How to Care for Spice Finches
The spice finch (Lonchura punctulata), also known as the scaly-breasted munia and often called commonly the spice bird or the nutmeg finch, is native to Asia. Spice finches have been popular pet birds since they were brought to western nations on spice ships. Spice finches are easy birds to care for as they are even tempered and require only basic husbandry. The spice finch has a soft sound and does not make too much noise despite being a very active bird. Providing your finches with proper care and regular attention is important to ensure that the birds remain healthy in captivity. Does this Spark an idea?
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Things You'll Need
- Large bird cage
- Small plastic bowl
- Bird seed and pellets
- Newspaper
- Plastic feeding dish
Instructions
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Instructions
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Set up the cage and ensure that the temperature and conditions are conducive to keeping spice finches healthy before you bring them home. Spice finches require cages that are at least 24 inches wide, 14 inches deep and 18 inches tall. Locate a cage in a space where temperatures remain constant and there is not a draft.
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2
Install feeding dishes and perches in the cage and lay newspaper on the bottom of the cage. Having plenty of places for spice finches to move around in the cage will prevent health problems such as arthritis. Newspaper is ideal for finch cages. Changing newspaper on the bottom of the cage is a quick and clean way to maintain a high level of sanitation in a cage with a minimum of mess.
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3
Release you finches into their new home once it is fully set up. Always keep at least two spice finches; never keep a single spice finch, as it is a social animal and will not survive on its own.
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Provide new food and clean, fresh, dechlorinated water daily. Spice finches benefit from a diverse diet and, in addition to their staple food of birdseed and pellets, will eat fresh fruits and vegetables.
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5
Change the newspaper substrate and disinfect the cage, perches and feeding dishes at least once per week.
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6
Take your finches to a trained professional to have their nails trimmed and beaks filed as needed.
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Tips & Warnings
Providing a cuttlebone in your finch cage is an excellent way to provide calcium and help wear down a finch beak naturally, reducing the need for manual filing.
Grit with charcoal should be provided in a separate bowl, as it is an important digestive aid for captive birds.
Always wash your hands before and after interacting with your birds or maintaining their cage to prevent illness.
