There are hundreds of finches!

Here at Lotus Birds we raise a few different Finches .. We presently raise Societies, Lady Gouldians, Peters Twinspots, Strawberries, Orange Cheeked, and Owls. Finches have been enjoyed as pets all over the world, and some have been domesticated for over 500 years! They are all make lively, interesting, cheerful companions most have a wonderful song especially the males!




Description:

There is such a wide variety of finches! They vary in size from under 3" up to 8" (7.5-20 cm) in length. Their plumage can be very colorful, depending on the species. Finches are mostly quiet birds, there are some that have a song, and most are very active. The average lifespan of most finches is between 5 and 10 years, though there have been some finches known to have lived for up to 27 years!

Distribution:

Finches are found throughout the world and many are now bred in captivity.

Care and feeding:

Fresh food and water must be provided daily. Finches are easy to feed. Finch seed is their everyday food and seed mixes are readily available.. A single finch will eat about one teaspoon of seed a day and will rarely overeat, though they may need to eat a bit more when the weather is cold or during their moult. Supplements are very important and can be put in an extra dish and rotated for variety. Sprouted seed and spray millet are especially good. For proteins, you can offer supplements such as egg food, insects such as meal worms and fruit flies. Other supplements to offer sparingly include greens such as: spinach, chickweed, carrot tops, watercress, dandelions, and leaf lettuce, as well as an occasional bit of apple or pear. Finch treats of seed with honey, fruits and vegetables are fun for your bird too, as well as nutritious! Grit with charcoal is essential to aid in digestion and it contains valuable minerals and trace elements. Grit should be provided in a special cup . Provide a cuttlebone because the calcium it provides will give your bird a firm beak, strong eggshells when breeding, and will help prevent egg binding.

Housing:

Finches get their exercise by flying so it is recommended to have a wide cage as opposed to a tall cage to allow for flight room. Keep the cage away from doors and windows where direct exposure to sunlight can make it overly warm, or drafts which can chill the birds, do place it close to at least one warm wall to enhance a feeling of security. Provide two or three good wood perches about 3/8" to 3/4" in diameter, a varied diameter is good exercise for the finches feet. Tree branches of a similar size from safe wood trees also make good perches and will help to wear the nails down naturally. Also provide dishes for food, water, treats, and grit as well as an area for a bath.



Maintenance:

Although finches require very little time, a clean environment as well as fresh food and water daily is a must to prevent disease and illness. The basic cage care includes daily cleaning of the water and food dishes. Every two to three days change the paper on the bottom of the cage and sprinkle it with about 1/8" of fresh grit.