Chaff Finch information
Fringilla coelebs
Natural Distribution and Habitat of the Chaff Finch
Native to much of Europe, Asia, Siberia and Northwest Africa. Isaw many of these birds when i visited New zealand which were introduced their which was great to see how they behave in the wild. The were very at home around people just like sparrows used to be in sydney befor the indian mynahs drove them out.
Diet of the Chaff Finch
Seed– These unique finches should be supplied 3 different seed mixed 1- small parrot seed and 2 finch seed 3 plain canary seed. It is very important to supply these birds with a good quality seeds as some supermarket brands have filler seed and not of the best quality. If you are unsure of the seed you are using ask your local bird expert.
Soaked seed– Relished by the chaff Finch for instruction on sprouting your own seed see finch care page
Millet sprays– a fresh seed still on the stem pannicum or french white is suitable.
Greens– carrot tops, broccoli tops, seeding grasses, silver beet, endive.
Live food– such as meal worms and fly pupae with some added insectivore mix.
Egg and biscuit formula– essential protein source for these birds. This can be added to the above live food mix.
Vitamin supplement– add via the water supply
Grit– use a fine grit mix containing charcoal, shell, baked egg shell, crushed cuttlebone and limestone
Breeding Chaff Finch
Will not breed until they are 12 months old and the hen will use a canary nest using material such as swamp grass, wool and coconut fibre. the hen will lay around 4 white eggs with blue or brown splotches with an incubation period of 14 days. Be sure to supply lots of live food mentioned above as this is what the chicks will be mostly fed on by both parents. The chicks will fledge slightly after 3 weeks and be fed by the parents for a further 3 weeks.
Sexing Chaff Finches
The male has a blue grey cap and the hen is slightly more dull in colour.
