FINCHforum

I do realize that finches are timid birds, but I'm sure they do calm down after awhile and can even consider you a friend.

I'm just wondering, how long does this take? Or rather, how long did it take for YOUR finches to settle down? (as I'm sure every finch is different)

Some finches never do calm down a lot--by that I mean that every time you enter the room, they will fly about their cage, but once you are settled in the room, they will calm down. Most finches don't develop a bond with their owner, that's why they need other finches for company.

My friend, Bethany, has zebras and everytime she puts her hand in their cage to feed/water them, they are curious about her and jump up and down...quite like they are her friends. Is this normal finch behavior?

It may take a few days to a few weeks for them to get used to their surroundings. All of my birds hate it when I reach in to change food or water. Little ungrateful things. Then again when the HAND comes in sometimes it's to grab them and look them over, they don't know the difference... I'm just the giant invader to them.

Interestingly though the Javas I just acquired have landed on my hand and weren't bothered until I moved my hand.

Depends on the individual finch too. The original set of societies that I started with would go bonkers when I would touch the cage....Of course my fiance could walk right up to them.

He actually managed(I still don't understand how) to get one of our finches to flip on command. Seriously...he would say "flippy flip" and Hall would fly to the roof of the cage and hold himself up side down and then flip backwards to the branches. Crazy bird!! One of our females does that but she does it when she feels like it and not on command.

Anyway...back to the subject. The current set of societies that we have are totally fine with us moving close to the cage, but if we move suddenly about the room they will scatter.

It really does depend on the bird. I've never managed to be able to handle a finch like I have parakeets...totally different animal. They def do not want to be touched but do seem to appreciate attention from a distance

What if you come up to them slowly, but get close and talk to them? Will they enjoy it or fly around like crazy lil' things?

As long as I'm not sudden in my movements they're usually fine. I can get quite close to them. I can uaually get my nose to the cage.

Ah I just thought of this. If I'm holding a piece of spray millet...they don't care about anything but that. I can get them the eat the millet right out of my hand if they haven't had it in a while.

As long as we're just going about our business, they're rather cool.

That's great! Thanks!

Fellow bird owners come to my home and are surprised to find my birds all calm and relaxed about humans,

I have 2 goulds in 1 cage who THINK your trying to kill them no matter what, the rest are like whatever lady, they will hop out of the way if I am doing something,

I have a male cordon who doesnt get out of my way at all he just sits there like what ya doing...

Haha! You're hilarious!

My star finches go crazy when I come close. Very hyper. But they also like noise and having someone around (enjoy hearing the TV, etc.) The lady gouldians fly around like crazy when I put my hand in their cage, but otherwise they are cool when I get close to check them out. Very interesting the differences in behavior among breeds. Finches just dont seem to have the same socializing trait but they do show their love through their contentment and their vigorous song (particularly the star finches). Even though finches don't show obvious recognition of their care-taker (at least mine don't) it makes me happy knowing that I have created an artificial home where these exotic, delicate little creatures can thrive and enjoy themselves.