Outside time

[Finchgirl]

I was wondering if anybody had opinions on if zebra finches should be brought outside in their cage for a short period everyday. I know that calcium and other vitamins cannot be absorbed without vitamin D, and the sun is obviously a good source. Does being outside have any other benefits(or problems)??

[ac12]

pro
- they get sunlight

con
- dropping the cage and they escape
- animals/preditors attacking the cage when you are not watching

[lovemyfinch]

I am going to add one con to Gary`s list. I find it stressful on these tiny little ones when we move their cages around.

[finchmix22]

Another con can be toxins outside from people spraying their yards and fences and if there is a wind, it can blow things in your yard that can cause illness. l lost one bird that way. And the stress of moving them in and out is an issues as well.

[Ameza]

I live on the fifth floor and when I still had my birds in movable cages I took them outside on my baloncy. They really loved it, but if it is sunny it's good to drape over maybe half of the cage so they can stay in the shadow if they get too hot
But now I can't anymore, cuz they are in a huge cage

[cindy]

Gary...taking one on for the con list....

Temperature change...taking them from air conditioning to outside is not a good thing. If they are not use the heat it could stress their body system out.


one more, ok two...ants, wasps....

[Finchgirl]

Thanks for the info I have a deck so most animal attack issues are not a problem, but because of the the moving and temperature stress I may keep them inside.