Finches (Fringillidae)
Just like canaries, finches are great for people who enjoy watching birds rather than having a demanding pet that requires a lot of personal attention.
Housing and Breeding Finches: I hate to see them in small cages.
Since these are birds that will ALWAYS be in a cage in most households, I would hope that people give them a roomy flight cage, preferably with some plants in it for the finches to enjoy.
They should be able to fly. Make it a “project” to prepare an attractive flight cage for them, with lots of toys and natural branches, maybe some plants.
I would always at least get two finches — there is nothing sorrier than one lone finch or canary in a cage. They are social beings — and you will enjoy watching them interact.
If you haven’t owned any finches yet, I would recommend starting with the Zebra Finch or Society Finches.
They also get along fine in an aviary setting. They are truly easy to take care of, hardy and charming. They are also VERY inexpensive. I remember I bought several mutations for less than $10 each from local breeders for a zebra finch.
Societies were a little more expensive. You might pay more in pet shops. But they are still very affordable.
Some of those finches (depending on the species) do make a lot of babies … and babies … and babies. I remember that within a year I had a hundred of them!
… This is why their price is so low for the more prolific finch species. Breeders are always overstocked with them and they may be difficult to sell.
Further Finch Reading
- Finch Information
- Index of Finch Species
- Photos of the Different Finch Species for Identification
- Common Health Problems of Finches
- Finch / Canary Diet / Nutrition
