FINCHforum

The following are ESSENTIAL for new finch owners and a refresher for the more experienced bird keeper

DO’s –

• Get the biggest / widest cage you can afford, with bar-spacing of no more than ½”. Height doesn't really matter. This will help ensure your finches can get lots of exercise safely within the cage
• For healthy feet, use clean branches (not pine) from outside for perches in the cage – do not use plastic or wooden dowels
• Supply a pedi-perch for your finches to help keep their beak and claws trim
• Have a night light near the cage (to reduce the chance of night frights)
• Place cage near a window for sunshine (if possible) but ensure shade is available as well
• Provide clean bath water of no more than 3/4” deep, a couple of times each week
• Have a small hospital cage available
• Have a heat lamp available (for use at first sign of illness)
• Have a first aid kit available which would include flour, cornstarch or Liquid Bandage to stop bleeding, regular pair of human nail clippers (to trim excessively long claws or beaks) and a closed band removal tool
• Have avian electrolytes available (Guardian Angel, Thrive, NV Powder or Vitalize)
• Have liquid calcium available (in case of egg binding)
• Supply fresh water daily
• Supply fresh finch seed and check the seed dish for hulls sitting on top – remove hulls (carefully) daily
• Supply fresh egg food and veggies
• Buy a few fake plants (plastic) from the dollar store and add them in the cage for a more natural look
• Check out http://www.FinchForum.com for 24/7 international support, aid, friendships, and more!

DON’Ts ––

• Teflon – you should get rid of all Teflon cookware as burning odours can kill birds within minutes
• No smoking anywhere near birds (or in the house)
• No aerosol sprays, perfumes, Febreeze, etcetera
• No candles or incense - birds respiratory systems are extremely sensitive to air contaminants of all kinds
• Cats, dogs, parrots, small children – watch that they do not stress out your birds - stress can kill birds
• Never release caged birds into the wild - never ever do that
• Don't allow birds to breed unless you have homes for the babies
• No nest boxes = less chance of breeding = less chance of egg binding.

Birds do NOT need a nest to be happy!

Keeping the above points in mind will help ensure your birds are happy and healthy!!

I created and copied this (from my website) and thought it might be useful on this forum as well. If you know of other Essential Points for newbies, please add them below and I will include them within this first post.

I like this post a lot!

FancyFinch wrote:I like this post a lot!

But... you didn't "like" it.

Liked! Lol

FancyFinch wrote:Liked! Lol

You're funny! I like that! Honestly!

I especially "like" the big bold BIRDS DO NOT NEED NESTS TO BE HAPPY!

Some people just never understand that and I don't know how to make it any clearer.

Don't forget - if there is anything I've missed, please be sure to let me know so I can add it here and on my website. Thanks!

Here's two more I just thought of and will add to the above list -

• Never release caged birds into the wild - never ever do that
• Don't allow birds to breed unless you have homes for the babies

I would like to bold NEVER RELEASE CAGED BIRDS INTO THE WILD

I think this should be on a sticker on every bird cage!

FancyFinch wrote:I especially "like" the big bold BIRDS DO NOT NEED NESTS TO BE HAPPY!

Maybe with the exception of owl finches. My are very unhappy when I do not have a nest for them to sleep in. And they let me know it!

dfcauley wrote:

FancyFinch wrote:I especially "like" the big bold BIRDS DO NOT NEED NESTS TO BE HAPPY!

Maybe with the exception of owl finches. My are very unhappy when I do not have a nest for them to sleep in. And they let me know it!

They would get over it and not only survive but thrive without a nest Donna. All my finches do - Owls included!

L in Ontario wrote:

dfcauley wrote:

FancyFinch wrote:I especially "like" the big bold BIRDS DO NOT NEED NESTS TO BE HAPPY!

Maybe with the exception of owl finches. My are very unhappy when I do not have a nest for them to sleep in. And they let me know it!

They would get over it and not only survive but thrive without a nest Donna. All my finches do - Owls included!

I am sure they would .... get over it. I just spoil them and they are certainly thriving! They don't go near their nest until lights out. I wish they would use it for other things..... like breeding...

With the hospital cage, last saturday, I went to a local shop that has a huge bird section, and they had a tiny little travel cage (originally for ferrets and rodents) It comes with a tiny plastic perch to fit inside, and I think it's a good little cage to go to the vet with only downside is that it opens from the top... but then again, it's only 16 bucks! will post a picture when I get home this afternoon

wearjo wrote:With the hospital cage, last saturday, I went to a local shop that has a huge bird section, and they had a tiny little travel cage (originally for ferrets and rodents) It comes with a tiny plastic perch to fit inside, and I think it's a good little cage to go to the vet with only downside is that it opens from the top... but then again, it's only 16 bucks! will post a picture when I get home this afternoon

That sounds quite usable. Perhaps if you keep a small hand towel to cover the top entrance while catching the bird, that may help.

Great post Liz
And yes I did Like it