Finches are small songbirds that are popular as pets. They are lively, colorful birds that are easy to care for. But are finches really good pets to have in your home? Here are some key factors to consider when deciding if finches are right for you.
The Pros of Keeping Finches
There are several advantages to keeping finches as pets:
- Finches have beautiful plumage and songs. Their bright colors and melodious chirps can brighten up any living space.
- Finches are social creatures that do well when kept in pairs or groups. Watching their interactions can be entertaining.
- Finches are inexpensive to purchase and care for, especially compared to larger parrot species. Their basic food, housing, and supplies are affordable for most budgets.
- Finches are small and non-destructive. They don’t require a large cage and won’t chew up household items or furniture.
- Finches are relatively quiet and non-messy. They don’t squawk loudly or produce large amounts of dander and feathers.
- Finches have minimal exercise requirements. Short, frequent periods out of their cage satisfy their needs.
- Finches have agreeable personalities and are unlikely to bite. This makes them suitable pets for children.
- Finch care is fairly straightforward. Their habitat, nutrition, and health needs are easily managed by beginner bird owners.
For these reasons, finches can make pleasant, low-maintenance companion pets. Their petite size and quiet nature also make them suitable for apartments and condos that don’t allow noisy parrots.
The Cons of Keeping Finches
However, there are also some downsides to finch ownership:
- Finches are shy initially and take time to tame. They may never become as interactive and cuddly as a parrot.
- Finches have short lifespans of just 5-10 years. This can be sad for owners who become attached.
- Finches need time out of their cage daily to thrive. This requires daily interaction and supervision.
- Finches have specialized dietary needs that mainly consist of seeds. This can get messy and expensive.
- Finches are prone to certain health issues like respiratory infections. Vet care can be challenging due to their small size.
- Finches breed very easily, sometimes too easily for novice owners. Preventing constant eggs can be difficult.
- Finches can still produce some noise and mess. Males sing, and all finches molt feathers.
- Finches are fragile creatures. Children must be supervised and taught gentle handling.
So while finches have many positive attributes, they do require specialized care and may not be the most cuddly or interactive pets. Their breeding habits and short lifespan are also important considerations.
Are Finches Good Pets for Kids?
Finches can make good starter pets for children, under proper supervision. Some tips for success:
- Choose sturdier finch species that are less prone to injury, like zebra finches.
- House finches in cages that allow kids to view but not access the finches.
- Teach gentle handling during periodic supervised interaction. Limit handling time.
- Let kids help with tasks like feeding and cage cleaning to learn responsibility.
- Model kind treatment and empathy toward finches when kids are present.
- Supervise younger children at all times when near finch cages.
- Ask kids to move slowly and speak softly around the finch cage.
- Remind children that finches are fragile living creatures, not toys.
- Consider buying a finch care book for kids to teach proper finch handling.
- Intervene immediately if kids treat finches roughly or inappropriately.
Finches can be a rewarding first pet given proper expectations, setup, instruction, and adult supervision. This teaches children responsibility and kindness toward animals.
Best Finch Species for Pets
If you decide to purchase finches, focus on these popular finch species that adapt well as pets:
- Zebra Finch – Hardy, easy to care for, readily breeds in captivity.
- Society Finch – Docile, mixes well with other finches, varied color patterns.
- Gouldian Finch – Brightly colored plumage, breeds readily if right conditions met.
- Owl Finch – Curious, active personality, unusual facial markings.
- Parson Finch – Hardy with interesting vocalizations, recommended for beginners.
- Bengalese Finch – Bred specifically for docile pet qualities, many color mutations.
Avoid less suitable wild finch species like the Chaffinch or Brambling which don’t adapt well to captivity.
Finch Caging and Habitat Needs
To thrive, pet finches require the right size cage and environment. Here are some tips:
- Minimum cage size is 18″ W x 18″ D x 18″ H for 2-4 finches. Bigger is better.
- Bar spacing should be 1/2″ to 3/4″ maximum to prevent escape.
- Use bird-safe cage materials like stainless steel or powder-coated metals.
- Provide several perches of varying sizes and textures.
- Include both food and water bowls. Use bottle systems cautiously.
- Finches need 2-3″ of coarse bird gravel or sand on cage bottom for foraging.
- Provide natural tree branches, swings, and platforms at various heights.
- Ensure proper ventilation and air circulation inside cage.
- Provide hiding spots but avoid cloth nests or huts which breed mites.
- Place cage out of drafts and direct sunlight to maintain stable temperature.
Keeping the cage clean, with proper lighting and accessories, helps create a stimulating habitat.
Important Finch Diet and Nutrition Tips
Finches thrive on a diet predominately of fortified finch seed mix. Here are some feeding tips:
- Provide 1-2 teaspoons of finch seed mix per finch daily.
- Supplement with spray millet, greens, sprouted seeds, fruits and veggies.
- Use vitamin-enriched finch pellets for 20% of diet.
- Provide calcium/mineral supplements 1-2 times weekly.
- Fresh water always available – change water daily.
- Avoid overfeeding – only give amount birds will eat in a day.
- Wash food and water containers weekly with mild soap and water.
This varied diet will provide balanced nutrition and prevent obesity and diseases.
Signs of a Healthy Finch
Watch for these signs to ensure your finch is healthy:
- Active, alert, energetic behavior
- Bright, clear eyes
- Smooth, well-groomed feathers
- Proper weight and muscle tone
- Strong grip on perches
- Healthy droppings
- Good appetite and drinking
- Smooth, even breathing
- Sings, chirps and vocalizes
- Keeps cage and self clean
Any unusual changes in appearance, behavior, eating or droppings can indicate illness requiring veterinary attention.
Common Finch Health and Behavior Issues
Be alert for these common finch health and behavior problems:
- Respiratory infections – labored breathing, discharge from nostrils
- Eye or nasal discharge – crusty eyes, wet nostrils
- Diarrhea – loose, watery, or discolored droppings
- Feather plucking – bald spots, chewed feathers
- Overgrown beak or nails – inability to eat or perch
- Scaly face and leg mites – crusty buildup on beak and legs
- Parasites – worms, lice
- Egg binding – difficulty passing eggs in females
- Obesity – fatty deposits, lethargy, swelling
- Tumors and cancers – masses or lumps on body
Catching issues early maximizes treatment success. See an avian vet for diagnosis and care.
Preventing Common Finch Diseases
Prevention is critical to finch health. Recommended measures include:
- Purchasing finches from reputable breeders, not pet stores
- Quarantining new finches for 30-45 days
- Performing routine parasite checks and treatments
- Avoiding exposure to other birds
- Disinfecting cage frequently with bird-safe products
- Feeding balanced diet with vitamins
- Using filtered air systems or air purifiers
- Keeping stress levels low by providing enriching habitat
- Having yearly well-bird exams with an avian vet
- Monitoring for signs of illness and acting quickly
Proper preventative care greatly reduces risks and helps ensure a long, healthy life.
Can Finches Live Alone?
Finches are highly social flock birds. Housing them alone risks behavioral problems and stress that can lead to illness. Some tips on finch companions:
- Finches should be kept in same-species pairs or groups.
- Zebra finches are extremely social and do best in groups of 6-8 finches.
- Other finch species can be kept in pairs or trios if space is limited.
- Splitting up bonded pairs causes distress. Keep pairs that have bred together.
- Introduce new finches slowly and monitor for aggression.
- Finches can be housed with other small finch species for diversity.
- Even when kept in groups, interact frequently with each finch daily.
Social enrichment is vital for finches. Solo housing should only be a very short-term solution.
Finding an Avian Vet for Finches
Having an avian vet is key to keeping finches healthy. Here’s how to find a qualified avian vet:
- Ask local bird breeders and stores for trusted avian vet referrals.
- Search online directories like the Association of Avian Veterinarians.
- Look for vets who display credentials like “Certified Avian Specialist.”
- Choose a vet who sees birds regularly, not occasionally.
- Find a vet knowledgeable about finch species specifically.
- Select a vet who provides specialized services like endoscopy.
- Ask detailed questions about the vet’s avian experience and qualifications.
- Schedule an initial consultation visit to evaluate the vet.
Having an avian-savvy vet you trust and can access quickly provides peace of mind.
Are Finches the Right Pet for You?
To decide if finches are a good choice, carefully consider:
- Your ability to provide the proper cage setup and accessories.
- If you can feed the specialized finch diet.
- If you have time to interact with your finches daily.
- Whether finch noise levels work for your home.
- If you can afford finch medical care and emergency costs.
- Whether you have access to a qualified avian vet.
- If you understand finch social needs and are prepared to house multiple birds.
- Whether you can make a long-term commitment, as finches can live 5+ years.
Truthfully assessing your situation helps ensure you and your finches enjoy a healthy, rewarding relationship.
Conclusion
Finches offer many positives as pets, like their beauty, soft vocalizations, low space requirements, and inexpensive care. However, they also need specialized care and close supervision, especially around children. Doing ample research to understand finch needs, having the right habitat, accessing an avian vet, and providing proper social enrichment, diet and preventative care enables finches to thrive as rewarding companion birds.