8 Tips to Help You Care for Finches
Did you choose a finch for a pet because you heard finch care was minimal and you thought you could handle it? If you did, you’re not alone. The independent, hardy nature of finches makes them a great first pet. Even so, there are basics to finch care that every owner must know in order to keep their finches vibrant and healthy. Follow these basic 8 steps to finch care, and chances are you and your finches will have a long and healthy relationship!
- Give your bird room to exercise. Good finch care requires them being housed in a cage that gives them at least 20 inches of flying height. More if possible. Make sure you have an idea where you are going to keep the cage, and choose one that has lots of room for your bird to exercise. Birds kept in small cages can become overweight, more prone to disease, and bored. Also, put ladders, swings, mirrors, bells, and other toys in the cage for your bird to stay active with. Finches are happiest when they are able to remain active and stimulated!
- Choose healthy bird-seeds and supplement with natural foods. You shouldn’t just purchase a bag of game bird food for your indoor finch. Remember, they don’t live in the wild and they will need some minerals to be supplements. Instead, keep fresh bird food in the cage at all times, and offer your finch treats like sprouts, lettuce, potatoes, small pieces of fruit and other fruits and vegetables. If they don’t eat it, then remove it from the cage so it won’t spoil. Also, remember that finch care requires you to remove the leftover bird food from the cage daily, to ensure that it isn’t spoiled.
- Supply your finches with grit and charcoal. Most finch owners sprinkle the grit on the bottom of the cage. This helps your bird with digestion and is something that they normally find in nature.
- It is important that finch care involve taking care of their feet. One of the easiest ways to do this is to supply your finch with different size perches (in thickness) which will help them exercise the feet muscles. You also need to make sure that their nails stay trim. If you want to try and cut your finches nails, you must be careful. You can actually cut a vein if you cut too far. Keeping a cement perch in the cage can be an easy way to keep their nails filed down. Just don’t make all the perches cement, which will cause too much strain on your finches feet. If you plan on trimming your finch’s feet, make sure you purchase a special trimming tool made for birds.
- Provide fresh, clean drinking water often. Make sure you change the drinking water often, especially if it becomes soiled with food or litter
- Finches are very clean birds. They should be provided with a small, shallow dish of warm water to bathe in, should they decide to do so. Many experts agree that finches that aren’t offered a chance to bathe can become depressed and lethargic.
- Finch care requires giving your finch a nesting box. This can be a simple wicker basket to nest in or may be called a breeding box at a pet store. Even if your finches are not breeding, they will appreciate the snug sleeping quarters.
- Clean the cage every week. Use hot, soapy water and make sure to clean the entire cage. Using paper to line the cage with will help this process along. You can also keep a bird protector plate on the side of the cage to help prevent your bird from getting mites. A clean cage is essential to healthy finch care.
Finch care doesn’t have to be difficult. Pay attention to your bird and look for any signs that they may not be feeling well. Birds that become ill will look swollen and will not be as active as normal. If you follow these steps to great finch care, you will find out what hundreds of finch owners already know. Finches are truly easy to care for and even easier to love.
|
Yes James! I Want to Learn All the Secrets to Keeping, Breeding and Caring for Finches! Send Me My Free “Finch Care” Email Course Today! You Will Receive the First Lesson in Your Inbox Immediately. 100% Spam Free! I Value Your Email Privacy. |
