Do they get bored?

rowaradragon · Post by **rowaradragon** » Sun May 13, 2007 4:22 pm

I was wondering, do finches get bored? Do they need things to occupy themselves with? Random question but i was wondering.

C A · Post by **C A** » Sun May 13, 2007 5:04 pm

I was told when I purchased my finches(from petsmart) that when they get bored they will pluck at each other more than usual. The solution is to provide them with a nest and nesting material, but once they have it built, clean the nest out and let them start over. It gives them plenty to do, and they don't seem to mind that much. If trying to breed I would suggest an alternative method of keeping them busy if needed, but i'm sure they will already be pretty busy

. I give Timothy Hay to my finches to build nests with. They also enjoy chewing on it. It's kind of messy though!Combined with the plants surrounding the cage, they seem to be pretty happy!

rowaradragon · Post by **rowaradragon** » Sun May 13, 2007 5:48 pm

Well, I gave them nesting materials but they didn't do anything with it, this was a week ago, and the time before then I put the stuff in the nest myself and they just sat in it... not making it better or anything so I dunno that that would keep them busy. lol

Rue · Post by **Rue** » Sun May 13, 2007 8:01 pm

Not to be anthropomorphic...but I think any animal gets bored in small surroundings...which is why 'enrichment' is a popular term right now in animal care...

...the hay is a great idea...but messy as CA mentioned...

...we also change branches regularily...new branches keep them entertained...swings...different foods in different places provide some 'foraging' thrills...

I also am a firm believer in not overdoing routine...

For example...maybe only give hay once a week...I only give a millet spray weekly...gives them something to get excited about...otherwise the treats aren't really treats...

StevePax · Post by **StevePax** » Sun May 13, 2007 9:53 pm

I have a couple of "birdie pacifiers" in my cages - you know, those clusters of nylon (or something) threads. All the birds seem to like to sit by it, tug at it, and everything. Before my female CB died, she used to go grab a strand and just do the hopping mating dance right there, holding on to it, because she couldn't pull it loose.

Crystal · Post by **Crystal** » Mon May 14, 2007 3:29 am

I agree with the above enrichment techniques... Also when I provide treats like spray millet, I suspend them from the top of the aviary so the birds have to work to get at the seeds. Nests and materials are often fun but may lead to unwanted breeding/squabbling, so I'm always careful when deciding to provide those kinds of items. Finches love live (or silk) nontoxic plants if your enclosure is large enough to accommodate them. As already mentioned, swings and "pacifiers" of short pieces of thick string (not thread) tied to the side of the enclosure, egg food and other tasty treats, plenty of flying space, and suitable companions are all great options as well to keep birds busy. They also love bathing and, if you are able and it is safe to do so, they really love being outdoors (always provide some shade, keep predators away, and if possible, do your best to keep bugs like mosquitoes away from the birds--a screened in patio or placing the cage by a screen window is a great way to accomplish this).

rowaradragon · Post by **rowaradragon** » Mon May 14, 2007 11:46 pm

Well, I guess now is the time I ask how big of a cage should I have. They don't have much flying room in the cage they came with.

Rue · Post by **Rue** » Mon May 14, 2007 11:51 pm

The bigger the better...finches need to fly...

Having said that...try for at least 32" long to provide them with some 'flight' area within the cage...

StevePax · Post by **StevePax** » Tue May 15, 2007 9:14 am

Keep in mind a couple of things - bigger cages are actually easier to keep clean, because there is a higher ratio of cage liner to poop. Also, you will enjoy your birds much, much more if you have a big cage. I just got a cage that is about 64 inches wide - the birds actually have to fly across, and flap those wings a bunch. They are loving it, and I love it. It's so fun to watch them zip that far across a cage. A bigger cage is not an inconvenience at all - it's so much easier, and so much better.

rowaradragon · Post by **rowaradragon** » Tue May 15, 2007 10:52 am

And how much do those go for? Money is tight.

StevePax · Post by **StevePax** » Tue May 15, 2007 11:04 am

My big cage was about $250. But you can get a decent cage (30x18x18) for about $40, easily.

rowaradragon · Post by **rowaradragon** » Tue May 15, 2007 2:18 pm

Is that going to be big enough?

Rue · Post by **Rue** » Tue May 15, 2007 6:18 pm

...as we said...the bigger the cage the better...but if you can't afford it...try not to go any smaller than what we recommended...

Don't forget...you can build your own! 2x2"s and welded wire (hardware cloth)...

Thalia · Post by **Thalia** » Tue May 15, 2007 8:27 pm

also look on craigslist and freecycle and at garage sales (carboot sales right kenny

) for used cages!

bluefinch · Post by **bluefinch** » Tue May 15, 2007 10:16 pm

Don't forget...you can build your own! 2x2"s and welded wire (hardware cloth)

Rue is right. It really doesn’t take allot to build a nice large cage. I have built a few just by using wire mesh, crimps, a pair of pliers, a wire cutters and a file (to file down any sharp points). You could also do what I did and get two old cages and turn them into one big cage.