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How to Care for Finches

How to Care for Finches

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If you are looking for a bird that is easy to take care of, is active and entertaining to watch, and has relatively few health problems, consider a finch. It is an ideal pet for someone looking for a low-maintenance animal who can live comfortably inside an apartment or home. As with any other animal, there are some basic requirements that need to be met to keep the finch healthy and happy.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Things You’ll Need:
  • Bird cage Perches Grit paper Finch food Water Vitamins Cuttlebone Greens Food and water bowls
  • Bird cage
  • Perches
  • Grit paper
  • Finch food
  • Water
  • Vitamins
  • Cuttlebone
  • Greens
  • Food and water bowls
Step 1
House the finch in a cage that is at least 12 by 18 inches in size. Finches need space to fly around and get their exercise, or they run the chance of becoming ill.
Step 2
Provide several perches for the finch inside of the cage. You can use softwood tree branches that are approximately 3/4 inch in diameter. A branch is a natural method to help the finch wear down its claws.
Step 3
Place the bird cage in an area close to a wall. Make sure the area is well ventilated, is not prone to cold air or drafts, and receives light. Placing the cage next to a door or window can cause overheating, and the bird can become ill or die.
Step 4
Wash the entire cage--including all the perches--at least once per week to decrease the finch's chance to contract a disease or illness. Wash the food and water bowls every day.
Step 5
Change the paper on the bottom of the cage every two to three days. Use either grit paper or plain paper lined with approximately 1/8 inch of grit layered on top.
Step 6
Place a bowl of water at the bottom on the cage once per week so your finch can take a bath.
Step 7
Provide finch food and fresh water for your bird every day. Add vitamins specific to the bird in the water, if necessary.
Step 8
Place a cuttlebone inside the cage to provide the finch calcium and lime, which are needed to build a stronger beak and aid the bird's digestive process.
Step 9
Sparingly give the finch greens such as chickweed, spinach, apple, carrot or celery tops, and leafy lettuce.
Step 10
Add separate dishes in the cage for food, water and treats.

Tips & Warnings

 
Don't overcrowd a cage with too many birds; they may become aggressive toward each other or start pulling their feathers out. Don't keep your finch in a cold environment; it may become ill or die. A finch should be housed at minimum temperature of 70 degrees.
 
Don't overcrowd a cage with too many birds; they may become aggressive toward each other or start pulling their feathers out.
 
Don't keep your finch in a cold environment; it may become ill or die. A finch should be housed at minimum temperature of 70 degrees.

Article Written By Joyce Starr

Joyce Starr is a professional writer from Florida and owns a landscaping company and garden center. She has published articles about camping in Florida, lawn care and gardening and writes for a local gardening newsletter. She shares her love and knowledge of the outdoors and nature through her writing.

Write for Trails.com

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