Finch Care

Finches are favored among many pet bird owners, due to their cheerful demeanor and active temperament. Finches are prone to certain types of health conditions that can affect smaller bird breeds, which can usually be identified by noting any drastic changes in a finch’s appearance or behavior. Rapid breathing, loose droppings, lethargy and constantly fluffed feathers are all indications that a finch is experiencing a health problem. Aside from this, however, finches tend to be very low-maintenance pets, which is why they often make wonderful ‘first’ pets for children.

APPEARANCE

There are many different kinds of finches that are domesticated for keeping as pets, each of which may have different color variations. A popular finch that is often kept by bird owners is the Zebra Finch, which is native to central Australia. The zebra finch is about 10 cm long when full grown, and may live up to ten years. In general, the lifespan of captive finches is from 5 to 15 years, depending on the level of care and any health conditions that may occur. Pet finches are usually marked by bright or striking color variations, which have mostly been created by selective breeding.

BEHAVIOR

The reason why finches are such a low-maintenance bird is that they tend not to care too much for human interaction. Keeping a finch as a pet is best for people who do not want to be required to have one-on-one interaction with their bird. Finches tend to be very active, often darting back and forth from the perches in their cage in an exuberant manner. They are very entertaining to watch, though will do best when kept in pairs of two or more. Finches are also known for their unique songs, which are usually loud and punctuated with interjected chirps.

FEEDING

All species of pet finches are seed-eating birds, mostly due to the blunt shape of their beak. Though many finches prefer millet seed, a varied seed mix is usually best for ensuring that a finch’s diet is nutritionally balanced. There are special formulas available in the bird care section of most pet supply stores, which are designed to be fed to finches. However, it is always best to read the ingredients of a formula before feeding it to your bird. Some formulas contain artificial colors, artificial flavors and chemical preservatives that may have negative health effects on your pet finch.

HOUSING

Since finches are a high-energy bird, it is best to keep them in a cage at least 18” wide for every two finches. Finches get most of their exercise by flying, so be sure to provide at least two perches in the interior of the cage. Most finches will also benefit from having a small bathing area placed in their cage, which can be a shallow water dish attached to the side of the cage. Be sure that this bathing area, as well as both the food and water dish are in an area where they are not directly under any of the perches inside the cage.