FINCHforum

I was just wondering..my finches will be housed in a cage, not aviary (getting them tomorrow, will see the cage then) and how often do I let them out of the cage to fly? When I get the cage & them I will let you know the size of the cage. I am willing to let them out a couple hours each day.

Thanks!

My birds stay in their cages--most of them are set up in breeding cages right now, so the quieter, the better. It depends on how big the cage is--it is best to have more length than any other measurement. Hopefully, it will be large enough to house 8 Zebras comfortably. Others on the forum let their birds out of the cage, so they may be able to help you.

I never intentionally let my finches out to just free fly, as they really do hurt themselves! They can run into walls, windows, mirrors (even when you are trying to catch them). I house mine in very spacious flights, so I don't see a need to let them out.

I think a lot of members on here either have aviaries, big flights, or are set up with breeding cages.

Finches pretty much sound like they are going to have a heart attack when you chase them around to catch them... that is why I wouldn't just let them out for fun. I think they are more comfortable in their flight. Mine is 6 feet wide, and holds about 11 finches, and then I have another one that is half the size of that other one that holds two pairs of zebras. I also have a big cage that holds one pair of cut throats, and then I have my quaranteen cage, which is a pretty decent size... right now holding two societies.

Let me know if you'd like a link to some places where you can purchase great finch cages!

Alright, thanks. These are only foster finches as I do foster care for a bird rescue. I will see if the cage is suitable for the finches, and if it isn't, I will try to buy a new one (the only cages I have at the moment are parrot cages)

I wouldn't let the finches fly around the house, there are too many dangers outside the cage (fly into a window, fan, under something etc.)

Parrot cages (depending on the size) probably have bars spaced too far apart. You want something with 1/2 bar spacing, I think most parrot cages have the bars spaced farther apart, but smaller cages may not. Basically your looking for something that won't let the finch "slip through" the bars or get it's head stuck in them (just like bar spacing on stairs that you don't want small children to get their head stuck between).

Hope that helps!