New to having finces and know nothing! Help!

[amazon]

Hello everyone and thanks for accepting me to post a zillion questions!
I've been given 4 finches, I think they are zebra? I will attach a photo tomorrow.
They have come in a small cage, so I'm going to build them an aviary. I have a list of questions to start with if that's ok as I've never kept finch before, but how cool are they!

What's a good list of food for them?
The aviary mesh ive seen is 1/4" x 1/4" 0.7mm gage, will that be strong enough or should I get 1/2 x 1/2 1mm gage?
I saw a video on youtube and in the aviary there were lots of nests, is this necessary for their happiness?
Any other advice you can offer will be apreciated
Thanks

[dunker817]

Welcome to the forum. Finches are cool little birds. I can't answer about the wire. My aviary is a converted bedroom. But many here have aviaries so I'm sure you will get an answer on what to use. From what I can tell from reading is that finches will do just fine without nests. Nests tend to stimulate breeding behavior. I'm not ready for a babies so I don't give mine an opportunity to build one.

[Sally]

Welcome to the forum! There's lots of good reading at www.finchinfo.com, where you will find many articles on finch care, especially diet and nutrition. I don't have an outside aviary, so can't answer your question on the wire, though 1/4" wire will keep out all predators, while mice and small snakes can get through the 1/2" wire. If they are Zebra finches, then unless you want lots of babies, don't offer any nests. Zebras breed like rabbits! Once you've posted photos, someone can help you ID them.

[jamezyboo21]

Welcome to the forum!

[kyro]

Welcome to the forum!

Zebra and Society finches are the best finches for beginners. Relatively easy to keep and very prolific breeders.

[Koko]

Welcom, Amazon!
I am glad not only I am new here

Anybody asked which sex your zebra finches are. I also have zebra finches and if it comes about cocks there is no problem with nests (in my cage). Sometimes they quarrel, one chasing after another the whole room, but it is only moment and after that they sleep together. It is sth like "hide and seek". They sleep in theri box padded with different blades of grass. I think it is good they had some nest/box where they could hide and feel safely.

[lovezebs]

amazon

Welcome to the Forum.

Regarding diet:
A good quality Finch seed mix, along with plenty of chopped up greens and some fruit, will be appreciated. Some hard boiled eggs for protein. Cuttlebone and grit and a mineral block are important as well. Spray Millet, is greatly appreciated as well (as a treat).

Regarding housing:
If kept indoors, than a large flight can be adequate (especially if not planning on breeding). If handy with wood and tools, then an aviary is a lovely idea, and your birds will love you for it.

Regarding nests:
Unless you wish to breed, then nests are not necessary, although Zebras and Societies, do enjoy sleeping in nests as a group. You can always offer something like a bird shelf as an alternative, for them to snuggle on.

Goodluck with your new babies.

Elana

[Ginene]

Welcome to the forum

[TheExtremeCraftsman]

Hello and welcome. I'm new as well but build a lot of cages. The school of thought here is the smaller the square the lower the visibility. We mostly use 1x1/2 unless you plan on babies they say use 1/2x1/2. I would think about using the 1/4 mesh from the bottom up about two feet and then go to the larger mesh. That should take care of critters of the crawling type. If you have possums or coons in the area, that's a hole nuther storie.

Create a proper foundation below grass level helps big time. anyway welcome and if I can help with design or the build let me know...

[Ginene]

I would do various searches on the forum for questions/topics that arise, and I bet you will find your answers. Best of luck with your new birds