Red Crested Finch

[Patrick1]

A couple of weeks ago I came across a Red-Crested Finch for sale. I picked it up. The person selling it was completely wrong about it's needs. I could tell at first glance by its beak that this was not a strictly seed eating bird and I'm so glad I found it. It was in terrible shape, but is making a great recovery on insect mixture, mealworms, finch/canary seed and fruits. It's also slowly starting to calm down a little and not bashing into the cage every time I move in the room. I found that providing it with foliage for cover has helped immensely. I would love to keep a discussion going with anyone who wants to share info.

[DanteD716]

I have never heard of them! But good thing he is now in your hands, glad he is doing better. Pictures??

[JohnBoy]

I had them years ago. They are very hardy birds. Not a standard cage bird at all, they need a very large flight or aviary.

[DanteD716]

Just searched them up, very nice

[finchmix22]

Sounds like you're taking very good care of that finch. I hope it continues to improve.

[Patrick1]

Thanks for all of your replies. He's in a very large cage with my canary now. It's neat that they get along so well. It fun to watch them so politely take turn at the treats and roost together for the night. It's funny watching my canary so calmly watch him slightly freak out when I need to reach into the cage. It almost seems as if he's saying, "chill out man, there's treats coming!"

[dan78]

Its sad when people have birds and don't know anything about them. Most birds basic diet consists of seed but its not a diet which they should only be given. Nice to see another rare finch saved from a dismal life. Will you be trying to breed him in the future? Down here in oz they come with a hefty price tag which stops amateurs from buying them but also stops alot of people due to being rare to find.

[JohnBoy]

They have been available for a while now. SWA has them for $300.00 a pair. In the 70's I would get them for $8.00 ea.

[PrettyBird]

Its sad when people have birds and don't know anything about them. Most birds basic diet consists of seed but its not a diet which they should only be given. Nice to see another rare finch saved from a dismal life. Will you be trying to breed him in the future? Down here in oz they come with a hefty price tag which stops amateurs from buying them but also stops alot of people due to being rare to find.

I hear you. Its even worse when they own them for 4 + years and have no idea what type of FINCH they have! (lady had 2 zebra finches)...Why get the bird then? I find it ignorant

[Patrick1]

I have yet to observe mine taking a bath. I began misting him every morning which is benefiting him and I was wondering if any who kept this bird before have observed bathing behavior.