FINCHforum

So I've recently moved to a new house with a large garden. This of course means more birds. I've had a specially made aviary with shed and flight combined. Also I've had a separate shed with electrify connected so I can have heaters on during cold winters for certain breeds that can't survive cold temperatures. Anyway, when I visited a local shop which sells many different breeds of birds, I came across a bullfinch cock which was all on its own in a small cage. I bought it and have put it in the aviary. I have not kept a bull finch before and was wondering if anyone one here has? If so, any tips or advice would be appreciated. It seems very skittish to me, when I approach the aviary it flies crazy and clings on to the sides of the aviary. When I watch it from the living room it settles down again. It's ringed and is a 2014 bred bird.

LiverpoolLayers
Welcome to the forum! We'd love to see pics of your new bullfinch and aviary setup. Congrats on the new finch. I don't know about bullfinch habits, but one suggestion is that you quarantine any new birds, so the rest of your flock in the aviary do not get sick or worse, from something a new bird may bring into the aviary. You can read the section on health etc. in the Finch Information Center to the left of your screen or under Health and housing on the forum index page, for lots of good information.
Deborah

LiverpoolLayers

Welcome to the forum. I'm sorry I don't know anything about bull finches, but I would love to see photos of your bird. We LOVE to see photos from members of their birds and cage set up or aviaries. Best of luck with your new bird!

LiverpoolLayers - How lucky you are to have found such a wonderful bird. Bullfinches have been on my wish list for many, many years but they are illegal in the US. I wish I could help you with first-hand knowledge. BUT a friend of mine in Germany has kept, bred and showed them for decades. I'll be going over in less than three weeks and see what I can learn from him about calming yours down (I know he has to work with his to get them ready for shows). Unfortunately he is older and doesn't have a computer otherwise I might be able to get some information for you sooner.
Iso

I must say Wow! I hate to pry but what did you pay? I seen these for as much as $1200.00 for a pair. I got a girl crush, I want a pair real bad. Just kidding. love country western songs and that statement made the song pop into my head.

Hi Liverpool Layers,
You might have more success with this website:
British Birds In Aviculture.
There are many bullfinch breeders on that website.

TheExtremeCraftsman

If you were closer to Canada *specifically Calgary* you could have a pair of Suberian Bullfinches for $600. Just saw them on kijiji.

Elana

Will post pictures shortly, the problem is it flys erratically when I get close to it. It's fine to 'pry' ha. I paid £100. Not sure the current exchange rate on $'s! Gonna keep an eye out for a female now. I keep it with Goldfinch and canaries and they all get on fine

To put it in relative terms, locally to me I pay £80 for a pair of Gouldians, owl finches etc.

LiverpoolLayers

$600 Canadian = £296.5 as of today, with the Canadian $ being down in the dumps recently.

Gouldians here, range between $75-85 each from breeder, to $130 each and up, in Pet Shops.

Elana

If you search RayRay on the forum he kept and bred Bullfinches. You should be able to glean some information from his posts. He also kept his in an aviary.