Parrots As Pets

General Information about Finches Cages

Cages come in many different shapes and sizes it is very important to pick a cage that suits the size and activity of the bird you're putting in the cage.  Cages, either metal or wooden, are the most frequent cost-effective choice for housing finches. 

Finches live communally and need room to socialize. They need a bit of Privacy for nesting as well as space for exercise.  Brass cages (made of actual brass) are not recommended because of potential toxic qualities.  Happy, unstressed finches have their cages or aviaries in quiet, low traffic areas of the house, office or classroom. Swings are an excellent accessory for the finch cage.
 
Since most stand-up cages are made for parrots and not small birds like Finches, it can be challenging to find stand-up bird cages that work well for Finches and other small birds.  When looking for a Finch Cage, just keep in mind that you don't want bar spacing that's wider than 1/2" for your Finch.  When setting up the cage or aviary for you finches is that they require ample room to fly around and they must be safe and disease free so the bigger the cage the better.

For a pair of finches the length of the cage should not be less than 30 inches.  Toys in the cage are not needed but can be put in the cage if that's what you like.  One thing they do need is perches.  Dowel perches often cause feet problems so avoid them.  Also, never use sand paper covered perches as they are harmful to your bird and offer no benefits.  Rather choose nontoxic hardwood branches as perches.
 
Keep away from redwood, cedar or pressed wood chips as they are very poisonous to birds.  As anything made of wood cannot be sterilized, after they are covered in droppings they must be replaced to avoid illness.  Finches also like swings but both bird swings and bird perches should be placed out of their flight path and not over their food or water dishes to avoid faecal contamination.

Provide finch feeders for food and water, and dishes for treats and grit as well as an area for a bath.  Set up a food dish and water bowl (made of non-toxic plastic or stainless steel) in the cage. Consider placing the containers on opposite sides of the cage to encourage flying and adequate exercise. 

Set up a food dish and water bowl (made of non-toxic plastic or stainless steel) in the cage.  Consider placing the containers on opposite sides of the cage to encourage flying and adequate exercise.  Finches will appreciate a nest box to sleep in.  You can attach a "bird protector" disk to the side of the cage to prevent mites.  Place paper on the cage bottom that can be sprinkled with grit, or use a grit paper.

Although finches require very little time and effort to keep them, a clean environment as well as fresh food and water daily is a must to prevent disease and illness.  The basic cage care includes daily cleaning of the water and food dishes.  Every two to three days change the paper on the bottom of the cage and sprinkle it with about 1/8" of fresh grit. Weekly wash and dry the entire cage, including the perches.

Finches thrive when they have access to sunlight so place the cage near a window, and open it if weather permits. However, make sure they have also have access to shade if the cage is placed directly in the sun. If you are unable to provide them with natural sunlight, get a bird light and a timer to simulate day and night cycles.

About the Author

J Harold is dedicated to providing information over the internet. For more general information about finches visit: Finches For more information about finches Cages visit: Finches Cages

admin | Parrot Items | 01 24th, 2006 |

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