FINCHforum

Hello I am relatively new to bird keeping, I have owned both European Goldfinchess and Zebra Waxbills in the past and thanks to a recent tragedy have an open cage ( on the smallish side 36" 18" 18")

I was thinking more seriously about trying to breed birds for the first time and so i was trying to decide which species to start with. I know the Waxbills will breed more easily but I live in the hellish frozen tundra that is Western PA and so keeping them warm during the winter will be more expensive)

Goldfinches on the other hand are hardier but more difficult to breed. They are also larger and so I am more concerned about space.

I would greatly appreciate any help, It has long been a goal of mine to successfully breed birds and I am excited to start! This site is so full of helpful information I scarcely know where to begin!

Paddington welcome to the forum! There is lots of great information to read and learn at the www.finchinfo.com where you can learn more about finches! Enjoy the forum. If you have an Instagram, follow our official account, (@finchforum)

Paddington

Welcome to the Forum.
There are members here, that breed both species, so hopefully some of them will chime in with some of the information you are looking for.

Good luck with your new birds. I would love to see some pictures.

~Elana~

Welcome to the forum!

I don't have any experience with Goldfinches but the Orange-breasted waxbill is a good beginner waxbill to start breeding with, as they are the easiest of the waxbills. They require minimal live food and some will breed without live food (they do love their veggies though ) If they are kept indoors and out of a draft, I don't see the cold temps being too much of a problem.

Good luck with your decision!

Hi Paddington,
European goldfinches are beautiful birds but they do require a special European Finch mix that is not always easy to find. Bird Supply of New Hampshire currently carries Blattner siskin mix. I believe it is a special blend formulated for the American market. In the past, we were able to purchase all of the Blattner's mixes that are available to the European market but those imports were discontinued because of the non-sterilized nyger seed in the mixes.
Just something to consider...