European Goldfinch Cage and Aviary

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Keeping and breeding goldfinches is relatively easy once the correct size breeding cage or breeding aviary is provided. Also, a goldfinch proper diet must be fed. This article will guide you in providing the right goldfinch cage and goldfinch aviary size and diet for the European Goldfinch.

Should goldfinches be kept in a cage or aviary?

Goldfinch aviary
Keeping and breeding goldfinches

This type of bird requires a spacious living area when kept as a pet in general. Should you plan to breed goldfinches, even more space will be required as they can be territorial when bred.

If you do not plan to breed and will not have a significant number of birds, a cage will be appropriate.

While some people have bred these birds in cages, most breeders would say that an aviary is the better choice for successful breeding.

However, these birds tend to prefer residing in an aviary rather than a cage even as pets. If you have space and the ability to set up an aviary, your birds will be thankful.

What size should be a Goldfinch cage and aviary?

The number of cages or size of the aviary required for the European Goldfinch depends on how many pairs of birds will be residing in them and if you plan to breed them.

In autumn and winter, the goldfinches may be kept together in a reasonably sized aviary. The minimum aviary size recommended is 180cm long by 60cm wide by 180cm high.

This size will hold approximately 6 non-breeding birds. The aviary should be divided into sections should it be used for breeding.

During the breeding season, it is recommended to have 1 pair of these birds per breeding cage. If this is not achievable, a mixed aviary should allow at least 2.5 cubic meters per pair of birds, but more space is ideal.

The minimum cage size recommended for breeding is 91cm long by 60cm high by 46 cm wide per 1 pair of birds.

What do birds need in their enclosure?

Your birds will appreciate the following fixtures in their enclosure:

– Food stations and water stations.

-A canary nest or nest cup provides a place to hide and breed. Place the nest area up high in the enclosure, but be sure to leave room above it. The parents will feed their babies from above the nest.

-The birds will also require cozy nesting materials. Their favorite materials are soft grass, moss, wool, coconut fiber, or tissue paper.

-Softwood perches should be placed in the enclosure, spaced far apart to offer branches to fly to and from.

-A shallow bathing dish should be placed in the enclosure and the water in the dish should be replaced daily.

-The enclosure should have greenery placed around it in a natural manner. For example, place real or faux branches around the nesting area. This will offer your birds the feeling of nesting in a tree.

Keep in mind that these birds are active and need room to fly. This is why a large enclosure such as an aviary is recommended. Be sure to avoid placing so many accessories that flying space becomes negatively impacted.

What are the dietary requirements of the European Goldfinch?

These birds should be fed a healthy commercial diet of seeds and pellets. They also enjoy greens such as spinach, kale and dandelion. Small live insects are also on their menu, especially appreciated during the breeding season. Be sure to offer calcium blocks as well.

To avoid feeding soiled food or water, feeding stations should be placed in a dry area with no perches around them. This will prevent the birds from relieving themselves in their food and water while perched.

Water and food should be changed daily. If your birds are offered fresh foods like kale, be sure to remove any uneaten pieces to prevent the birds from living in unsanitary conditions.

It is very important that the birds have access to water constantly. If finches are residing outside during wintertime, their enclosure should be insulated. The water provided should be checked frequently to ensure that it has not frozen.

Where should a Goldfinch cage and aviary be placed?

The enclosure should be placed in an area that gives the birds sufficient daylight to feed and fly throughout the day.

If the enclosure is dark, then they will spend most of their time roosting. To achieve this, ensure that the aviary has plenty of windows or introduce artificial light.

The area should also have good ventilation to ensure the finches are breathing fresh air.

These finches do well at the average household temperature, however, if they will be living outdoors facing extreme heat or cold, safe temperature regulations could be provided.

How can you make the Goldfinch cage and aviary safe?

Keep the following in mind as you set up your finches’ living area to ensure that they will be safe, healthy and happy in it:

-If the enclosure is placed outdoors, be sure to provide the bird’s protection from extreme temperatures, rain, snow, etc.

-Whichever type of enclosure you choose, it should be kept off the ground to prevent rodents from easily entering the cage to eat the bird’s leftovers and snakes from entering to eat birds.

-Aviaries must be protected from rats and mice. Should you utilize traps and poison to control rodents or pests from frequenting the aviary or cage, be sure to keep them out of the access of your birds, other pets, or children.

-Aviaries must also be protected from birds of prey, snakes and cats. By placing 1cm netting around the exterior of the aviary, the predators that might attempt to access the aviary will not have easy access. Double netting with a space of a few centimeters between netting is recommended.

-The door to an aviary cannot be wide unless a safety porch is included and it must be free of obstruction to allow quick entry and exit to prevent escape.

Always take into consideration when building the door that an area of 60cm to 90cm should be left above the door, as the finches flying towards the door will go to this space above it, thereby reducing the possibility of escape.