Finch Garden/Aquarium Planting

[Atticus]

I have been scheming to build a garden with tropical plants, along with wire framing or glass that can house a single finch. It would look less like an aviary, but more like an organic flight cage that wouldn't exceed 3 feet or so.

I am a horticulturist and have a long list of non toxic plants to birds but If anyone has any pictures or any other ideas let me know.

Are aquariums ok to keep birds in?

[finchmix22]

Atticus
The finches would need ventilation and lighting that has UVA and UVB spectrum rays. Most plant bulbs don't have both. I'm sure the finches would love a small planted flight cage as long as, like you said, they are not toxic to finches.

[KarenB]

The tropical theme sounds nice. Gouldian finches are from more tropical areas and would be beautiful in a setting like that, as are some of the other Australian finches like zebras. Most finches are from grasslands, which is where they acquire their main food source...grass seeds. Not sure exactly how tropical you wanted to get or what exactly you have in mind for plants, but ivy is always nice, because they can perch among it. However, finches will chew on your beautiful plants, so keep that in mind.

I personally would not put finches into an aquarium. Aquariums are for fish and don't give enough ventilation that the finch needs. If you wanted a glass front, I don't see an issue with that, but there must be some air flow. And you wouldn't want to pack too many plants into the enclosure, because you need to leave room for the birds to fly around. Most people put their plants in the back and on the sides and maybe hanging in front of nesting areas for privacy.

I'll be interested in seeing what you come up with. Looking forward to seeing your setup.

[Toddmin]

I have seen birds in a 4 sided glass aviary, which would be very similar to a terrarium. The top of the aviary had a mesh screen with the necessary lights. In order to get the needed air flow, a computer fan was installed in the top lid, which drew air out of the aviary, and prevented a draft on the birds. They did quite well in there.

[kyubi]

And like u said .... A single finch? If u want to do 1 , canary is better for u , not finch... But that is a lovely idea tho , but like the other member said , they will chew em up...

[Mrs.V-Perez]

I want one of them fancy aviarys , with plexi front made outta some hutch or other furniture peice, with roses !! I'm a rosarian and I just started into the finches and would love to combine my two interest . I purchased this cage online it's perfect flight cage for one-4 birds .o suggest buying a pair even if it's same sex if your not interested in breeding . Birdies get lonely ,molt and get sick . I learned that the hard way I bought two gouldians at the same time then did a cross state drive in Texas and my male bird died:( . They were siblings and she started acting weird days later, kinda sat in one spot...she didn't wanna fly , she started rubbing her beak off the perchs. it took me 4 months to find a Gouldian dealer in El Paso and by then her colors were fading and she slept on the bottom of the cage .... I seriously think the poor girl suffered through depression .... I know I'm placing human emotions on a animal but I didn't know what else it was. After I purchased a male she started to flit about and he romanced her but she played hard to get ...6 months later imma happy owner of4 goulddians they had there first clutch aug 16
So my little two cents is get two birdies. It doesn't have to be the same species either you can mix just make sure they are compatible .

[Mrs.V-Perez]

Sorry my message was to long wouldn't let me post my pic of cage

[lovezebs]

Atticus
An interesting concept, however....
As mentioned above, you would need air circulation and ventilation and heat.
As for plants, someone above mentioned 'ivy'. As I recall, ivy, is a big no-no, as it is toxic to finches. Regarding other plants, I am pretty sure there is a list of good and bad plants somewhere here on the Forum. Again as mentioned, you will have to be constantly replanting, because the plants will get chewed and pooped upon etc.
Regarding 'one' finch... As finches are very social creatures, one finch is never a good idea under any circumstances. You should have at least two.
Don't know if this was of any help, but would like to wish you luck in your project.

[Mrs.V-Perez]

Atticus
An interesting concept, however....
As mentioned above, you would need air circulation and ventilation and heat.
As for plants, someone above mentioned 'ivy'. As I recall, ivy, is a big no-no, as it is toxic to finches. Regarding other plants, I am pretty sure there is a list of good and bad plants somewhere here on the Forum. Again as mentioned, you will have to be constantly replanting, because the plants will get chewed and pooped upon etc.
Regarding 'one' finch... As finches are very social creatures, one finch is never a good idea under any circumstances. You should have at least two.
Don't know if this was of any help, but would like to wish you luck in your project.

Well maybe you can spot clean with a spray bottle full of water and then paper towel the leaves when your done. Also you can keep them in pots and remove them from your aviary.
This site gives list of good plants I have a large outdoor cage I have the bars twined with Bougainvillea my birds played hide in seek in the leaves I kept the root system planted outside the cage and in pots for better winter maintance on the plants .

[Mrs.V-Perez]

http://www.finchniche.com/features_aviaryplants.php