Traits:If properly cared for, finches can live up to five years. Finches are not typically a bird that can be handled, although there are a few rare cases. They are better as pets to be watched as opposed to being handled. Finches are active, amusing and the males tend to have a soothing song. Be careful when mixing varieties, as all breeds do not get along. Finches are social birds and prefer to be kept in a colony setting. If breeding is not desired, females can be kept together without difficulty. Finches also require the ability to nest and do best with covered nesting.
Feeding:A finch's metabolism is very active and it can starve to death in as little as 24 hours if it does not eat. Finches should eat a staple diet of fresh fortified finch seed or pellet daily. Finches only eat off the top of what is offered, so be sure to check the food daily. Besides a variety of seed mix or pellet, offer chopped dark green and yellow vegetables and a variety of fresh fruits in addition to a protein source like mature legumes, hard cooked chopped egg, and grated cheese. Remove fresh fruits and vegetables within 2 hours of offering to prevent spoilage. If the bird gets too much liquid from the fresh fruits and vegetables, the droppings could become runny. Stop the fresh food for a day to see if this is the reason. Millet Spray also makes an excellent supplement for finches. Finches require fresh water each day. Wash and rinse their water cup out thoroughly prior to adding fresh water to reduce bacteria growth. Powdered vitamins can be lightly sprinkled on the fresh food, but putting it in the water can encourage bacterial growth.
Housing:When choosing a cage for your finch, remember length is more beneficial to the bird than height. Finches enjoy flying, therefore, the larger the cage the better. Ideally the cage for a pair of finches should measure a minimum of 36 " long by 14" high and 10" wide. Perches are an essential part of the cage and should be chosen to suit the feet of the finch. Approximately 3" of perch space per bird is best. A variety of perch sizes, shapes, and diameters will help exercise the bird's feet and toes. Place perches strategically to prevent droppings from contaminating water and food dishes and to prevent the tail from hanging in dishes or on the floor. Toys, such as bells and mirrors, in the finch's cage will keep your bird entertained. Always have a cuttlebone to supply your finch with calcium and prevent beak overgrowth. To aid the bird in keeping itself clean, we recommend placing a suitable size birdbath in the cage on a weekly basis. Place your finch's cage at eye-level in a bright area free from drafts and direct sunlight.
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Like canaries, they are great birds "to watch". They are great for people who enjoy watching birds rather than having a demanding pet that requires a lot of personal attention. I hate to see them in small cages. Since these are birds that will ALWAYS be in a cage, I would hope that people give them a roomy flight cage, maybe with some plants in it too for the canaries to enjoy. They should be able to fly. Make it a "project" to prepare an attractive flight cage for them, with lots of toys and natural branches, maybe some plants. And they DO enjoy fresh fruits / veggies a lot, and parsley -- and Dandelions are VERY good for them. You can get a lot of free "green stuff" (safe plants please!) from your own garden to feed to them -- and your canaries will REALLY enjoy them! I know, many people don't bother with all that -- but I do hope that you do ...
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