VITAL INFO ABOUT YOUR FINCH

The Finch is a small, but extremely lively bird. The life-span of finches are from 6 to 8 years, but there have been some Finches that have lived for 27 years, a remarkable and incredible achievement for a finch.

There is conflicting data as to the origins of Finches, but some recent studies indicate that the original Finches came from America’s nearby neighboring Caribbean Islands. A Finch will usually vary in size from bird to bird, and species to species. Typically, a Finch is between 3 or 4 inches, but a Finch can grow as large as 8 inches in size. Finches come in all sizes within those measurements, and within the species the variations are even greater. Thereare literally dozens and dozens of varieties of Finch on the planet. And some of them are drop-dead gorgeous (such as the Gouldian Finch).

A Finch Loves to Sing

Finches are not noisy birds, like some parrots. Their sound is pleasant, and some, particularly the male Finch, chirp quite often and in a very melodious tone. Males will sing during mating times, during which they give out a kind of high-pitched sound. However, if a Finch detects threat or some kind of danger to their nest or territory, they can actually make a hissing noise.

A Finch Loves Company

Make sure when you purchase your Finch, that you get a pair of Finches. Don’t just buy one Finch. These little birds love company, and together, they will communicate much better. (Finches have been shown to even enjoy the company of other kinds of birds.) The male Finch will often sing to the female, seeking to lure her with his charming melodies.

When you go to buy a Finch

Some things to look for when you’re going to buy a Finch is the activity within the cage. Does the bird sit listless on the perch? If so, don’t buy it. Is the bird clear-eyed, and are the feathers sleek with a slight gloss? That’s a good sign. Get that one.

Avoiding Finch Territorial Disputes

As already suggested, never buy a single Finch unless you have another one at home. Finches do not enjoy solitude. These little birds are very sociable and love company, especially fellow Finches. It is best to purchase them in pairs. You can even purchase more, later, but be careful not to over-crowd the aviary (cage). When you introduce a new bird into the aviary, make sure you watch the activity for a period of time. You’re going to want to watch for signs of hostility, especially aggressive behavior on the part of a Finch who may get very territorial over a food dish.

That’s a good reason to provide more than one dish in the aviary. You can sometimes avoid such territorial disputes this way.

A Finch Loves to Eat Seed

Feeding a Finch is pretty easy. Basically, Finches eat seeds, and in the wild, these birds often eat insects and worms, and they love grains. But, when you buy seeds, make sure they are not loaded with pesticides. If you can find organic seed, so much the better. Do not provide your Finch with Canary or Parakeet seed. They will just not eat, and in fact have been known to starve, refusing to eat that seed. You can give them millet, sprouts, niger thistle, rape and canary grass seed, and now and then, some protein. A good thing to provide your Finch is boiled eggs, shell and all. Just grind or crunch the egg up. The egg shell is good for them. Now, realize they will not eat the entire egg since that is way too much food for a Finch. After all, they typically will only eat about a teaspoon of seed daily. That isn’t much of a meal, so an entire boiled egg would most certainly be a waste. Finches don’t overeat. Only humans do that.

Utensils a Finch Needs

Purchase a stainless steel bowl in the aviary (bird cage), at the bottom, but be careful not to put the food bowl nor the water dish beneath the perches. Otherwise, you’ll have feces dropped into the mix, which can eventually bring disease to your bird. Use the stainless steel bowl for the food. It need not be large, but should be large enough that it is not going to tip over, and one that will hold sufficient food for a day or two.

These stainless steel bowls are also easier to clean up. If you use a different material, insure that the bowl you choose is made of a non-toxic material.There is a grading system for plastic containers and you’d be well advised to look for one marked with a #4, which is generally deemed safe for humans to use. However, if it has a #1 rating, this is means that it is a plastic designed for a one-time use.

Take the high road in caring for your pet. Use a high quality plastic. Some plastics will leach, that is, they will leak chemicals into the surrounding material, in this case, your Finch food. That’s why stainless steel is best. Remember, these little birds are sensitive to their environment. If you want to keep them safe, then provide them with safe eating bowls.

A Finch Loves Water

You may use a small dish for water, as they need water every day. Also, you can use a container that is perhaps an inch deep for a bird bath. Finches love to bathe. You can put one into the aviary every other day or so. Some advise only one time a week. See what your finches enjoy most. If they use it every other day, then provide the bird bath to them on a regular basis.

Protect the Finch From Unsafe Perches

In keeping with the safety of your Finch, keep in mind that when you purchase your aviary, be careful about the perches you get. Wooden perches are great, but they do have a problem. Fecal matter can become a part of the wood and it is impossible to detox, or sterilize the wood. And, some woods are toxic to the Finches. Remember, you have a very sensitive creature, here. Never get a redwood, cedar, or pressed wood (wood chips) for a perch. Avoid dowels, because they are known to give problems to the feet of Finches. And, it almost should go without saying, but never, never, ever put in a perch that is coated with a sandpaper coating. Best bet? Hardwood branches, if you’re into wood, or use a non-toxic plastic.

Cutting the Nails of a Finch

You will, now and then, probably have to cut your Finch’s nails. Do this with care, and only after you know what you’re doing. It’s a delicate operation. Far too many owners cut too far. Trim only the tiniest piece off the end of the nail, and no more. Don’t cut back very far. Just cut enough to do the job.

The Aviary and the Finch

When you purchase the aviary for your Finches, do it with care. A Finch is an active bird and must have room in which to fly short distances. Bigger is definitely better. Bigger doesn’t mean it has to fill a room. The length of the aviary should be at least 30 inches, and larger is better. Tall aviaries, column-like cages, are not suitable for Finches. When purchasing your aviary, make sure the bars are spaced no more than 3/8th of an inch {in diameter|apart}.

A Finch Loves Sunshine

Finally, take care to give your Finch sunlight. Finches need some direct sunlight. However, make sure you position the aviary in such a way as to give the Finch a place to find shade. Also, make sure, if you live in a very hot climate, that you don’t place the aviary in a position where the cage environment will become too hot, even in the shade. Moderation is the key, here. Not too hot. Not too cold.

You can have years of absolute delight with your Finch. If you nurture them, your Finches will provide you with endless hours of pleasure and enjoyment.

A Finch is a hearty little bird which will delight your children, yourself, and any guests who might come to your home.

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