How to Select Finches

Finches can sing, dance or merely serve as an attractive pet that catches the attention of your guests. With so many different finch species to choose from, it is important to become familiar with the traits of each type to make sure you are choosing the appropriate addition to your home.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderate

Things You’ll Need:

• Care-related needs such as a cage, perches and food

1. Select a society or zebra finch if you are looking for a moderately priced pet that doesn't require challenging care. These birds are mainly seedeaters and can acclimate to indoor and outdoor homes. If you choose to keep the birds outside, make sure to bring them in during harsh weather.
2. Choose male birds if you want to be serenaded by a finch's song, since the females don't sing. The finch species with the best voices include the Green Singer, the European Gold and the Grey Singer Finch. The singers sound somewhat like canaries. While some other finch species also sing, they do so in a lower tone.
3. Choose a Gouldian or Melba Finch if you are looking for a bird that is bright and colorful. Usually birds with more color sing less. They may still practice a song, but it tends to be more repetitive.
4. Select a Zebra, Society, Waxbill, Whydah, Mannikin or Munia if you want a bird that will entertain you with a dance. These birds are active and engaging with energetic personalities.
5. Purchase finches in pairs, as they are naturally social birds. It is not necessary to have a male and female unless you want the birds for breeding purposes. Make sure the birds are compatible. Birds of different species may not get along well. Visit the Finch Information Center for a list of Finch species and information concerning compatibility (see Resources below).
6. Select finches that are similarly sized. If you put larger finches in the same cage with smaller species, you could cause problems. Small finches tend to become stressed by larger birds.

Tips & Warnings

• Provide your finches with enough space. Housing too many finches in a small cage could encourage feather picking. The cage should be large enough to accommodate the increased level of activity that is common with finches. Make sure you understand how the selected finch flies. Some fly horizontally, so the cage's width is the most important factor. The best cages are 2 feet or longer and the space between bars should be no larger than 3/8 of an inch.
• A small cage is acceptable for up to two finches, but a larger cage is needed for multiple pairs.
• In addition to a cage, make sure the birds have all the necessities, such as perches, toys, food and water. Set everything up before you bring the birds home.
• Avoid exotic species of finches unless you are an experienced bird owner.