FINCHforum

Should I move my finches (Fire finches, Owl finches and Cordons) into indoor quarters when winter arrives or will they be able to acclimatize to the dropping temperatures, seeing as it is the middle of summer now?

My question therefore is, as long as I provide a heating source, will they be all right? What are the best options?

P.S. Temperatures can drop below 0 degrees Celsius in my area.

Have they ever had a winter outside or is this their first one? Is this your first go at finches?

From what I understand, finches can stand temperature swings if they get acclimated to it. If its a wild swing and they never had it before, i would say they may not make it. Depends if you want to gamble i guess. Personally, I would bring them inside if you can manage it.

I think it would be a good idea as the temperature starts to drop, to provide a heat source. You should maybe have an enclosed area at one end of the aviary if possible, where you can shut them in at night, to keep them out of the wind, and provide a heat lamp. But there should be room to get away from the heat if they don't want or need it, too. So don't overdo it either. Otherwise you might as well bring them indoors.

I guess someone from your neck of the woods would be better able to tell you though, what kind of accommodation would give adequate protection...

Not my first go, no. I have been breeding show Zebras and Bengalese for years, but I have started with a mixed collection on the sideline. I just wanted some advice.

Luckily winter is still a fair ways away, so I have time to contemplate the best course of action.

Thanks for your thoughts.

if they were bred in an outdoor aviary then I dont see why they shouldnt acclimatise to your winter weather. one thing I would be concerned about would be drafts getting into the aviary. you may need to have a cover of some sort that can be placed on the open parts of the aviary. if it looks like you are going to have a prolonged cold spell then maybe a heat source inside the aviary would be a good idea as well. a couple of people I know use terracotta plant pots with a 60watt light inside them. when the birds are cold they gather near the pots for warmth. apparently the terracotta doesnt cause any burns on the birds.

Thinus, mickp has already given you some good advise. I know a couple of breeders from Klerksdorp who used to keep finches outside during the winter with no problems. Jsut ensure you can cover the exposed sides from wind, you can use clear plastic sheeting or 80%+ shade netting and consider adding a heat source like mickp explained. If you don't want to cover the front of the cage you can always install a wind breaker partition inside the cage and leave the bottom 1m open so the birds can fly underneath, I've seen this method used very effectively with gouldians.

the finches u mentioned can have a bit cold , although i wouldn't keep them outside , fog and cold winds are the real killers .. i always close the gate to the aviary when the temp drops below 5 C and put the heater on to 15 C inside . On the other hand i know people here that keep the africans outside even its minus 15 C ..

Ray