How to Feed Finches

A male zebra finch.

Finches are low-maintenance, relatively quiet pets requiring little human interaction. They take up little room, are easy to tend and offer a diversion through their activity and song. Finches are inexpensive to purchase and require few supplies. For these reasons, a finch makes an ideal pet for apartment dwellers. Apart from cleaning the cage, the primary responsibility of a finch owner is feeding the bird.

Things You'll Need

• Finch seed
• Finch feeder
• Cuttlebone
• Oyster shell
• Protein source
• Grit
• Sprouts, fruit or greens
• Supplement

Instructions

1. Place a minimum of one teaspoon of finch seed per bird in a feeder. Use more in cold weather or if the bird is molting. Do not worry about overfeeding. Finches eat only as much as they need.

2. Give the finch constant access to a cuttlebone and oyster shell for calcium, both available at pet shops.

3. Feed pieces of hard-boiled egg to birds that are molting or raising hatchlings to fulfill increased protein requirements. Other protein options include dry dog food, bread soaked in milk and mealworms.

4. Sprinkle grit on the floor of the cage to aid the bird's digestion.

5. Give the bird sprouted seeds, soaked seeds, millet, and, occasionally, greens or small pieces of pear or apple.

6. Ask your veterinarian or pet store for a vitamin supplement recommendation. Present the supplement to the finch in a separate bowl according to the dosage instructions.

References

• Animal World: All About Finches
• Finch World: Finches for Beginners