red siskins

[Buzzard-1]

First time I have had siskins have been doing some research on the net and would appreciate any hints on feeding,breeding and general care from people in the real world. Cheers Buzz

[Lukec]

Hi

Depending on where your birds have come from some are Lazy nest Builders so it helps to offer Canary Cups already started with Coconut fibre, make sure you offer Flock to line the nest.

Also the parents leave the young uncovered in the nest from an early age so it is important that if you live in a Cold climate that there is enough protection from the elements/cold.

Food is very Important -

Niger Seed is a Must and they also Love Crushed Sunflower seed.

Greens are the next Must Have -
Endive
Comfrey
Chickweed
Thistle
Dandelions
Soaked seed
Any other seeding Grass and Lots of it when breeding.

Siskins Take well to egg food also with a Boiled egg Mashed through it, this will help if you cant offer a large variety of greens.

It also very Important to cycle there Diet and have periods of Austerity so it is easier to bring them into Condition much like a Canary or any other Bird.

If you have a Cock bird that Really drives the Hen Hard then sometimes a Trio works well but is easier controlled in a Cage environment.

Good Luck

Cheers
Luke

[Buzzard-1]

Thanks Luke. I have them in my bird room at the moment under quarantine.I live in North West NSW I was not going to put them out until spring.What do you recommend breed them in my breeding cages or aviary.I have a trio I cock 2 hens 2 year old in August parent reared (not fostered) from north coast NSW.PS what is their actual breeding season.

[Lukec]

In Sydney they are best cycled between oct-mar but up your way you could start earlier.

If they are aviary bred birds they may take a season to settle into a cage but I would persist with the cage.

A trio will need a cage atleazt a metre long that can be sectioned off once the first hen is sitting put a divider in.

[Buzzard-1]

Thanks Luke,I have them in my ex canary breeding cages so dividing will be easy will the cock be required to help rare young or leave with hopefully new nesting hen.

[Lukec]

The cock will generally help once introduced again but just watch for aggression it's not common but happens sometimes in a cage environment.

Oh once removed don't let him back until chicks are a few days old.

[Buzzard-1]

Thanks again Luke,hopefully I will have to pick your brains at a latter date. IE how to care for young siskins fingers crossed.Cheers Buzz

[Lukec]

No probs, hopefully you breed a few and i can buy some off you in the near future.

I amsure there are more people on the Forum that can add more.