FINCHforum

Bought, a new habitat today. Came out of a 13 inch cage this one is 22 inches. I said before one of my finches has missing toes and noticed that one didn't want to fly to the black water dish after spray millet feeding. Sat on the perch leaning and staring at it, really trying to get there. After an hour I decided to use the old white dish which I do not like but the bird didn't have a problem getting its drink. Should I try again walk away and see if it forces itself to it or just use the old ones??? Also since one of my birds has missing toes I added the old white perches with the new stick perches. Totaling 5 Perches and its nest. Should I reduce this and force them into more flight(is my cage over crowded???)??? Pics are uploaded below looking for recommendations, on any changes I should make to the habitat?

Five perches would definitely be too many for that size cage. If the perches are too close together, the birds tend to hop rather than fly. With a 30x18x18 cage, there is enough length to allow them to fly. I use two perches with a 30x18x18 cage, one at each end, and then I hang a small swing in the middle towards the back of the cage, most finches love a swing. And for perches, I cut small branches from garden shrubs or trees. It gives them a better grip than the smooth manufactured perches. I use tube waterers, and so somewhere near the center of the front, I place one of the mini pedi-perches made by Living World, and then place the tube waterer next to it. This helps keep their nails and beak trimmed.

Watch how your birds move around the cage...It is wonderful that you have given them more space....A bigger cage is always a good thing.....If they are not flying at all and only hop from perch to perch you should eliminate some of the perches....Of course you need to supply what is needed for the little guy without toes....Allow as much space for flying as you can....It will keep your birds stronger and healthier in the long run....They should love the extra room in your new cage...Hope this helps

The 2 Dowel Perches were eliminated to encourage flight - one lower branch and one upper (opposite sides). And have added a bird path.