New to forum and finches

Rae2 · Post by **Rae2** » Thu May 24, 2007 11:20 pm

Hello all, Rae here.

I am new to finches. I was at Petco a week ago and adopted a Society Finch, that had been returned to store. I am sure it is a female. Chirps softly, but no real song as a male would do. Doing well and very healthy. I have always loved finches, but this is my first experience and want to make her comfortable and happy in my home.

She is currently in a smaller cage that is 16" x 16" x 12".

I am looking at a flight cage that is 30" x 18' x 18".
I am also planning on getting her a buddy for company in the next week.

Of course it will be a Society. Hopefully male, not for breeding, but because I love the male singing. I realize it is impossible to sex the birds other than the singing. If I do end up with another female, that will be alright with me, and I will not add any more to that size cage.

My question(s) are:
Will that size flight cage be large enough for two birds?
Will two females live together peacefuly?
Do the majority of finches get along well together?

As for feed and water, are they happier with feed/water cups attached to sides of cage, or can I place bowls on bottom of cage?

Any information you can give a newbie to the finch world would be most apprectiated.

This is a great forum, and I am very happy that I found it, looking forward to learning more about finches and their care.

Thank you all!!!

EmilyHurd · Post by **EmilyHurd** » Thu May 24, 2007 11:35 pm

Hi Rae!

The 30" x 18" x 18" will be suitable for two finches. Two females will definitely live together peacefully, and as far as compatibility see this website:

http://www.finchinfo.com/housing/compatible_species.php

You can put the feed and water on either the side or at the bottom. If you are going to put it at the bottom, don't put it directly under any perches. I put my bowl of food at the bottom just b/c it is less mess for my cages. I use a water bottle for water though.

tammieb · Post by **tammieb** » Sat May 26, 2007 8:46 am

Hi Rae, welcome to the forum and the wonderful world of finches.

Emily has given you very sound advice. Anymore questions, just ask.

Rue · Post by **Rue** » Sat May 26, 2007 10:57 am

...congrats!

You can also mix compatible species too...you don't have to get another society ...

Rae2 · Post by **Rae2** » Sun May 27, 2007 12:57 am

Thank you for your replys.
I will be getting the larger flight cage along with another Society for company this coming week.

I am sure Little Gal will appreciate both!

Another question.
I have heard that grit and cuttlebone are not recommended.
LIke I said, I am new to Finches, but did have a pair of Doves for 24 years. They always had their cuttlebone and grit.
I thought cuttlebone in addition to the calcium was good for their beaks, to help keep them 'trimmed'? And grit was to help with digesting their seed?

I currently have grit in a small cup she can access any time. I have bought a cuttlebone, but will wait to hear more before I place it in with her.

Thanks again for the help, I want to keep her healthy and happy!

EmilyHurd · Post by **EmilyHurd** » Sun May 27, 2007 2:48 am

I think cuttlebone is just fine, but have heard more negative things on grit. So if it were me, I'd take the grit out and put the cuttlebone in.

tammieb · Post by **tammieb** » Sun May 27, 2007 7:25 am

Sand grit is only needed by birds which do not hull their seed. Finches hull their seed.

Soluable grit... oyster shell, cuttlebone and etc. are an important part of a finches diet.

Rae2 · Post by **Rae2** » Sun May 27, 2007 9:57 am

Thanks again, grit is out and cuttlebone is now in cage.

Couple more questions:
I know about air fresheners and frebreeze, quit using them, also have a Panini Grill (very similar to a George Foremen Grill, but gets hotter), when using the grill I put Little Gal in bedroom for a few hours with door shut just in case of the teflon base emmitting that poisen that kills them. Don't want to take any chances.

So here is my newest question:
Are all aresol cans harmful to Finches? My hair spray is in a aresol can along with my dusting supplies and also I use that Cooking Spray in a can.

Should all of these be avoided?

I know I shouldn't use any aresol cans due to helping our Earth function.
Stopping the use and buying those that are not in the aresol cans would not be a hardship for me. I will do this when my supplies run out. But can I use what I have until that time withour harming Little Gal?

Thanks again, you guys are great!

Thalia · Post by **Thalia** » Sun May 27, 2007 10:33 am

I would think that if you're using the aeresol whatever in a room different than where the finches are you should be ok. I'd let the hair spray dry before going in the room with them. If there's a door to close and a fan you can turn on inbetween the room where you're using product and the finches are that's even better. Of course not buying more aerosol when you run out will be best, the finches and the earth will thank you ;)

plantsandbirds · Post by **plantsandbirds** » Mon May 28, 2007 9:38 am

Congratulations on your new finch! You sound like you will do the best you can for her. These little birds love company so she would love a friend in there. I have two males together and they get along just fine.

I've heard that the Teflon pans can be bad for birds but I don't know the whole story. I too try not to do anything too scented in the house, and if I use Pine Sol to clean I open the windows up wide!

Hoji · Post by **Hoji** » Tue May 29, 2007 9:26 am

Hi,
As I understand it, the propellent that was an issue in aerosol sprays has been banded for some time, what you can buy now is ok for the earth!
---Hoji