Finch Cages – A Few Basic Reminders
Finches love to fly. So in case you have finches at home but don’t have space, means to build an aviary, or your collection of finches are too small, then it would be impractical to have an aviary built. However, you can opt for purchasing your finches a deceit sized cage.
If you like to breed finches, then all the more reason to have a few cages to keep two pairs in one cage to ensure they don’t mate with any other finch.
Your finch cages should be big enough to allow flight. Flying around in a spacious cage keeps them strong, active, healthy, and comfortable. Enough space for flight exercises their flight muscles. Just because it’s a cage and not an aviary, doesn’t mean its okay for the birds not to be able to fly. Two finches should at least have a cage that is 30 inches in length. And indeed, larger groups of finches need longer cages.
However, the size of your cages may also depend on the type of breed you own. Finches such as, Society, Zebra, and Gouldians are very active birds and a modestly sized cage will suffice. They can live comfortable lives in their cage and may even breed as long as all the other important factors, food and safety from predators comply.
Other breeds of finches that are slightly larger than the others; such as, the Tri-Color Nuns, Spice and Java Rice finches need a bigger cage. Other breeds such as, Waxbills are so active that they need an even more spacious cage.
Another thing to consider isn’t just the size of the cage but what you put inside it. It is important not to clutter the interior of the cage with too many toys, perches, swings, and what have you. Remember finches love to fly, and it won’t do them any good if there is too much stuff inside their cage barely allowing them room to fly. Make sure not to crowd perches or put them near each other. The birds will simply hop from one perch to the next without even actually flying. Try putting the perches on corners instead and nothing should be put in the way of their flight paths.
The bars of the cage should be spaced so that no bird can escape or have its head stuck between the spaces which can be deadly for them if no one is around to render aid.
Cages should be put at eye level and in a room that receives plenty of natural light – not direct sunlight, though. Drafts should be avoided since finches prefer dry environments. There should be soft light at night so they can see where they’re going to rest.
Also cages must be away from the reach of dogs, cats, and other household pets – even people. A room with too many people makes finches nervous. You might hear them sing but they may not be singing at all, they’re rather scared. So do allow space between where people walk and the cage.
