Everything Bird Owners Need To Know Before Keeping Finches As Pets

Finches are small species of birds.

Pet finches are easy to maintain and are chirpy. The pet finch is sure to bring a smile to your face when it hops and flies around you in joy.

'Finch' is the name that has been given to the small passerine birds. The species that are found in the wild are different from those that are kept as pets. Pet finches belong to the Estrildidae family. The pet finch can be a Zebra Finch, an Owl Finch, a Gouldian Finch, or a Society Finch.

Finches are a great alternative for those who want a pet bird but think that a parrot may be too demanding. Finches can be kept in a large flight cage where there is space for flying. A finch does not become a cuddle buddy, like a parrot. A Zebra Finch may come and sit on your finger, but that is all. They do not like to be held at all. They like to fly or hop around independently.

Finches are popular social pets as they have pleasant sounds. The Gouldian Finch is loved by pet owners for its dazzling colors. These birds like to be among other same species birds and not be with humans for long. Do not expect them to come chirping to see you. They like to maintain a distance.

You must be aware of the fact that finches do not copy your words and speak them. Also, they do not like to be touched with their hands. You can enjoy these sociable birds interacting among themselves in sweet voices in an aviary. You must also prefer to keep a few of them. At least a pair. They do not stay alone for long. They like to be with their families and are not lonely bird species.

Those who like a talking bird must get a parrot, but that is a very choosy bird. If you want a sweet chirping sound around you, then you can keep these little finches at home. They are good for companionship and demand little care. Simple food and water keep them happy as they stay busy among themselves. Yes, you will have to keep a few, at least two together.

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Do finches like to be held?

Finches are happy and not so quiet birds. You can feed them easily, but not on your hand. They prefer to sit on perches.

Flinches do not like to be held. They may become aggressive when you get closer more often. To keep them happy, you must keep at least one male and one female pair in the same cage. If possible, keep more birds together. You can ask a veterinary doctor about how to build trust with them so that they allow humans to get close.

Are finches easy to keep as pets?

Finches are easy-to-pet. You can feed them seeds and vegetable-based food. Also, when kept in a cage with companions of the same species, they are happy and you can hear sweet conversations among them.

You need to provide an aviary with space to fly. Install perches for them to sit on and relax. These birds, being native to America, Africa, and even Eurasia, settle well in most places. The finch species you see in their wild habitat are not the same as those kept as flocks of pets. Pet finches have been bred in captivity.

Zebra Finches are the best among pet finches. They are sweet-tempered, having ornate patterns on their bodies. They are mostly highly active all day long. They socialize with other species like budgies and cockatiels.

Finches must remain fully flighted. Do not trim their wing feathers. The horizontal space in the cage is essential for the possibility of flying. Finches thrive well in larger numbers, along with other birds. Be aware not to keep a parrot with finches, as parrots tend to injure finches. When you house finches in pairs, there will be offspring. So, you must be prepared for that.

If you wish to adopt a rescued bird, then you must find one in an animal shelter. Finch species are delicate birds, so if you adopt a rescued bird from its native wild habitat, it will need special care and food.

The Best Types Of Finches To Have As Pets

There are various bright-colored types of finches. Most are varieties, and you can keep only a select few as pets. The others are wild species.

Flinches are quiet and cheerful birds that like to stay in flocks.

Gouldian Finch: This finch is colorful and has an orange beak. Gouldian has a purple chest, a green back, and a yellow belly. They can be 5 in (12.7 cm) tall. They are light in weight and passive in nature. They are a relatively preferred breed.

Star Finch: It has a unique green chest, a red face, and an olive back. At times, you may notice white spots on the throat and body. They are merely 4 in (10.16 cm) tall and not bulky. They are known to be quiet and calm.

Strawberry Finch: It has a unique and distinctive red and black coat. Numerous white spots make it resemble a strawberry. It can be 4 in (10.16 cm) tall. The Strawberry Finch sounds are mesmerizing, just like a flute.

Zebra Finch: The most popular bird among Australians. It becomes only 4 in (10.16 cm) tall when mature. It is called a zebra because of its tail.

They are brown in color and have a white belly. They have unique chestnut patches, distinctively on their cheeks and wings.

Society Finch: These finches have white bellies and brown backsides. The Society Finch looks very similar to a sparrow. They grow only 4 in (10.16 cm) tall.

Owl Finch: It resembles an owl, having a round-shaped white face with a brown body. The white chest and double black lines cross the face to the chest. There is a unique appearance not found in any other bird. They also grow to 4 in (10.16 cm) tall. They are around $100 per bird.

Plum-Headed Finch: The head resembles a plum, while the body is brown with white spots. They are very cute because of the colors on their bodies. They are not timid.

Common Health Problems

All types of finches are prone to a few health problems as they are small and have a weak immunity if not cared for properly.

Finches frequently have air-sac mite infections. This happens mostly when they are over-stressed. This medical condition demands immediate veterinary care. Another problem finches suffer from is having a scaly face rather than having a bright orange beak. All types of finches get overgrown nails or beaks. This needs a trained veterinarian to get it relatively shorter, not completely removed.

Diet And Nutrition

Finches are seed eaters. They like grass seeds as well.

Wild finches can eat insects and certain fruits when seeds are not available. They have a plant-based diet. If you have pet finches, you can keep them on a pellet diet as per the vet. You must also add fresh greens and egg food. They get their daily requirement of water mostly from the food itself.

Do not feed high-water foods like celery and lettuce. Also, you must know that avocados are potentially toxic for them. Fruits and vegetables must be cut into small pieces.

Caring For A Zebra Finch

The Zebra Finch is an easy bird to keep. Even if you are a new bird rearer, you can keep a few. They easily breed.

They do not need your attention except for food and water. They are happy among themselves and do not like to be held. You can play music for them or take it to them and see if they respond. Build a trust bond and see if they respond to your words. They cannot exactly copy what you say but may make sweet sounds.

They must be provided with a nest and fiber. At the young age of 8–10 months, Zebra Finches start breeding. You have to make sure to separate the pairs after a few days to avoid too many babies. Females use a lot of energy to produce eggs. Feeding them egg food is a necessity. Give them a big, airy cage for Zebra Finches to fly in.

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