How to Care for an Exotic Finch

Exotic finches can be a little more work than most other finch types. They have more specific needs and often respond less well to stress. Exotic finches are a beautiful bird though, and can actually make great lasting pets for 10 to 15 years if cared for properly.

Instructions

Difficulty: Easy

Things You’ll Need:

• Enclosure
• Substrate
• Food and water dishes
• Commercial pellets
• Spray millet
• Dark leafy greens
• Cuttlebone
• Perches
• Nest

1. Get a bird cage that is 19 inches tall and has a footprint of two square feet. Bar spacing should be no more than 1/4 of an inch apart and the cage should have a metal grate on the bottom separating the bird from feces.
2. Spread a thin layer of corn cob, walnut shells or newspaper on the bottom of the cage as a substrate to help make cleaning easier.
3. Keep your finch's cage in an area of your home that is not susceptible to drastic temperature changes caused by things like drafts and direct sunlight.
4. Provide a daily supply of clean, fresh and non-chlorinated water to your finch.
5. Feed your finch 70 percent commercial pellets and then a 30 percent mixture of fresh vegetables and fruits. Dark leafy greens should be offered several times a week to your birds and you should have spray millet available at all times.
6. Place a nest in the cage as well as two or three perches that are 1/2 inch in diameter. A cuttlebone should also be provided.
7. Change the substrate as well as the food and water dishes daily. You should also fully clean the cage and its contents once a month with a dilute bleach mixture.

Tips & Warnings

• If you have a female who is laying a lot of eggs constantly she should be separated to try and get her to stop. If she continues you need to see a vet.
• Be sure to schedule a veterinarian visit at least once a year for a check-up.
• When cleaning, be sure to remove the scent of bleach fully or the fumes may kill your birds.
• Finches do not do well with stress and nosy pets and children should be kept away from the cage. If not, the finch can become over stressed and die.
• If your finch suddenly develops any odd behaviors you should take him immediately to the veterinarian.