Is my room acceptable to keep a finch in.

TotalKaosE · Post by **TotalKaosE** » Sun Apr 20, 2008 11:22 pm

I was planning on buying a finch from a local pet store, and instead of rushing into it (getting the cage, essentials, bird, ect) and setting it up in my room I decided to look at the situation, and read into finches a bit.

My room situation: Its the warmest room in the house, I have a window door seeing into another room, double sliding door into the hallway, and 2 windows where the sun comes in during the afternoon. I listen to rap music, not extremely loud, and I have 3 cats. One of which is crazy, one that never bother our other birds, and one I'm not sure of.

Usually my cats dont come into my room, but the crazy one sometimes sleeps with me. I'm not sure how finches react with cats and whutnot, and I'm also worried about how it would react to my music.

For the most part I think my room would be decent. I have enough room to have a large cage for it. I also work nights, and sleep in late in the morning, currently at least, and I wanted to know if they're real loud, especially in the morning.

So I was wondering if there was anything I may have over looked here, or if I'm just being picky about this. Thanks for the help in advanced

atarasi · Post by **atarasi** » Sun Apr 20, 2008 11:35 pm

3 cats are probably a bad idea especially if one of them is in the room sleeping with you. Rap music huh?! Can't you listen to some nature music instead with the soothing sound of water trickling?!

Some finches are noisy. Which species are you interested in?

TotalKaosE · Post by **TotalKaosE** » Sun Apr 20, 2008 11:46 pm

I'm not exactly sure of the types and such. I kind of want one thats quieter for the most part. Theres 2 pet stores in my town, and there are 2 more within 30 minutes from me, so I'm assuming that my choices are some what limited.

So to answer your question. I'm not picky about the type, but the quieter the better

TotalKaosE · Post by **TotalKaosE** » Mon Apr 21, 2008 12:10 am

I'm not exactly sure of the types and such. I kind of want one thats quieter for the most part. Theres 2 pet stores in my town, and there are 2 more within 30 minutes from me, so I'm assuming that my choices are some what limited.

So to answer your question. I'm not picky about the type, but the quieter the better

williep · Post by **williep** » Tue Apr 22, 2008 3:28 am

If you are not looking to breed finches you could consider buying 2 females as they do not sing as much. I would go for a quieter species like star finches.

The cats might be a problem unless you buy a closely spaced cage through which a paw won't fit.

As for the rap music, I used to keep birds close to the TV and they even bred but I wouldn't recommend anything that will unsettle them or frighten them. How about using earphones in stead?

dfcauley · Post by **dfcauley** » Tue Apr 22, 2008 7:08 am

I think if you have cats in the house, finches are definate a no no.

Post by **Sally** » Tue Apr 22, 2008 10:24 am

I have lost several finches to cats, so my cats are never allowed in the same room with the birds. Even if you think a cat can't get into the cage, they will sit patiently for hours until a bird perches right next to the wire, and then they get them with their claws--their feet do not have to fit thru the bars.

williep · Post by **williep** » Wed Apr 23, 2008 5:05 am

Maybe the finches should then be separated to a room where the cats aren't allowed or vice versa.

I have nothing against cats but luckily I'm allergic to them. Bad news for any cats but great news to all my finches. I also have a large German Sheppard dog that keeps all cats and wild birds away from my outside aviaries, she is aptly named Rogue (after the X-men character).

kittani79 · Post by **kittani79** » Wed Apr 23, 2008 6:18 pm

I'll have to play devil's advocate here, although I'll caution that my situation is not the norm..... and I know you are all going to flame the living daylights out of me for it.

I have 3 cats, and 4 birds (2 finches, a tiel, and an african grey). The cats were interested for the first week, but now they completely ignore all of my birds. During that first week, I basically sat here (bird room is also computer room) with a water pistol and cat treats and trained them. In fact, my cockatiel will walk right up to a cat and start singing his heart out to it. ALL of my cats either completely ignore the bird, or run away in terror. The youngest cat of course we had to watch him more carefully, but now that he is over a year old he acts exactly the same -- ignore, or run away.

It's not normal, but it shows that it can work, if you know your cats and are willing to be vigilant and work with everyone.

Now, in your particular situation -- you don't know about one of the cats and one is crazy. You'd have to take a lot of precautions. Best if the cats just don't go in the bird room ever, if you aren't completely comfortable with it.

Fancie Flight · Post by **Fancie Flight** » Mon Apr 28, 2008 2:35 am

Well i do rescue work so at present have 12 cats in my home and NEVER EVER allow the cats in the room with the birds,

Cats are hunters birds are prey and I dont care HOW long a cat has been well behaved near birds sooner or later that cats natural instinct WILL take over and bye bye birdie,

Ask the gal with the cat that waited 12 years before eating her bird....

your room is most likely fine the cats however NO< and you would be amazed where them cats can get those little feet,