A Guide To Caring For The Little Goldfinch, One Of The Most Beautiful Birds In The World

The goldfinch is one of the most beautiful birds in the world. There are hundreds of species of goldfinch that can be found in the wild almost everywhere in the world. It is a social bird species, which makes it an ideal pet for someone who does not have a lot of time. The most important characteristic of these birds is Charming birds are songbirds, and the surprise is that they are easy to care for, but if you neglect them, you will contract some common diseases, which we will explain in our article, mentioning the causes and how to treat them. We will also talk about how to care for the goldfinch, this charming bird, which comes in a variety of colors and personalities, which… It lives on average from four to seven years.

Description of the goldfinch:

Although the goldfinch species differ in color and size, they have some physical characteristics that they share according to their type. They are all relatively small, as the size of the goldfinch usually ranges between 4 and 6 inches, excluding the tail. Its weight is between 14-19 grams, and the goldfinch tends to have a round head, with a triangular-shaped beak, a round or slightly elongated body, a forked or serrated tail, and its wings are noticeably pointed.

Most goldfinch species use their heavy conical beaks to crack the seeds of grasses and grasses, and many species supplement their diet with insects. Young goldfinch birds are unable to crack seeds, so they usually feed on insects. Many goldfinch birds are characterized by bright colors, often in different shades of Red, yellow, or both, as in goldfinches, cardinals, and others, especially those living in grassy areas or low shrubs, are colored protectively so as not to be spotted, the birds being spotted or striped.

Where does the goldfinch live?

The goldfinch has an almost global distribution, as it is found across the Americas, Eurasia, and Africa, as well as some island groups such as the Hawaiian Islands. Strangely, it is almost non-existent in Australia, Antarctica, the South Pacific, and the Indian Ocean islands, although some European species It has been widely introduced in Australia and New Zealand.

Goldfinch behavior:
Goldfinch is a social bird that loves company, and in the wild, it often lives in flocks or large groups. If you keep a goldfinch as a pet at home, it should never live alone, and you should keep either a pair or a group of six. One or more members. Two pairs of goldfinches kept together tend to fight, but larger groups get along well.

Goldfinch should be kept only with similar species of the same species, or with other compatible species of goldfinch . Goldfinch is a shy bird and does not like to be touched by humans, so handling must be reduced to a minimum to avoid stress. It is also a relatively calm bird, and these birds They vocalize in a system of whistles and chirps and have simple but musical chirps. A healthy goldfinch should be active and lively, eating and drinking throughout the day.

What does the goldfinch eat?

Goldfinches are a diverse group of birds, and they live in many environments around the world from coasts to mountains and everywhere in between. As a result, each species of goldfinch has a specialized diet related to its ecological niche. However, there are some diets that… The general ones that we can look at and recognize.

Goldfinch is generally a grain-eating bird, and feeds mainly on grains and seeds. However, its food choices are a little more diverse than this, as it eats fruits, plant materials, and insects in the wild, so be careful not to feed your pet goldfinch a diet limited to Seeds only, otherwise he may develop some health problems. Provide him with high-quality bird food, along with fresh fruits and vegetables, especially calcium-rich leafy vegetables and hard-boiled eggs.

Goldfinch in the wild changes its diet with the season. Some of the common seeds that goldfinches eat are sunflower seeds, thistle seeds, and most seeds found in fruits or berries. In addition, goldfinches eat grains, primarily things like millet, oats, barley, and spelt. During certain times of the year, the goldfinch will include favorite foods in its diet when available. When there are fruits and vegetables around, the goldfinch will likely feed on them. Berries are often an important food item, and they will feed on them seasonally.

For many goldfinch species, breeding season means adding meat to their diets. When the eggs are laid and they hatch, the goldfinch switches its diet to insects to give itself and its young the proper nutrients they need as they grow. As the young grow older, they will return in Eventually their diet was reduced to seeds and grains.

Below is a list of the foods that goldfinch eats:

* Sunflower seeds
* Sunflower core * Henbane
* Grass
seeds *
Flax seeds * Millet * Oats * Barley
* Cracked corn * Raisins * Strawberries * Blueberries * Ants * Beetles * Wasps * Worms (wax, silk, white)

How to care for a goldfinch:

– Buying a goldfinch:
There are different types of goldfinch that have different characteristics, and whether they have specific colors or are able to sing on your favorite list, you should review the different breeds before purchasing to know the characteristics of the birds available in your area, and if you are thinking of buying from Breeders make sure that existing cages are large enough to allow flight, clear access to food and water, and that the cages are free of crowding and appear regularly clean. When selecting a pair of goldfinches, look for the following signs of illness:

* Discharges or swelling in the eyes
* Abnormal body growth
* Missing feathers or bald spots
* Puffy feathers, and the bird appears much larger or wider than all the other birds
* Slow movement or lying on the floor of the cage
* Discolored or abnormal droppings in the cage

Goldfinch cages and accessories:

Goldfinch needs more space to fly horizontally than it needs vertical height, and this is important because this is its only source of exercise. The cage of a goldfinch pair must not be less than 30 inches long, and the cages must be placed in quiet areas with high traffic. Low to reduce stress on the birds. Cage liners are usually made of newspaper or kraft paper. Expect to clean the cage weekly and disinfect it completely once a month. Goldfinch is not a big fan of toys, but it enjoys sticking and swinging. Since birds fly horizontally, make sure to These items do not interfere or block the path of movement, and keep them away from food and water sources so that their droppings do not contaminate their nutrients.

Wood cannot be disinfected once it is soiled with droppings, so it is recommended to use non-toxic hardwood materials or branches. Avoid dowel perches (due to foot problems), sandpaper-covered perches (harmful) and redwood, cedar or compressed wood chips (toxic to birds). Food and water containers should be made of stainless steel or non-toxic plastic to reduce bacteria and pollution. The goldfinch needs sunlight to stay healthy. If you place the cage next to a window with direct sunlight, make sure it has a shaded spot.

– Cleanliness routine for the goldfinch:

Cleanliness is an important part of caring for any pet bird, and the goldfinch is no exception. Therefore, you must clean the cage base, bars, and cage accessories from food and drink containers at least once a week, in order to prevent the spread of parasites, which may cause Stressing the goldfinch and transmitting parasitic diseases that may lead to its death. The water must be changed daily, especially in the summer. In addition, you can help the goldfinch bathe using apple cider vinegar.

Goldfinch food:

The goldfinch needs a balanced diet, which can be found in goldfinch pellets that cover the complete nutritional needs. It can also be fed with seeds with fresh food offerings, which usually consist of boiled eggs with peels, vegetables and fruits, and cuttlefish bones are added. Sometimes it can help maintain its beak. Fresh food can be offered at the beginning or end of the day to mimic the natural foraging periods of the goldfinch in the wild. If the birds do not eat the fresh food after a few hours, remove it from the cage and dispose of it, and change the food daily to reduce bacteria and contamination. .

– How to trim a goldfinch’s nails:

A goldfinch needs to cut its nails to prevent it from falling into the elements of the cage. This can be done exactly as you would trim a cat’s nails. Use sterile scissors designed for birds and cut the edge of the nail, and be careful not to cut too deeply, as the vein could bleed. It causes pain, and if this happens, stop the bleeding with sterile powder if necessary. The beak is usually maintained by the bird and rarely needs trimming.

Early detection of diseases is the key to a goldfinch’s survival:

By the time a goldfinch appears sick, it may be too late to save it, and you can take your bird to an avian vet for treatment or ask if you can bring a stool sample for analysis, and in addition to treatment As the disease appears, there are some signs to look for as preventive care and early detection:

* Sitting with closed eyes
* Burying, hiding, or hanging the head excessively
* Significant changes in appetite
* Incoherent or heavy breathing
* Underside remains moist
* Sound crackles when breathing
* Coughing, sneezing, or nasal discharge
* Feathers are ruffled
* A sociable bird usually appears aloof Or inactive during periods of regular activity
* Stops singing completely
* Feces change in quantity, color, or consistency

If you notice the above or any other unusual signs, isolate the goldfinch until the vet can see it. Some birds can also be carriers of diseases but never get sick, and the importance of early detection is crucial, as demonstrated in this story by the owner of the goldfinch.

What are the common diseases of pet goldfinch?

Goldfinch is a great pet for busy people. They do not need a lot of attention. However, they do need proper care, especially since they are susceptible to a range of health problems. Birds hide their diseases well, and by the time you notice that your bird is sick, it will be difficult Treating it. In this article, we analyze some common health problems for pet goldfinch.

– Calcium deficiency:
Goldfinch can suffer from calcium deficiency if you do not provide an appropriate diet. Prevent this by offering cut boiled eggs with the shell. Some people prefer to provide only the egg whites and the shell without the yolk. Calcium deficiency can be fatal and must be treated immediately. In addition to egg and shell supplements, consult your avian veterinarian for additional instructions and instructions.

– Aspergillosis:
This disease is a fungal infection caused by mold. The condition causes respiratory distress and can be fatal if not treated immediately. Symptoms include changes in the goldfinch’s breathing, panting, wheezing, or a change in the bird’s voice. See your veterinarian as soon as possible. It is possible if you notice these symptoms, and the treatment is long and difficult using medications, and make sure that the bird cage and its surrounding areas are dry so that mold does not grow.

– Bumblefoot:
This condition occurs when there is an infection on the bottom of the foot, and the skin becomes inflamed and may turn red or peel. The causes of this condition include obesity and lack of activity. Consult your veterinarian for treatment options and use perches with uneven or bumpy surfaces. And clean the perches regularly.

– Mites:
Mites can be present in the airway or on the face or body, or they feed on the blood of the goldfinch externally. The mites infiltrate the air sac and infect the airway. If the mites are left untreated, they can completely block the airway. Symptoms include wheezing. Open beak, difficulty breathing or hearing a crackling noise as the bird breathes. Mites also attack the face and body. Face mites create a scaly appearance at the site of infection. Red mites live from blood. If left untreated, these mites can weaken the bird. Check the cage in Morning to see if it is present, and if you notice any of these mites, consult your veterinarian as soon as possible.

Fractures:
Goldfinch legs and wings can break. While some people may have experience making splints for the legs or preparing the wing to heal from injury, it is best to leave these tasks to the veterinarian, and misaligned splints or re-adjusting the wing can cause further damage. .

– Diarrhea:
Loose droppings are a sign of diarrhea. There may also be frizz in the goldfinch’s feathers due to this change. The cause may be a stomach or intestinal disorder. Some people recommend drinking strong, cold tea to relieve symptoms. If they persist, contact your veterinarian.

– Egg attachment:
Some eggs may be difficult to pass and cause inflammation. The egg may be partially visible. The goldfinch may flap its tail during this period. If you wait a few hours, the egg should pass. If the egg does not pass, contact the vet, and be careful not to Touching the egg or the area could result in serious injury or death of the bird.

– Eye infection:
This eye condition is usually caused by the growth of small feathers in a goldfinch’s eyelid, but it can also be caused by debris or a foreign body. If you can see the irritant, you can try to remove it. If no irritant appears, it is likely infection, wash the eye with warm water and apply eye ointment, check with your vet before using anything store-bought, or ask your vet for its source.

– Enlarged beak and claws:
Goldfinch beaks and claws need regular trimming, or they can become enlarged. The claws contain blood vessels, and you can trim them just like trimming a cat’s nails. The beak can be trimmed, but care must be taken so that the beak is not cut too short. If you are not comfortable clipping the beak, leave it to the vet

What are the common diseases of pet goldfinch

questions and answers:

Q: Is a goldfinch a good pet?
A: As a very social bird that lives in nature in large flocks, the goldfinch should always be housed with one or more other suitable goldfinches. The goldfinch is an ideal pet for those who enjoy watching a pet bird, but not necessarily handling it.

Q: Does the goldfinch recognize its owners?
A: The goldfinch is a social bird and needs to associate with other goldfinches. However, it does not often associate with humans. However, you can still interact with a pet goldfinch, and over time it will feel comfortable in your presence. In order to bond with the pet goldfinch, He has to get used to your voice and your hand.

Q: How can we distinguish between male and female goldfinches?
A: Only male goldfinches sing. Females’ singing is more chirps and whistles. As with most birds, males are also more colourful, but since many finches are brown, it is difficult to distinguish between the sexes.

Q: Where does the goldfinch go in the winter?
A: On very cold and snowy nights, American goldfinches have been known to burrow in the snow to create a cavity to sleep and, often, spend winter nights roaming with other goldfinches in conifer trees.

Q: Can a goldfinch eat bread?
A: Bird experts say that we warn people about feeding bread to birds, as there are many potential risks, and if the bread is moldy, it may be dangerous for the birds. Bread molds quickly, and mold can cause a number of health problems for birds.

Q: Does the house goldfinch eat ants?
A: House goldfinches are known to eat ants, however, if given the opportunity, house goldfinches prefer to nibble on termites, beetles and cockroaches.

Q: How much does a goldfinch weigh?
A: The weight of a goldfinch ranges between 14-19 grams.