British Birds In Avicuture - an indepth view of breeding British softbill & hardbills

Siskins By John Reid

Things to take into account if you're just starting out with Siskins

This little finch is a good one to start the novice off into the different British that need live food to supplement their diet when feeding chicks.

Cock Siskin

Hen Siskin

Distribution:

There are a number of sub species of siskin throughout the world.
The Red Hooded Siskin is responsible for producing the red factor canaries that we know today.

Size:

Siskins are small finches & Approximately 12 cm (4 ½ "), about the size of a lesser redpoll.

Feeding:

Siskins are easy to cater for, any good British finch mix will suffice out of breeding season, however in addition to this during the breeding season the inclusion of soak seeds and egg food leading up to and during this period is a must for good breeding results.

Sexing:

The Siskins are easy birds to sex, the cocks having a black cap and bib, and the hens lacking this, but being more streaked in appearance.

Color mutations:
There are several colour mutations, including Browns, Pastels, Agates and Isobesl etc...

General information:

Once chicks arrive, and then live food in the form of Aphids and small spiders and the like will help to rear the youngsters giving them the vital fat and protein which is required for good chick growth.

Choosing breeding stock:

Good Siskins should be of a round shape as is possible and also as big as one can find, also good natural colour is essential.

Housing:

Siskins will happily breed in double breeding cages, but nothing smaller, and the more room they have the better the chances of breeding will be, although they are happy in a flight or in cages.

Breeding:
Siskins usually start to breed about April/May time they lay 3-5 eggs and sit them for about 12 days, and the chicks are ringed at 5 days old.

Nesting & Materials:
My birds are offered baskets with minimum cover, only enough to make the sitting hen feel secure, damp moss, grasses and small twigs are offered as nesting material. Once they start the nest they seem eager to get it finished.

Potential Ailment:
Like all young British, Siskins can be prone to going light.
To combat this sulphur drug should be administered in the water.

Annual medication:
The sulphur drug I use to help with going light is called Intradine