How to Welcome New Finches Into Your Home

When you buy finches you need to give them a proper home. It is much better to be ready ahead of time, then it is to rush while they wait in a box. If you want happy and healthy finches follow these steps.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

1. Find a suitable cage. The exact size will vary depending on the number of finches you own, but a pair of finches will need a cage that is at least 3 feet wide and 3 feet tall to move comfortably. If you can not find a square cage remember that horizontal is the most important direction your finches will stretch their wings.

2. Location. Set up your cage away from drafts and out of direct sunlight. Never set up your cage in the kitchen; high heats, and Teflon pans can kill your finches.

3. Perches. Unless you are comfortable with trimming bird nails this is an important aspect of your cage. You will want a variety of perches (wood, stone and plastic). If you can not get multiple perches then get sand covers for the perches. These will help wear down their nails. Perches should be placed at a variety of angles to encourage foot health.

4. Food and water. Get a quality finch food at your pet or grocery store. You should also get avian vitamins. They will give your finch ample nutrition. Some finch also enjoy small bits of fruits (like papaya) as a treat. Water should be amply stocked. Food and water should never be put over a perch for hygienic reasons.

5. Nesting. Your finches will need a nest. If one did not come with your cage you can buy one at any pet store. Woven nests are preferred over box style by most types of finches.

6. Cuttle bones and grit. These are both needed for your birds health. Grit is scattered on the cage floor, and helps in avian digestion. Cuttle bone is both a beak sharpener and a source of calcium.

7. Toys, like swings, ladders or mirrors are not really required on the first day, but it is harder to put them in later. Wash any toy in warm soapy water before putting into the cage.

Tips & Warnings

• Finches are messy eaters. Consider a slide bottom cage.
• Finches can be very fast! Do not let them fly free in your home with any doors or windows open.
• Seek out the services of a vet in the first month to get your new birds a check up.
• Finches like to be talked to and sung with, but they do not like to be handled.
• Finches will sing, early in the morning. If you are a late sleeper, you may not want to put them in your bedroom.
• Finches really hate it if the temperature drops below 68 degrees. If your home is cold at night consider doubling up on blankets over the cage or getting a cage heater.
• Finches should not be kept solo. This need at least one companion. Just be careful with gender. Some varieties of finch breed at an outstanding rate.

[twincapes]

on 8/23/2009 Hmmm good info on keeping finches. We just have purple finches and goldfinches at our outdoor feeder. A lot less work!

[bossypants]

on 7/2/2009 I love seeing the wild finches outdoors on my feeders. Imagine having beautiful, sweet finches in my home year round! Your article provides excellent advice! Thanks!