How to Feed a Pet Finch

With the proper diet, your pet finch could live 15 years or longer. Follow these steps to properly feed your bird.

Things You'll Need

• 4 ceramic dishes
• Finch seed mix
• Fruit and vegetable selection
• Mealworms
• Cuttlebone

Instructions

Learn About Pet Finches

1. Know that the most common types of pet finches are Zebra, Australian Grass, and Lady Gouldian Finches.

2. Keep in mind that finches are not talking birds. Whistling at them may induce them to make a honking chirp, but they will never speak.

3. Consider buying more than one finch. They enjoy the company of other birds.

Know the Nutritional Requirements of a Finch

1. Give your finch plenty of carbohydrates, which are essential for their nervous system. Buy a good finch seed mixture from your local pet supply store.

2. Know that your pet finch will need ten amino acids regularly. These can be provided by a fortified feed mix.

3. Aim for 5 to 10 percent of your finch's diet to be composed of fruits and vegetables.

4. Add protein to your finch's diet to aid bone and muscle strength and enzyme production. You can feed your finch mealworms, which can be purchased at a pet store.

5. Provide vitamins and minerals from supplements. You can purchase liquid vitamins to be added to the water from most pet supply stores.

6. Give your finch plenty of fresh water. Tap water is not recommended due to the additives it may contain. Give your finch distilled water.

Prepare Your Finch's Meal

1. Allow your finch to have seeds at all times. They will snack on their seed mix throughout the day.

2. Prepare a selection of fruits and vegetables. Cut up apples, bananas, grapes, broccoli, spinach, dandelion or carrots.

3. Feed your finch mealworms by placing a few in a deep ceramic dish. These can be provided every few days.

4. Provide a cuttlebone in your finch's cage. They can supplement their diet with important calcium and minerals while pecking and playing.

5. Give your finch an occasional treat. Provide millet seed sprays for them to enjoy.

6. Change the water in the dish in the morning and at night. Add liquid vitamins to the water as instructed on the bottle.