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Finches
There are many varieties of
the small active finch that vary in color. Because of the finch's size they are
easy to accommodate. Some of the more popular varieties of finches are:
There are many species of
small, active seed-eating birds commonly called finches. The European
goldfinches are about 5" in length. Due to their small size, they are easy
to accommodate. The beautiful plumage and chirping song of the male bird makes
the European goldfinch an entertaining pet. It has a reddish face, with white
feathers on the neck under the beak. The body is a darker brownish-gray color,
and the forked tail is black with white tips. If properly cared for finches can
live five years or more.
Feeding
A finch's metabolism is very
active. Starvation can occur in as little as 24 hours if it does not eat.
Finches should be fed a staple diet of a fresh fortified finch seed diet or a
pelleted finch food daily. Canary song food should also be added to the finch
diet with goldfinches. Pelleted diets are recommended since each pellet contains
balanced nutrition. Finches only eat off the top layer of the food dish, so if
feeding seeds be sure to check the food daily and remove empty seed hulls.
Besides a pelleted or a seed mix diet, each day offer chopped dark green and
yellow vegetables, and a small amount of fresh fruits. Millet seed sprays and
sunflower seeds are relished by goldfinches. Protein supplements can include
mealworms, mature legumes, chopped hard cooked egg, or tofu. Remove fresh fruits
and vegetables within 4 hours of offering to prevent spoilage. If the bird gets
too much liquid from the fresh fruits and vegetables, the droppings could become
runny and discolored. Stop the fresh fruits and vegetables for a day if this
occurs to determine if this is the reason. Birds require fresh water each day.
Wash and rinse their water dish thoroughly prior to adding fresh water. Powdered
vitamins can be lightly sprinkled on the fresh food, or added into the drinking
water. If grit is offered, just a small pinch should be added to the food bowl
about once a week. Always have a cuttlebone or mineral block available to supply
calcium and prevent beak overgrowth.
Housing
When choosing a cage for
your finch, remember that length is more beneficial to the bird than height.
Finches enjoy flying, therefore, the larger the cage the better. The cage for a
finch should measure a minimum of 12" long by 15" high and 12"
wide. Multiple finches will require a correspondingly larger cage. Perches are
an essential part of the cages and should be chosen to suit the feet of the
bird. A variety of perch sizes, shapes, and diameters will help exercise the
bird's feet and toes. Place perches strategically to prevent droppings from
contaminating water and food dishes and to prevent the tail from hanging in
dishes or on the floor. Place your finch's cage at eye-level in a bright area
free from drafts and direct sunlight. Make sure it is safe from small children,
dogs and cats. Finches like to see what is going on in the house and do well
when placed in the family room or commonly frequented parts of the house. For
safety reasons, do not place the birdcage in the kitchen or areas near smoke or
fumes. Cigarette smoke is especially harmful to birds' sensitive respiratory
systems.
HandlingFinches do not typically
care to be handled, although there are exceptions. Birds are social animals and
they do like to have visual contact with people and to be talked to.
Special RequirementsBe careful when mixing
varieties of finches, as all species do not get along. If breeding is not
desired, females can be kept together without difficulty. To aid the bird in
keeping itself clean, we recommend a light misting with tepid water from a clean
spray bottle at least once a week, or placing a suitable sized birdbath in the
cage on a frequent basis. Finches like to sleep in wicker nests, and there
should be several more nests than there are birds so they don't fight over them.
Always wash your hands
before and after handling your pet bird, or after cleaning its cage. Keep the
cage clean to prevent the possibility of disease for the safety of you and your
companion bird.
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