FINCHforum

I was curious whether or not opening a window (with a screen ofcourse) beside the flight cage would help/hurt. I wouldn't plan on leaving them that way overnight in case of drafts and our days are warm. Anyone do this or know any reasons why not to?

I think that would be nice. Fresh air is good, any sunlight that might come in is good (as long as part of the cage is kept shaded). Really the only reason not to is if it is too cold outside (or if there is driving rain etc.), but you say this is not a problem. If the screen were not in place, you might also have to worry about bugs/mosquitos which can transmit disease--but again, the screen should prevent that.

I think it's ok too.... sometimes during the warm days I just take the whole cage and put it outside for an hour or two. My finches seem to love it and fly around a ton when they're outside.

They do seem to enjoy the fresh air. They haven't stopped chirping since I opened the window! lol:) They can hear the outside birds better also. It sounds like they are trying to talk to them I've opened other windows before, but never theirs.THEY LOVE IT!

fresh air is great for them even when its raining.....but drafts and damp they will not tolerate so they will certainly enjoy the window open ...i sometimes leave mine open in winter if the sun is out

ken

I too take our birds in a cage outside when it is not too hot or too cold.
They love it there, especially chirping of wild birds. And they also enjoy when there is some wind (not too strong of course). They look so funny when they fly with or against the wind.

I try to take them out at least twice a week.

I bet they would enjoy that! I've actually been considering letting mine free fly in their room with all the windows and doors shut for a little while . I've been trying to train them with lights to know when to get in the nest, so maybe that'll get them to go back in the cage too!? Should be interesting

When I let my finches out the cage, I actually have to force them out, LOL. They fly for a while and then can't wait to go back in the cage.
They find their "home" rather quickly and most of the time land on the top of the cage trying to figure out how to get inside.

The first time I did it, however, I was v. nervous because I read that finches are hard to catch, that you need nets or turn off the lights in order to catch them, but mine get tired soon and I can scoop them in my hands rather easily.