by hen of european goldfinch.
http://www.flickr.com/photos/84677420@N00/131604645/sizes/o/
She has the pencil hit over bea, then I suppose this is the last brooding...

Best Regards,
Nick

Romantic Goldfinches Picture

Hello Everybody,

the author Bruno Miguel Maia has taken this wonderful shoot of goldfinches couple feeding eachother, cock pass water to his partner.
Take a look, http://www.flickr.com/photos/brunomiguelmaia/4272692826/sizes/o/

Have a nice day,
Nick

Photo - European GoldFinch Male

Hello Everybody,

Take a look to this picture I found on Flickr
http://www.flickr.com/photos/mariechen2007/2326597436/sizes/o/
It's nice shoot! isn't it??

Best Regards,
Nick

Collection of Bird Songs

Hello Everybody,

Today I want foward to you this intresting website about bird songs, there is our lovely european goldfinch too!
http://www.fuglar.no//galleri/lyder.php

Have a nice day,
Nick

List of endangered bird species

Hello everybody,

I suggest you visit this site that makes the situation breeds of birds on the planet and shows differentiate by color those endangered, threatened  or extincted already.

http://www.camacdonald.com/birding/ZINDEX-A.html

Let's try to keep in white more cells is possible.

Nick

Clothing and attitude on the farm

Given that everyone in their farm is free to use the clothes that he likes best,
there are details that can help make our presence in aviary less traumatic and disturbing,
Especially at night, during the period of breeding and the weaning.

We must keep in mind that every time we go into farming as if we entered the house of a stranger the owners of this house exactly are our birds.

To make it more pleasing our presence might be useful to enter and distribute something appetizing for example sunflower seeds or leaf chicory, or a bit of biscuit Savoie.
This action will cause our birds to associate our presence to something pleasant.

I noticed that our birds prefer to see us in the same way,
in practice I do not think they can understand the concept of "vestment"
therefore it is difficult to accept that change their appearance so often.

To take into account that the birds see in shades of gray so if one day we put a gray shirt and a blue day, there will be no appreciable difference in their eyes but if we wear a white jersey once and on the day after a black shirt, the notice immediately, become suspicious and begin to stir.

Another important thing, always use the same scent, some birds are smarter than others, "guess" that it is the same person but with different clothes but same breeder's scent.
I would advise you to always use the same scent, or not use anyone.

Gaze, remember that we are predators, our eyes are close, aimed at front side and, above all, we are giants compared to our birds ...

If you have very shy birds can be beneficial use of sunglasses (no mirror kind).

So, if you follow these suggestions your small birds will feel safer and will be even more prolific.

Hello everyone,
Nick

Intresting European Goldfinch photos

One of my reader suggest to me to watch these photos. Are Amazing! Take a look!!!
I thank him and foward to all of you!

http://flickriver.com/photos/tags/cardueliscarduelis/interesting/

All the best,
Nick

Photo Box - How to photograph birds in aviary - Part one

Hello Everybody,

during my surfing over Internet I found a lot of beautiful photos of birds... but I tought... how ugly are those bars in those picture! Then I figure out how would be without bars and a method to solve this problem...

This is what I made! A Photo Box :)

On my Flickr Album there are the others pictures.

I've just assembled, now I have painted with filler and let dry.

This box is designed with interchangeable background, this allows you to photograph the bird on different scenarios.

In the next post will insert the first pictures taken with the box.

Stay tuned!

Nick

Great Clean Sing!!!

Listen to this:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zQ3hsahwMs4

Goldfinch perfect sing!!!!!

Nick

Amazing Photos!!!

Surfing on the net I found this brillant photograper, he got a wonderful set of bird's photos!

http://photo.net/photodb/member-photos?user_id=1148495

Take a look & Congratulation to Angel Pulido Domínguez!

Bye,
Nick

Mosquitoes! Go away!!!

Mosquitoes are a problem for breeders, carrying deadly diseases and may lead to unexplained deaths!

Then, what's the solution? A good mosquito net!!! 

I done by myself! Economic, ecological, functional...green!

Bye!
Nick

BirdWatching - Tools and Patience

We are almost in the summer! 
The birds flying in the sky looking for food, the offspring are beginning to fly by themselves .... 
There is some movement in the air definitely!

 So now it's time to start our bird watching activities!

Let's start with the basics: 

- The Site
- The Equipment
- Patience and "Luck Factor"

The site, could will depend on the species you want to meet, unless you have a claim specifying, the places where it's easier to meet birds are gardens, public parks, forest edges, orchards, lakes, rivers and sometimes .. unfortunately dumps (poor birds).

Sometimes, to photograph the birds more fearful, it may be necessary to camouflage in these cases are useful tents, or large bags, or simply move away and use a good zoom ... there are lots of ways, we must sharpen the 'genius, birds are NOT stupids at all!!!


You must have a good camera, is not essential that you buy a very expensive, a superzoom with good optics, will be for you.


Observing is the key to everything, try to understand what types of plants they are eating.


Bring always with you a camera (batteries, never forget!!!) and a good book on birds native to the place where you live (or where you're going).


They can also be useful a chair or a comfortable place to sit and a tripod.



Patience and luck are very important, we must be able to wait, all farmers with experience, they know .... Patience is the virtue of the brave!





 

In my opinion, the campground is an excellent opportunity to bird-watching.
 
If you can't move so far from your home, do an act of love, put a feeder into your garden, and birds will reward with their happiness, learn how do that by reading this book.

 In the next session I'll post how to made an easy feeder for wild birds!

Stay tuned!

Nick

European Goldfinch in UK

This is where you can find information about wild goldfinches in UK


http://www.rspb.org.uk/wildlife/birdguide/name/g/goldfinch/index.aspx

Have a nice reading!
Nick

Indispensable tool in aviary - Insect Killer

Hello Everybody,

this morning I want to suggest this tip, hot summer is coming, and with it insects are coming too...
Place into your aviary a good Insect Killer Lamp and turn it on every night!

Turn Killer Lamp at night, because its light produces two main effects:
1 - Attract mosquitos due the light

2 - The night light provides a reference point for the birds

Mosquitoes and insects in general can be carriers of fatal disease,specially for baby birds!!
Take care of them, thay cannot stave off them with coups!

All the best,
Nick

Nice Website of Animal's Photos

This is a kind website of animal's photos

http://www.photos-animaux.com/

Bye,
Nick

Handmade Nest

Hello Everybody,

This is an idea to make your handmade nests, simply and confortable.

This kind of nests can tempt lazy female goldfinch to assembly nest!

If you need some, I can ship to you, contact me by email!

All the best!

Nick

Gardering peas - Why do not grow your own business?

Peas, a nobile font of proteins! why don't farm ourself???

Take a look to this article:
http://www.greenplanetsearch.com/index.html?section=cms_sustainablelifestyle&id=26&background=cms_images/backgrounds/crops_1280.jpg&adv=cms_swf/invisible.swf

I hope it can help!

Nick

How to made inexpensive seed cleaner with dust collector

Hello Everybody,

This week end I made by myself a seed cleaner!!!
In this period of economical crisys, this is a good way to save money...

I reused some stuffs already had, like a subwoofer box, a splashproof axial fan used to extract air, and a section of a large bottle, here are some details...

Save money ever make me happy!

Do you want create your own as I done, free to leave comments!

All the best,
Nick

Potential Breeding Problems

During first hatchs, sometimes, can happens we got some problem about breeding...

Most common problems could happens:
- Female doesn't hatch eggs
- Female don't lay eggs into nest
- Partners hates each other
- Eggs eaten
- Male disturbs female while hatching
More and more...

I'm going to talk about  females don't hatch eggs in next post, stay tuned!

Nick

How to make sprouted seed

The most important food for Carduelis diet are Seeds Sprouter
There are 2 ways to make them, handmade or in automatic mode.

Handmade Way:
- Select canaria mix without cole.
- Wash in clean water more times
- Leave seeds into water for 24 hours or more
- Wash in clean water with a cup of vinegar
- Setup seeds into sprouter tray
- Soak seeds into sprouter tray for 8 hours and change water every 3 hours or less
- Seeds will be ready when sprout comes out







Automatic Way: 
- Select canaria mix without cole.
- Wash in clean water more times
- Setup seeds into automatic sprouter tray as this in photo
- Soak seeds into sprouter tray for 6 to 8 hours 

- Seeds will be ready when sprout comes out










DRY WELL BEFORE FEED TO YOUR BIRDS!

Any doubts? Leave a comment!

Nick 

Setting up Goldfinches for Breeding

Well, this argument is so wide, there are tons of books written about that, but I think nothing can be compared with direct experience.

The most importat thing is prepare reproductors by proper nutritrion and dispose of good breeding cage.

Keeping your goldfinches healty can start procreators setup.
I suggest to you to start this phase in January (through artificial light), at least half Febraury (through natural sunlight).

1. Join both partner in the same cage, separated by a grid.
2. Female's Side: setup cuttlefish bone and eggfood
3. Male's Side: increase hemp seeds and sunflower

During half March, around 3th week, setup a nest in the female side of cage, and give her right material for nest building. Tip: carduelis like white things

Nest must be prepared and hidden though fake fir branches.
Take your time and prepare with accurancy, this could be decisive step during breeding time!!!

Tip: Increase proteins foods and FAT!!! Somebody use to feed Vitamin E during this time, Vitamin E does NOT WORK without fat foods!!!

Around first weeks of April, it's time to join partners!!!
then get away these grids and enjoy your couple!

Any doubts? Leave a comment!

Nick

Hospital Cage - worm and safe place when our birds feel bad!

I made my own!

How to candeling your canary and goldfinch eggs

Hi Everybody!
Spring has come and, with good hopes, you will get the question of eggs candeling.
Why eggs candeling? Why let female hatch over empty eggs when you can save her energies let her hatch a real full eggs...
To hatch it's an hard work for every female bird, she need to increase her temperature and burn more energy, this is a very stressful period, better optimize and improve to the best.

When eggs could be candeling?

In my opinion, not less 5th days of hatch continue, this is the minimum time required for a correct evolution from simply egg to first form of  embrayo.

How to candeling ?

You can use simply flashlight, but...be careful while using to don't broke eggs!
You can buy a simply one like this, to control direct into nest with less disturb to female canary, or you can DIY as i done!

You can see while working, i disclose an empty egg!

Any dubts? Leave me a comment!

Nick

Make your own breeding handmade mash!!!

During breeding season it's importat to feed our birds with high balanced food, most important thing is quote of proteins that should be, in my opinion, between 17% and 21% overall.
Since preparation time should start to feed incresing level of proteins and fat seeds, this is need to prepare partner at coopulation.

Ingredients: 

50 gr    Prepared polenta

20 gr    Cornmeal

25 gr    Soybean meal

1          Tablespoon of honey
4          Eggs
500 ml Milk
1          Pot

Instructions:
Beat eggs and keep apart.

Pour in pot milk and put on stoves, when temperature is hot then add eggs.

Adding slowly prepared polenta and spoon.

Continue with soybean meal and cornmeal, spoon until milk is boiling.

Keep boiling a little (never stop spoon) and add tablespoon of honey.

Continue to spoon while is hot and spread over a cold baking tin, reduce as plain height 1 cm.

You can cut in strips and store in fridge for 1 week!

That's all! You've done!

Feel free to leave a comment for more information!

All the best,
Nick

The Goldfincher’s Crossbreeding – European Goldfinch x Canary

It’s popular crossbreeding in Europe, usually it’s most common between finches breeders and canaries lovers.
This crossbreeding creation’s principal purpose is to create a perfect singer, with the canary’s vocal power and goldfinch’s melody.

Usually to get this result it needs crossbreed a male goldfinch with a female canary.

Some breeders prefer the opposite crossbreed, more difficult to realize, the resulting hybrid will have the female canary’s silhouette and the male goldfinch’s vocal system, the final look may be illusory for an inexperienced eye, the result will be a very good singer goldfinch.

In both crossbreeding males and females children will be NOT fertile.

Females hybrids can’t sing at all and are not fertile, but they can be used as very good nurses.

Usually copulation will happens from half April to July (in natural light condition), so the reproducers must be raedy, in fact goldfinchers goes on heat a month later then canarys.

Tip: In case of male goldfinch with a female canary, is possible let her to brood on not fertile hatch until the natural leaving of nest by the female. So we can take off the nest, and replace after a week again along male golfincher.

This problem don’t verify in the opposite case and it’s possible join the couple directly when female golfincher just starts build new nest.

There are many thing to say about this subject, I postpone them to next post!!!

Any questions? Leave a comment!
Nick

Birdhouses & Feeders!!!

Spring has come! then it's Breeding time!
Well, for most part of wild birds, it's time to make family !!!
This is an hard situation for birds, they have to find a safe tree, right partner, nest building material, water and food!
Wow, sweating time for these birds, isn't it??
Ok, how could we help these birds during this difficult period of life?
A good way can be setup a free feeder in our backyard or in the garden, or over a safe tree.

If you're pratice of DIY, can create wood feeder! it's quite easy and chipier!

There are tons of links that teach how make it!
Keep in mind 3 important things while choise your fauvorite:
1 - setup in safe place, be careful rats or other animals can't reach food!
2 - fill feeder once per week
3 - create a place where can collect clean water

Take a look around to find your fauvorite! Spent time will get you nice surprise!

Regards,
Nick

European GoldFinch: how turns face red?

Let's start from the beginning... the very important thing is to keep goldfinch healty... if miss this point all the other tips will fail.
If your European Goldfinch is healty then is following a good diet can pay with impressive results!

During moulting time, a very stressful period for every birds, you have to provide fatty meals, that means more "heavy" seeds in the seed mix.
An important trick could be increase percentage of crushed safflower!

You can switch in diet between safflower seeds and mashed carrots, results would arrive at the end of moulting time...steady & patience ;)

The other important factor is SUN, place your birds under "Sun's shower" everyday if you can!

That's all!Simply isn't it?? The very difficult thing is to apply with constancy these tips!

Try and enjoy!
Nick

What do European Goldfinch eat?

Basically European Goldfinch's diet composed by 3 kinds of foods:

- Seeds:
canadian canary seeds, white and black lettuce, grassland seeds mixture, thistle seeds, small hemp seeds, small sunflower seeds,perilla frutescens seeds, few niger, few linseed.
- Vegetables:
carrot, zucchini, cucumbers, lettuce, chicory, radicchio, cabbage leaves.
- Meadow grasses/Wild Plants:
dandelion
- Mash:
occasionally, better handmade.

Ask for more informations!
Nick

How should be Cage Breeding?

A good cage for breeding should be in zincate steel at least or more large than 23 inches (60 cm), the best is use a kind with 4 doors on frontal.

Best pratice is to setup few things inside cage, few and clean, this is the motto.

Can't miss at least a manger for seeds and a good container for hard-boiled egg or mash, twizeer for vegetables, dark-blue siphon for water and during love season the nest with nest holder.

The container and twizeer should be cleaned every use, instead manger could be clean every month.
Water should be changed everyday and to clean siphon also.

Very important, for goldfinches in particular, to use tray with grid, for keep away dejections from birds, grids have to raise from tray bottom of 2 inches (5 cm).
I use to arrange cat's litter on tray bottom, this because absorbs and keep dejections tied and dry, and reduce malodorousness.

Interesting the use of grid separator during first phases of "couple building", but I'll speak next post about that!

Enjoy your breeding!
Nick

How should be good Aviary Breeding? External Aviary

Nowdays it's hard to get a good aviary, because needs space, and a set of good tools, this could be expensive...
Now we're going to figure out the main important features, but before we have to distinguish between internal (room, climate control) aviary and external (wild) aviary.

Today we're going to speak about External Aviary:
summarized it's more easy to mantein, because of cleaning but more hard to setup moreover during startup of aviary!
During startup phase you must check well the structure of the aviary, because of weather factors like raining, intense sun, cold, hot temperature, and predators, cats, rats, raptors!!!
The good sides of this choise are natural environment. This allows good healty birds and natural process of breeding.
Every breeder would have an external aviary!

Feel free to ask any question!
Nick

How to Identify a Goldfinch? Sex-determination system.

It's very difficult to identify European Goldfinch's gender because of its low discrepancy between two sexes, especially before sexual maturation, when males can sing, and other factors, are much more evident.

We are going to fix some reference points to determinate sex of Goldfinch ancestral, as it occurs in nature, without mutations.

Male characteristics:
- Flesh tint red mask transhipped on top behind eye.
- Intense black color and marked
- Strikethrough on wing, yellow well defined and marked
- Over-wing is not dirty brown but clearly black
- Flattened head
- Broad base of the bill
- Well and of course... singing


Female characteristics:
- Faded, less vivid red mask, does not transhipped on top behind eye.
- Not Intense black color, not well marked
- Thin Strikethrough on wing, yellow not well defined and marked
- Over-wing is not clearly black but dirty brown
- Rounded head
- Broad base of the bill
- Not singing, but only plays "cheep"

Any Doubts? Contact me!
Nick

Learn how to grow up your goldfinches and canaries healthy!

Welcome into Goldfinch's Kingdom

Welcome everybody, this blog will talk about goldfinch, exactly European Goldfinch "the king of birds!
This kind of bird is very common in Europe, also known as Carduelis Caruelis, or Jilguero.

This bird is so wonderful as delicate to grow up.
To keep healty this bird and able his to reproduce you need to apply a lot of tricks and good feeding.
This blog has scope to show how that is possible, and how to do that.

As all kind of breeding birds, Goldfinch needs to be grown in love environment and pay attention to his healty, grown is not a joke, or a simply hobby, to grow up is an act of love.

I want to remember everybody: All wild native birds are protected by law!!!

I do not wish to encourage anybody to purchase European Goldfinches without proper awareness of their needs and I do not support the trapping and importing of wild birds!!!!

I hope you enjoy and find into this blog a good tutorial to growup your goldfinch best!

All the best,
Nick