Finch virgin with lots of q's!

Mags · Post by **Mags** » Thu Jun 19, 2008 8:15 pm

So I recently decided that in the near future, my life needs to include my first finches! (I have to wait until my current roommate moves and takes her cat with her, so I can scheme and dream for the next few months.) Just a couple birds to start, and I just want to admire them, no breeding. Does that mean I have to have all one sex in a cage?

I recently found this cage, and would love some professional feedback--it seems both functional and beautiful (comes in natural, green, and a lovely, vibrant cherry red.) How many finches can it accommodate? More than 2? It sells for $300 at this place, but the same seller has it for $159 on ebay.

I really am drawn to the spice finches, are they a good 'first' species? Any other peaceful, beautiful breeds you'd recommend?

That's all I can think of. Forgive the outpouring of enthusiasm, everyone else I know is maxed out on my finch talk.

Thanks all!

Kiko · Post by **Kiko** » Thu Jun 19, 2008 10:09 pm

I am a relative newbie too. Just acquired my first finches, a pair of Gouldians, a few months ago.

That cage is good for two finches. If you don't want to breed, you can have a same sex cage, or just not put nests in. Some finches, like Societies, will apparently lay eggs anywhere, but others won't breed without the proper nest.
I don't want to breed finches, so I am not putting nests in.

There are inexpensive breeder cages on Ebay, that are 30"L x 18" hi x 18" wide, that you could buy.
Another, larger cage, is by HQ, and is favoured by many on this site
http://www.hqbirdcages.com/hq_flight_cage.html, similar cost than the bamboo cage but quite a bit larger.

I will let others more experienced than I answer your spice finch question!

Good luck and have fun doing your research!

jamezyboo21 · Post by **jamezyboo21** » Thu Jun 19, 2008 11:03 pm

I would say a Spice finch is a good beginner. I had one before and it was perfectly fine with its home. My usual setup is a medium size cage, fresh water everyday with vitamin in it. fresh food, i also give them regular seed mix, vegetable mix and fruit mix all can be bought at any petshop, and they always have a cuttle bone for calcium. For molting i get a diet for molting. It is pretty easy to take care of finches. And make sure you have diffrent perches to excersize the feet. If you need more info there is a link to the left FIC it has plenty of info to help you.