Common Rosefinch (Carpodacus erythrinus)

Common Rosefinch Carpodacus erythrinus
Name	Common Rosefinch
Name Lat.	Carpodacus erythrinus
Synonym	Erythrina erythrina
Family	Finches and Allies
Family lat.	Fringillidae
Order	Perching Birds
Order lat.	Passeriformes
Origin	Eastern Europe, Asia
Climate	Temperate - subtropical
Diet	Woodland Bird seed, veggies, fruits
Keeping	Pair, group
Care Level	Easy
Reproduction	Cup nest
Life Span	5-10 years
Protection	No
Metric Units
Size	13-15 cm
Temperature	Room temperature
Housing	120 x 50 x 80 cm
US Units
Size	5.1"-5.9"
Temperature	Room temperature
Housing	45" x 20" x 30"

Distribution and habitat

The home of the Crimson Finch extends from northeastern Europe through Central Asia to Kamchatka and Southeast Asia, where they spend the winter. They live in forest edges, scrub landscapes, cultivated land, parks and gardens. The animals in the trade are breeding forms.

Cage size

The minimum cage size is 120 x 50 x 80 cm (L x W x H) for a pair. The cage size must not be undercut even in case of justified single keeping. For an additional 2 birds, assuming species compatibility, the floor space must be increased by 25%. The cage must be placed in a bright, draught-free and quiet place at a height of at least 80 cm (except aviaries), have a rectangular base and be opaque on three sides, aviaries on one side. An aviary is required for flocking.

Maintenance

The ground must be covered with sand, leaves, wood granulate, bark mulch or similar material and must be cleaned regularly. They need perching, hiding, roosting and nesting opportunities, as well as biotope-like furnishings with grasses, shrubbery and natural planting. At least 3 perches made of wood or branches of varying thickness and height must be installed in such a way that they can only be reached by flying and that the longest possible flight distance is created. A bathing facility must be provided at all times. They should be kept at room temperature.

Diet

The species-specific feed consists of mixed seeds, available in specialized trade as "forest bird mixed feed" in premium quality, in addition green millet, chickweed, dandelion, berries, buds, fruit and especially when raising young, germinated seeds, untreated lettuce, egg feed, insects and insect larvae (ant pupae, small buffalos, pinkies, aphids). Charcoal, vitamine lime, cuttlefish and shell grit are needed as digestive aids. Drinking water must always be available in birdbaths or in stable, open containers and, like food, must be offered fresh daily in clean containers.

A varied diet promotes health and prevents deficiency symptoms.

Reproduction and breeding

The sexes are clearly distinguishable. In males, anterior head, breast and rump are colored crimson, females are light brown with dark streaking, throat and belly are white.

They like to nest in open cup-shaped nest pads made of wicker covered with brushwood or also freely in dense bushes. Suitable nesting materials include sisal, jute and coconut fibers, sharpie, and animal hair. The clutch consists of 4-6 eggs, the incubation period is about 11-13 days. The incubation period is, biologically speaking, from March to August when kept in outdoor aviaries. The room temperature for breeding should be at least 15 °C.

Species protection

In accordance with Appendix 6 of the Federal Species Protection Ordinance, they must be marked with a leg ring and the animal population must be reported in writing to the responsible authority immediately after the start of keeping. Your pet store will be happy to provide you with further information.

Important

The birds may only be kept in pairs or groups

If kept indoors, an indoor aviary with a floor area of at least 0.6 m² and 1.5 m in height is recommended. In the case of outdoor aviaries, they also need a heated shelter with a floor area of at least 1 m², which can be visited by the birds at any time. The temperature in the shelter must not fall below 5 °C and the furnishings must be the same as those used for caging. Round aviaries with a diameter of less than 2 m are not allowed.

Sufficient daylight or flicker-free artificial light (stroboscopic effect) corresponding to the light spectrum of natural sunlight must be provided in rooms, including shelters. The lighting duration must be between 8 and 14 hours per day. The day-night rhythm must be observed. An adequate indoor climate must be provided. The health condition of the birds must be checked daily

Further literature can be found in your pet store.

References

Text: petdata; Image: Franz Lowak

Source: BMELV (1995): Tierschutzgutachten - Mindestanforderungen an die Haltung von Kleinvögeln; CLASSEN & MASSOTH (1992): Handbuch der Cardueliden, Band 2, Hanke Verlag

• Gemäß § 21 Abs. 5 Tierschutzgesetz idgF