The fun part is buying your fins and then taking them home; The part that can be a bit difficult, according to breeders, is getting the birds comfortable in their new environment. To ensure good health and vitality, you must take steps to acclimate your new birds to their new home as quickly and stress-free as possible.
You should have already prepared a temporary environment for your birds even before you visit the breeder and purchase your finches. A large cage will do, remember that although the birds are small, they need a lot of space. Place a bowl of water and a plate of millet seed along with some bird crackers in the cage so that the finches are readily available for food as soon as they are introduced to their new home.
It would be ideal if you ask the breeder for a cup of the usual bird food so that you can mix it with the new food that you will be feeding the finches. This way, they will eat as soon as they are introduced to their new home. Fresh seeds are the best option, grasses rich in seed stalks would make a wonderful welcome meal for finches.
For those who already have an aviary population at home, don’t add your new birds to the aviary right away. You will need a separate cage to quarantine the new finches for about five days, allowing them to acclimate to their new environment before introducing them to the existing bird population.
Finches are shy, timid birds and excessive stimulation is not good for them. They will become very active once they have adjusted to their new home, but when you first bring them home, they need a calm, quiet area. If your home is full of noise and activity, you’ll need to find a quiet area to place his cage against a wall at face height. Make sure the cage is not exposed to drafts, direct sunlight or air vents, as this could be dangerous for your birds. You can also place a thin cloth over the cage to help them adjust by giving them their own “space”.
Whether you use an outdoor aviary, an indoor aviary, or a large cage; The method you choose to house your birds has a direct effect on their health. An outdoor aviary is ideal, if you have the budget for it. If you don’t have the budget for an outdoor aviary, consider getting an indoor aviary. An aviary that is at least forty inches high is perfect for a pair of finches.
Free plans for building an aviary can be found by searching the internet. Almost any sturdy material can be used to build the main structure of your bird. Some people like to use inexpensive plastic tubing, while others choose varnished wood.
If an aviary is not within your budget, birds can be temporarily housed in a cage that is at least 20 X 20 X 20; this size is ideal for two birds. If you put too many birds in one cage, congestion can result and this is very stressful on their finches. Stress on the fins can lead to illness, disease, and death.
Large enclosures keep your finches healthy and happy, allowing their natural behavior to shine. When provided with good housing, your finches will naturally mate, mate, and produce young; exactly as they would in nature. If you plan to breed your finches, you should have an enclosure large enough to keep them from getting crowded.
