Send This Site to a Friend

Keeping Finches as Pet Birds




Finches love to have visual contact with people, however,
typically do not like to be handled.

They do not really enjoy interacting with people, much
preferring the company of a fellow bird. Finches can be
kept as a single pet, but it's not recommended.

Talking and whistling to a pet finch will be enough
interaction for them. They are not good at talking,
learning tricks or cuddling.



Facts about Pet Finches

A Pet Finch's lifespan is about 5 years
They are about 3"-5" in length
Finches come from Asia, Africa and Australia.

The most common finches are the Zebra, Lady Gouldian &
Australian Grass Finches


Minimum cage size is 12"W x 12"L x 15"H

Provide perches of different widths, diameters and textures
to help keep her feet healthy.

Place a finch's cage off the floor, away from drafts, open
windows and the kitchen. Finches are sensitive to
smoke and strong odors. Cover the cage at night to prevent drafts.

Finches like to sleep in wicker nests. Put clean grass
hay or straw inside the cage and they will use it to line their
nests. To avoid fights, there should be several more nests than
birds inside the cage.


What to Feed Pet Finches

Pet finches need 1-2 teaspoons of a pellet or seed-based,
fortified finch diet each day.


About 5-10% of a pet finch's diet should be bite sized fruits and
veggies like apples, bananas, grapes, sweet potatoes, broccoli,
spinach, dandelion, mustard greens and shredded carrots. Offer
daily or every 2-3 days.


Keep a cuttle bone in your finch's cage at all times. Also,
occasionally give your finch small mealworms.


Finches should always have access to clean, fresh water in a
bowl. Don't use tap water. We recommend Steam Distilled water
for it's purity.


Signs a Pet Finch is Healthy


Clear, bright eyes
Clean, smooth feathers
Eats throughout the day
Normal droppings that are not runny for more than a couple of days


Signs a Pet Finch may be getting sick

Decreased appetite; weight loss
Decreased activity and grooming behavior
Discharge from nose or mouth; sneezing
Feathers fluffed for prolonged periods of time
Sitting at the bottom of cage

Picture Zebra Finch



See Also:

Index of All Bird Care & Birdie Fun Stuff

Search Our Site