Breeding Cages for Finches - What You Should Know

When choosing the best breeding cages for finches remember they are small but made for long flights so make sure there is enough space, it is essential to their health and will allow for freedom of movement for courting and mating. Unlike many other animals it is a good idea to think about what kind of home they are going to get before you purchase them.

Finches are one of the easier species to breed in captivity, if you know how to go about it. Creating the right conditions is the most important part.

One of the signs of 'ineffective breeding', the breeding environment being too small or that the finch hasn't adapted to the environment; the female will lay the eggs and then cannibalize them.

If you can't afford an aviary and are sticking with the idea of breeding cages for finches a good size is 2ft long by 1ft wide and 8in high, but if you can find something bigger that will be even better.

If you can't find a large enough cage think about another breed of finch. Gouldian finches and Zebra finches can be bred in outdoor enclosures as well as indoor cages.

The nests put in the breeding cages for finches are essential. When purchasing one there are a few options available to you;

You can get wooden nest boxes that fit on the inside or outside of the cage. Due to the space issue one that fits on the outside is probably going to be better. Also make sure it opens at the top allowing easy access for cleaning, maintenance, and putting in materials, counting of eggs and having the least amount of disturbance and the most amount of safety for the chicks.

Bamboo nests are very popular and inexpensive. They are very strong and come in large or small sizes. It is advisable to get the larger version.

In breeding cages for finches materials are very important; you need to make sure they are warm and soft; feathers or certain grasses are good. You can also purchase materials that are professionally made.

You can supply materials for the finches to create their nest but remember that if using stringy materials you must make sure they are not too long or fine, the finches may get tangled up in them.

The male usually prepares the nest with all materials so ones the female has laid the eggs you must remove any excess materials because the male will probably end up covering up the eggs in the process of making improvements to the nest.

Once she has laid the eggs the female will sit on them for a while, then the male will take over allowing the female to feed herself and regain her strength.

Creating breeding cages for finches is very easy if you know how. You just need to know the finches' behaviour, and the space and materials that'll work for both you and them. That way you can create the perfect environment for them and their chicks.

Room for Flight Equals a Happy Finch   Feeding Your Finches   Various Methods of Poultry Farming and Their Advantages   Parrot Facts for the Young   

Pet Birds - The Popularity of Native Australian Birds in Aviculture

Lots of popular pet bird species originate from Australia, most of the well-known pet birds are native to this country but not allof them. Many are from the Americas, Africa, and Asia, but the most popular by far and through the sheer numbers in captivity are the Australian species, which range from small finches, right through the range to large parrots.

Famous breeds like the budgerigar (know as parakeet in some countries), cockatiel, zebra finch, lorikeet, and the cockatoo all became available throughout the world via importation from Australia.

When our ancestors first discovered the Australian continent they found many types of animals that were unique to this part of the globe, such as the now infamous 'duck-billed platypus' and the 'echidna' (egg laying mammals! How strange must that have been?); marsupials such as the 'kangaroo', 'wallaby', 'koala' and many new and unique bird species; many of which were vey brightly coloured. So they desired specimens of these birds to take home, and in doing so boosted the fondness of exotic pet bird keeping.

Starting with the smaller breeds; Australian finches that are popular as pets include the 'star finch', 'gouldian finch' and the well known and readily available at a low price 'zebra finch'. However there are many more.

Small to medium sized parrot-like species from Australia include the most popular small pet bird of all, the 'budgerigar' (or 'parakeet'). The almost as popular 'cockatiel' is also an Australian native, plus no end of other well known pet birds. The list is almost endless: 'lories' and 'lorikeets' (several types of these), parakeets such as 'turquoisine', 'bourke', 'splendid' 'elegant' and 'red-rumped' to name a few, there's loads more. The medium sized 'eclectus parrot' also hails from this part of the world.

The 'rosellas' are also medium parrot from Australia and about 6 different varieties are used as pets; 'Eastern', 'Northern', 'Western', 'crimson', 'green', and 'pale-headed'. All are unique and different in their own way but are closely related. Rosella are known for their strikingly rich colouring, making them a very desirable pet.

Finally the big daddy of Australian pet birds, the 'cockatoo'. There are about 20 different species of cockatoo but not all are popular as pets, and believe it or not the famous 'cockatiel' mentioned earlier is a member of this bird family but of course nowhere near as large as some of its cockatoo cousins. All birds in the cockatoo family are distinguishable by the crest of feathers on the top of the head.

Many breeds of Australian birds live in massive flocks in the wild. The sight of hundreds of budgerigars, cockatiels, finches or lorikeets flocking together is an awe-inspiring sight, and very noisy.

To summarise there is a massive range of Australian birds available as pets all over the world. Many are very colourful, easy to keep, very hardy and all have unique and sometimes entertaining characteristics. The least costly of exotic pet birds are also native Aussies. Is it any wonder that these pet birds are so popular?

Room for Flight Equals a Happy Finch   What Is a Chicken Run and Coop? Build Your Own If You Are Planning On Keeping Chickens at Home   Grey African Parrots - Why Are They the Most Liked Among All Parrots   Many Types of Finches Make Good Pets   Guidelines for Housing Your Spice Finches   Flight Cages For Finches   

Important Poultry Diseases

Poultry farming is a method that involve breading and rearing of chickens, ducks, turkeys, and other such birds with a purpose of obtaining eggs and meat for food. Poultry is considered an important source of the animal protein throughout the globe and are considered the most intensive species for rearing. There are a number of ways in which there is a big use of poultry products like butter, bread, bakery items, and other recipes.

Poultry industry is known to be a major contributor of food and plays a significant role in the economy of any country. Poultry rising in different parts of the world has proven it a profitable enterprise as it is considered a best and vital source of palatable, nutritious, and cheap food protein. In different parts of the world there are hen birds that are maintained in the backyard of houses on small-scale in small villages. A very little investment is needed in terms of material and money for this backyard poultry farming.

Some important breeds worldwide involve leghorn, buff rock, Rhodes Island red, light Sussex that are hatched successfully in different parts of world. An average of almost 250-300 eggs are produced by lying birds per year whereas the average live weight of lying birds is usually recommended at the age of 8 weeks as 1200 grams.

Over the last few decades, the production of poultry eggs and meat has shown a positive growth in the performance of livestock sector. Poultry farming is considered one of the most profitable and promising sources of extra income.

Rearing and breeding poultry is a tough job as there is an increasing risk of diseases in poultry, both locally as well as internationally. There are different causes of poultry diseases but there are two main categories of the direct cause that include infectious and the non-infectious. Some non-infectious condition may cause reduced immune responses; secondly this non-infectious condition may result in increased contact with different infectious organisms that can lead to an increased cause of infectious diseases.

Comparative to the production of modern poultry, the poultry production that is village based is usually characterized by different disease ranges that occur at same time. There are some free range poultry that has sub clinical infections with an increasing number of ectoparasites and endoparasites. Backyard poultry result in low productivity and the major cause of this is high mortality that is due to the diseases, mismanagement, lack of nutritional predators, and feeding. In this backyard system the rate of mortality has been estimated about 80-90% within one year of hatching.

In many flocks of family poultry, poultry disease is an important and increasing problem. Diagnosing, treating, and preventing poultry disease are considered essential to any of the attempt at raising the productivity.

In the commercial production system, broilers are vaccinated routinely against different diseases like Avian Influenza, Infectious bronchitis, Mareks Disease, Newcastle Disease, and many others that depend on some specific recommendations and situations in each country. There are a number of poultry diseases so they are divided into five major categories that include poultry diseases caused by fungal infections including Aspergilloses, Ochratoxicosis, Fusariotoxicosis, flatoxicosis; virus such as Fowl Pox, Avian Flu; bacteria like Escherichia coli, Pasteurella multocida, Mycobacterium avium; parasites like Coccidiosis, Haemoparasites; and those are caused by nutritional deficiency like the food that may be deficient of vitamins and minerals. There are also problems that involve poultry diseases caused by the stress, poor management and housing. To avoid different poultry diseases it is recommended to have a regular examination of your chickens to avoid any type of serious and fatal disease.

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Finches for Pets: An Introduction to Cordon-Bleu Finches

Their distinctive coloration, lively behavior and intriguing songs make the Cordon-Bleu finch one of the more popular finch varieties as people make the choice to raise finches for pets. A mid-sized finch, measuring not quite five inches from beak to tail, they are quite handsome birds.

The males generally sport a light brown head, back and belly with a distinctive blue coloration on the breast. Males have a distinctive mark the females don't have and that is a red, slashing coloration along the neck. Females have the same basic coloration, a bit more muted and without the red slash across the neck.

In the wild, the Cordon-Bleu finches live in the steppes and savannas, dry forested areas and in the bushes and hedges outside of African villages in a large area from Senegal and Guinea to Tanzania, southeastern Zaire and Angola.

These finches always live in pairs building nests in thorn bushes or thorny trees where, in the rainy season, the female will lay from four to five eggs. They raise their young on insect protein. Their normal diet consists mostly of seeds, mostly from grasses. They, like many finches, are omnivores. They eat small, ground dwelling insects like termites as well.

Fair warning...Cordon-Bleus are among the most delicate finches in captivity. If they are newly imported they require a long period to be acclimated to their new surroundings. They don't like change. When moving them from the pet shop or breeder to your home, give them several days to get acclimated. If you house your finches in an aviary make sure they can find their way around.

Cordon-Bleus are very sensitive to cold. Temperatures must never drop below 65oF (that's 18oC for the rest of the world). They are perch sleepers, choosing to sleep on a branch or perch rather than in a nest. They don't have special requirements for housing. A standard flight cage or a larger aviary is just fine. The only exception to this is that during mating, mating pairs must be separated into brood cages as the males become quite aggressive toward other males.

Their diet consists mainly of small grained seeds and sprouts. You may supplement their diet with small insects like mealworms as well as green leafy vegetables and millet sprigs.

Cordon-bleus breed well in captivity. Because they stay in bonded pairs all year long, when they are mating it is easy to separate them into brood cages and hold them there until their young are independent. The young hatch after twelve days of incubation. The parents need lots of live insect food to feed their young. After about two-weeks seeds can be added to the diet. If proper food is not available, the parents will throw their young out of the nest, abandoning them to die.

Cordon-bleu finches make great pets if you just take the care needed to raise them properly.

Room for Flight Equals a Happy Finch   Feeding Your Finches   Various Methods of Poultry Farming and Their Advantages   Gouldian Finches Are Spectacular!   What Is a Chicken Run and Coop? Build Your Own If You Are Planning On Keeping Chickens at Home   

Keeping Finches Happy Is Easy

If you want to get a pet that is easy to care for, makes very little mess, does not take up much room, and is very easy to keep happy, you want to get a finch. Keeping finches happy is easy to do.

When people get their first pair of these little feathered charmers they are scared that they will do something wrong in their attempt to care for finches. Actually keeping finches is easier than keeping a dog, or a cat.

When you have one of these birds for a pet you provide it with a cage that is at least 30" long. The cage does not need to be really high, as finches fly more sideways than they do up. Inside that cage make certain you have a place for plenty of fresh drinking water, and a food dish. Place a perch, or two inside the cage spaced far enough apart that the birds have to maneuver a little to change from one perch to the other. Do not situate them where they just step off one and step onto the other one.

Go to the store and pick up finch supplies for your new pet. Find out what finches like to eat, and make sure you have some on hand. Then you are ready to pick out your birds. Yes I did say birds, not bird. You see, finches are very social beings and if you only have one the little creature would quickly become depressed, and would not be happy. To ensure that your pet is happy, and healthy, you must provide it with a friend.

You do not necessarily have to have a male and female pair. You do not even have to have both finches be of the same variety. You simply need to give them a friend to hang around with. If you do decide that you want two different varieties of birds to reside in the same cage, make sure that the two you pick have close to the same characteristics. If you get one type that is easygoing, and you get one type that is slightly more dominant. Then the easygoing bird will soon become an unhappy bird. To make sure you have happy pets do a little research on which types of finches can live in harmony in the same cage.

If you do decide you want a male and a female these little fellows are fairly easy to keep satisfied enough that they breed in captivity.

Your new pets are not really keen on being handled, so you will not want to pick them up a lot. Basically if they have food, water, a friend, and a place they can stretch their wings a little, then you will have pets that are content in their surroundings.

All you will need to do is sit back and let them entertain you with the way they interact with each other. You can share little bits of fresh veggies with them every now and then, to give them a special treat.

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A Brief Introduction to Spice Finches

Spice finches are social birds that organize small groups in the wild. Adult birds measure a bare 4-3/4 inches from beak to tail. Because they have no distinguishing gender markings it is not easy to identify male and female birds.

The Spice finch's head and throat are a reddish brown while the sides of the neck can be described almost as a chocolate brown coloration. Their back and wings display white shaft lines. The Spice finch belly is white while the breast is edged in brown and their feathers form a scallop pattern. Determining gender is difficult but not impossible. Males make the most noise, singing constantly. It goes without saying that the females produce the eggs. Careful observation should reveal gender.

In the wild they live in areas of wild growth. Grasses and weeds are great for them. They also tend to choose the edges of villages near rice paddies in Ceylon, India, Indochina, southern China, Formosa, Luzon, Malaysia, Sumatra, Bali and other islands in the Pacific.

Spice finches live in small groupings, sometimes mixing with other related variety. Their diet consists mainly of grass seeds they forage from the ground. They are also known to pick maturing rice kernels right off the plants. Small, dense bushes are the perfect place to build their apartment style nests. The use dried grass straw and bamboo leaves to build the nest. Spice finches raise four to seven nestlings while feeding them a diet of green seeds and insect protein.

Requirements in Captivity

Along with Zebra finches and Society finches, Spice finches make the perfect birds for the beginner. They adjust quite well to cage life or aviary life. They make few demands outside of food and water, cleaning their cage and a bit of attention and they are wonderfully peaceful. If you intend on breeding Spice finches, however, consider a larger aviary as they tend not to breed in a flight cage. In either case, you should provide some leafy branches or a thick bush for nesting purposes and some tall grass for them to climb. You should also know that you will have to trim the birds' claws from time to time as they tend to grow long especially when housed in a cage.

Basic seed diets that are supplemented with vitamins and minerals are ideal. I would give them a choice between small seeds for finches and somewhat larger seeds sold as parakeet seed. It seems that some Spice finches like the larger seeds that come in the parakeet mixture. See which seed mix disappears first and stick with it. Like most finches, they are omnivores; supplement their seed diet with green, leafy vegetables, chopped up boiled eggs and mealworms or ant pupae.

If you are breeding spice finches then provide them with coconut fibers, broad leaved grass and even some straw to build their nests. It is also good to have more than two or three pairs of males and females so they can choose their own partner. Provide plenty of insect protein until the hatchlings reach independence as well as a standard seed diet.

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Acrylic Bird Cages Make A Zoo Quality Display In Your Home

Acrylic bird cages will open up the world for your bird - no more watching you through the bars. This high quality plastic is durable and easy to clean. Without the bars, you and your family can enjoy your bird more, too. Toys can be hung from the top of the cage, making exercise more fun and interesting than bar climbing. Hardwood perches complete the look. With an acrylic cage, the design possibilities are almost endless. You can design an entire authentic habitat inside the cage for visual interest to humans and a more fun play environment for the birds.

Acrylic bird cages come in table top models as well as floor models that are free standing. There are a number of designs to choose from, and if you can not find a model you like there are custom options available. When you get your new cage, you will probably want to invest in some other new accessories that are better suited to the acrylic cage. New food bowls and perches will make the cage look new and inviting. If old toys are wearing out, it might be a good time to replace them as well.

Acrylic bird cages also make good cages for reptiles. Snakes, turtles, iguanas and other reptiles are usually more at home in an acrylic cage than in a standard glass aquarium. The acrylic cages are also much lighter, making them easier to clean and move around the house or apartment. There are tons of ways to decorate an acrylic cage for birds or for reptiles to use as a habitat.

Acrylic is very durable, and the investment will last for many years. There are also a lot of sizes to choose from. If you have only one small bird, and inexpensive table model might be most appropriate. If you have two birds or larger birds, the stand alone floor models are probably your best bet. There is a great selection of these cages online. You can shop around for the best size and shape and compare prices between companies. If you are unable to find the perfect cage for your pet, look into having a custom cage built to your specifications.

Shopping online for pet supplies will give you a better selection to choose from, and will allow you to shop for the absolute best price. Be sure to check shipping and handling charges when comparing prices.

Room for Flight Equals a Happy Finch   Gouldian Finches Are Spectacular!   What Is a Chicken Run and Coop? Build Your Own If You Are Planning On Keeping Chickens at Home   Grey African Parrots - Why Are They the Most Liked Among All Parrots   Many Types of Finches Make Good Pets   

Why Zebra Finches Are Ideal Pets

Zebra finches are one of the easiest breeds to take care of for both experienced bird enthusiasts and beginners alike, making them one of the most popular. They originate from the dry areas of Australia and are one of the most energetic breeds.

They are very sociable so it is a good idea to get a pair. To save mess inside it is best to build an aviary outside. Zebra finches fly long distances in the wild so an outdoor aviary is good for the space issue. If an aviary is not possible then a cage sat in the garden shed will be fine.

Their head, back and wings are usually gray, their bellies are white, their tails are black and white, their legs are orange and their eyes are brown.

Males and females have a few differences when it comes to colours and patterns, for example;

Males have a red to orange beak, chestnut flanks, a black band on the belly, black and white markings on the upper chest, and neck and chin, and chestnut cheek patterns.

The females on the other hand don't have chestnut cheek patterns, chestnut flanks but do have an orange beak.

Zebra finches are also known as chestnut flanked finches.

Seed mixes of canary seeds, millet and other seeds are suitable for them. Because they come from areas where their diet is predominantly seeds it is best to keep this as their main food type. Make sure they have a regular supply of seed mix in their bowl.

You can also supply food from your kitchen; lettuce, greens such as dandelion leaves and chickweed, mixed vegetables, spinach or bread crumbs. You can try out various things and see what they like.

Give them a supply of cuttlefish bone, chicken egg shells or sea shells for calcium. Kill any salmonella by putting the shells in the microwave for a couple of minutes or in the oven for a bit. Afterwards, cool them off and give them to the zebra finches.

Make sure you only use natural foods and remove any excess before it rots. It is also important to keep their water bowl filled even though they can naturally go for long periods without water.

If you are creating a nest for breeding, get a nest box that can be attached to the outside of the cage to save more space inside, 12cm by 12cm by 12cm is a good minimum size.

Get one that opens at the top so you can make sure the chicks are safe. This will also make cleaning easier and give you better access to the eggs. You can use feathers, hay or dried grass for nesting materials, making it warm and soft.

Both male and female Zebra finches will share the care of the eggs for the first two weeks. After fledging at 18 days they will be independent at 32 days. Once they are weaned the male will try to improve the nest so remove the young along with any excess.

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Finches Make the Best Pets

For anyone who is looking to get a pet that is low maintenance, highly entertaining, and extremely forgiving, finches make the best pets.

The finches are small and easily kept in cages. The little birds come in a wide variety of colors and patterns. Finches, birds are found in almost all pet stores, so they are easy to purchase. And because they are so common you can buy them in almost any price range.

Having finches as pets makes good sense for anyone who works odd hours, or who travels frequently for work. You simply place enough feed and water in the cages for the amount of time you will be gone, and when you come home your pet will be as happy as when you left. When you get back the cage will need some cleaning, but it will be the pets cage that needs cleaned not your rug. Other pets might have accidents on your carpets, tear up your furniture, eat your shoes, or even chew on your telephone and electric cords, but finches will remain in their cage, and be content.

If you have a dog for a pet when you return home from being away, the animal will often pout, and sulk. They will be mad at you for leaving them. If you have a lot of work to do they will demand your attention, even if they have to destroy something to get it. You have to interrupt anything you are doing and take them for walks, or let them outside. You must treat them for fleas and ticks, or they will cause an infestation of your home with these parasites. If all of that sounds like it could be more than you are ready to handle, you should look into finches for pets.

The little bird will never pout because you left, or you did not pet them, and they never need taking outdoors. These creatures really do not like you to handle them very much. They are happy in their little caged world that you provide, as long as you remember to feed, and water them, that is all they need from you.

Try and remember if you want to keep one of these birds as a pet, you will need two birds at least. They are very social with their own species, and are miserable when they are alone. Providing them with a companion will make all the difference in your little feathered friend.

You can, and will be very entertained by watching the antics of these small creatures. They each have their own personalities, and the different species of them have tendencies toward different characteristics of behavior. Some of these animals can sing beautifully, while some never sing.

You will find some species to be aggressive, while others are almost timid. Some of the birds are simply curious, they get along with others unless the others are nesting, and then the curious birds will not leave the parents to be alone.

You will have to explore the different species to find the perfect one for your home.

Room for Flight Equals a Happy Finch   Gouldian Finches Are Spectacular!   What Is a Chicken Run and Coop? Build Your Own If You Are Planning On Keeping Chickens at Home   Grey African Parrots - Why Are They the Most Liked Among All Parrots   Many Types of Finches Make Good Pets   Guidelines for Housing Your Spice Finches   

Some Cool Cockatiel Toy Ideas

Birds are such colorful characters! They sing, jump, hop and run all the while chirping and showing so much character, they really have fantastic personalities. Like any animal that is smart however they need entertainment to ensure they are happy! You don't have to break the bank to entertain your pet cockatiel but if you are out of the house a lot or even if you are home to look after your cockatiel it is essential that they have some toys or at least something to entertain themselves with! Here are a few really easy ideas that you can add to your cockatiels cage to keep your feathered friend entertained and happy!

Try a new hang toy to play with

When birds are in their native habitat they are jumping in bushes, climbing trees and scaling all kinds of things! Try and bring some of this natural habitat into your birds everyday life by adding some climbing toys to your aviary or perch. If you have a climb toy that uses rope (often toys will come with wooden chew blocks and bells) ensure that the rope is 100% cotton and free of any chemicals as your cockatiel will probably eat some of it during daily nibbles.

Adding a new perch will spruce up the cage!

Your cockatiel is going to spend most of his or her time standing on a perch so it's important you have a good one. A word of warning, some plastic perches sold in pet stores can actually cause foot problems with cockatiels and parakeets! It is best to have an all natural soft wooden perch and just keep an eye on your bird's feet to ensure no problems occur.

If you don't have much of a budget for cockatiel toys you can even find a suitable fallen branch and construct your own little perch, your cockatiel has feet built for the wild and they will enjoy nibbling on any bark or imperfections in the wood.

Should I get my cockatiel a mirror?

There are two different thoughts amongst bird owners on this question! I personally have found my birds have always enjoyed a mirror and they have always remained just as tame and there haven't been any negative implications that I could see. Cockatiels can spend many hours in front of their mirrors and this leads some pet owners to believe they may be too infatuated with themselves and this becomes a problem with hand taming and bonding.

Cockatiels shred stuff

Cotton ropes are wonderful to give your cockatiel because they break apart and won't cause any negative health problems! Cockatiels will pull apart and shred anything they can get their beaks on so before your bird starts eating your house it is best to get some cuttlebone or even paper, tissues or cotton wool for your cockatiel to shred

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Courtship Displays and Breeding Finches

Finches, like many birds, have elaborate ritualistic courtship displays. These displays vary extensively between finch species; something that evolved to reduce the possibility of cross-breeding. There are far too many courtship displays to describe in the short space available so I will concentrate on general classes of displays and finches that typically engage in these classes.

While there are other classes of courtship displays, these are the major ones. Some birds, for example will engage in singing displays that mirror the motions of the grass display like the Cutthroat finch. Courtship displays are sometimes followed by mating but only if the female indicates a willingness to mate with the displaying male.

Grass Displays: This is the display common to firefinches and waxbills. It begins when the male finds a long blade of grass (or, when grass is not available, a feather). He picks it up by one end and carries it to the female who is sitting high up in a tree. He puffs his abdominal feathers and turns his tail toward the female, whips his tail up and down several times and begins to sing. His display indicates to the female that he wants to build a nest with her and raise a family. This is a straight forward display in which the symbolic and practical meaning are not lost. In some finches that engage in grass displays the link between the practical and symbolic is lost, Spice finches and White-backed Munias continue the practice of picking up a blade of grass when they get ready to court but drop the grass when they begin singing. Many Australian finch species engage in a form of grass displays that dispense with the grass altogether. In these groups, which include the Long-tailed Grassfinch, the Parson finch and the Zebra finch, immature males will pick up a blade of grass as a tool for courtship displays but the practice is never seen in adult males indicating that the species abandoned this aspect of the grass display they once followed.

Bob-Up Displays: In many African species the female also actively engages in courtship with a blade of grass especially when the male partner is not very active. In a few species the males bob-up while engaged in their version of a grass display. This display consists of pushing their heads up and forward in time with their leg movements. This movement is similar to the movements made by the male when building the ceiling of the nest from grass. Peter's and Green Twinspots and African Firefinches commonly engage in this display.

Bowing Displays: The male looks for a blade of grass, one that is markedly long; picking up the blade in his beak and flying to a flexible, nearly horizontal branch where he starts to whip up and down while firmly holding the branch. While doing this he sings an eerie song of base notes to attract a female. When a female appears he turns toward her, increases the speed and force of his movements and finally bends forward and down while twisting his head so as to peer sideways at the female while wagging his head in much the same way a baby would while begging for food. The Diamond Firetail uses this display to find a mate.

Bending Down: Star, Crimson and Zebra finches, all Australian species, engage in behaviors similar to but different from the bowing described above. The males bend down in front of the females and brush bills back and forth. This behavior seems to be connected to rearing behaviors because, prior to returning to the nest with food, parent birds always brush their bills on the ground to rid their beaks of seed hulls that may be present that could harm their young.

While there are other classes of courtship displays, these are the major ones. Some birds, for example will engage in singing displays that mirror the motions of the grass display like the Cutthroat finch. Courtship displays are sometimes followed by mating but only if the female indicates a willingness to mate with the displaying male.

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Creating the Perfect Finches Nest

When it comes to creating a finches nest if you know what you're doing the whole process can be relatively affordable and easy. There are a few options available in terms of design and size.

You could get a nest that is woven and made of natural materials. People like them because they look the way an outdoor nest does.

If you get a wooden nest box it is recommended you get one that opens at the top; this is safer for the chicks, makes changing the materials easier, help's with cleaning, and gives warmth and security.

It also makes handling the eggs easier, but remember the eggs have tiny pores all over them which serve as breathing holes and by handling them too much you might reduce their air supply.

Whatever type of nest you choose it can be purchased from reputable pet stores or online, they range in design and price from $2 up.

You could get a finches nest that goes on the inside of the cage but for the sake of space inside it is recommended you get one that can be attached to the outside.

A double finch nest has a partition down the middle and means you can have two nesting finches in the same place which will save you lots of space in the cage. Just remember not to put two territorial birds in the same double nest, it may cause aggression.

When it comes to materials remember the finches nest should be very soft on the inside but sturdy on the outside, have a supply of feathers ready so you can line the nest with them.

Materials can be purchased in shops or found at home, just make sure they are non-synthetic, natural, safe and clean, with any threads or strings cut into small pieces without excess. When building its nest a finch will collect anything it can find so you don't want them or their young getting tangled up.

A finch has a unique personality that will come through in how the finches nest is created. Each nest will be slightly different from the last one. It is quite a sight watching these busy little birds collect materials and start building.

A great exercise for you is to the fill a tray with soil and grass seeds. Let the birds build their nest once the grass has grown and then put it in the cage. You will see how the process happens in the wild.

As well as the design of nest and the materials you use remember that when a finch builds its nest it's only concerns are shelter and safety for its young, so make sure the nest is out of reach from predators, such as cats, dogs, mice, snakes, or other birds.

It is very easy to create a finches nest, and affordable too. Knowing what materials to use and what not to use is essential, along with understanding the natural behaviour of a finch when it comes to nesting.

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Signs Of Illness In Your Finch

Pets enrich our lives so much, for most of us our pets actually become part of the family; which is why it can be so devastating when your pet becomes ill. One of the biggest responsibilities we have as pet owners is the health care of our pets. Birds are no different!

We know with dogs and cats we will need to take them to the vet for regular check-ups and exams and on the rare case of an accident of some sort, for emergency treatment. Well the same goes for your finches!

The most important step you can take in the care of your finches will be to find an avian vet that you can take your birds too for regular check-ups and in cases of emergency. Your avian vet should be experienced in treating finches, friendly, welcoming and easy to communicate with. You should feel comfortable with your vet and you should have faith in their ability to treat your birds, in their honesty and in their ethics. If anything feels "off" then keep looking!

Once you find the correct vet for you and your birds, you will then have the comfort of knowing if any health issues should arise with your finches, help is just a phone call away.

There are many signs of illness in your finches that you need to be aware of. It is imperative that you get to know your finch so that any signs of illness can be caught early enough to get them medical attention before the situation becomes life threatening.

The following is a list of symptoms that require immediate vet care:

• Change in behavior or attitude • They begin sleeping too much • There is a change in dropping color, consistency or smell • Labored breathing or panting • A change in the feathers: balding, they feathers being looking dirty and so on • They stop eating • They become dirty around the face and feathers • They can't walk or have trouble holding their heads up, a sign of lameness • You notice discharge from the eyes, nose or rear • They fluff up their feathers trying to keep warm • Bird tucking it's head under its wing • Wheezing or clicking sounds • Acting lethargic • Cuts or open wounds • Beaks and nails that have become over grown • Ingrown feathers or picking at their feathers • Egg binding • Mites • Their legs have become scaly • Sores around the eyes • Obvious injury like a broken leg or wing • Tumors • Weight loss • Shock

If you notice any of these issues with your birds then you need to seek the assistance of an avian vet immediately. You will need to separate the sick bird from your other birds as soon as you notice something is not right with the animal. One ill bird can infect all the other birds it shares a cage or aviary with.

Some bird illnesses can even be transferred to humans!

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The Zebra Finch Flight Cage

The zebra finch makes a great pet and can provide hours of entertainment and joy for the whole family. However, it is critical that they are housed in a suitable environment. If you are going to have a pair of zebra finches, a regular cage may be fine. However, it is highly recommended for multiples that you use a flight cage to house your birds. Doing so will allow for plenty of room while creating a happy living space for your birds.

Size

Because they enjoy flying on a regular basis, it is not as important to have room vertically as it is to have space horizontally. Remember, birds do not care as long as they have plenty of space to zoom back and forth between perches.

Flight cages can be purchased or homemade. In fact, in many cases, homemade flights are not only more economical options, but better suited to your space. However, remember to space the bars no wider than ¼ inch or you risk your birds escaping or worse, getting their heads stuck. The typical flight cage can house numerous birsa and is at least 3 feet wide, 4 feet high and 6 feet long.

Furnishings and Lighting

Provide several perches of different material in your flights. Remember to keep the flight path open, but try to stagger the position of the perches. Placing some up high will provide a sense of security for your zebra finch. Consider adding toys, particularly shiny objects for your birds to interact with one another and play.

They need sunlight. In fact, when they are breeding they require 14 to 16 hours of light a day! If natural sunlight is not available, choose several full spectrum fluorescent lights and place them at the top of your flight. You can also place them on the roof of the flight for a dramatic effect.

Placement

While it is true that zebra finches are social birds, that does not mean that they enjoy lots of foot traffic or outside noise. In fact, most breeders will tell you that they do the best in a quiet, semi-removed space. Obviously that depends on how big your flight is and whether or not it is indoors or outside. Either way, take care to avoid heavily trafficked walking areas or indoor heating or cooling vents.

The zebra finch flight cage is a great way to house multiples and keep them all happy. Providing enough room for your birds to fly freely will keep them happy and content.

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How to Give Your Pet Aviary Birds the Right Start for the Breeding Season

I intentionally avoid putting out nest boxes until May at the earliest because, although we have recently recorded the hottest April on record here in the UK this is not always the case, there is normally a risk of frost right until the end of May. This is the same reason why it is inadvisable to plant out your summer bedding plants until the end of may or early June, the possible risk of frost can cause serious damage.

Your birds eggs are likely to be OK as your birds will incubate them themselves, but young chicks in a cold frosty environment is a recipe for disaster.

The size and type of nest box required depends solely on the species of bird you intend to occupy it:

Cockatiels will require an upright box with a removable or hinged lid or flap for inspection and cleaning. The nest box should be approximately 12 inch (30 cm) high, 8-9 inch (20-22.5 cm) wide, 8-9 inch (20-22.5 cm) deep, with a round entrance placed high up about 2-2½ inch (5-6.25 cm) in diameter; remember to have a perch of some sort mounted just beneath the entrance hole. It is advisable to attach some aviary mesh on the inside of the nest box below the entrance hole, this will help as a ladder rather than the parent bird jumping onto the eggs or chicks; but they don't have such a thing in the wild so it's not absolutely necessary.

Budgerigars (budgies, parakeets) will require a box of about 9 inch (22.5 cm) long, 6 inch (15 cm) wide, 6 inch (15 cm) deep with an entrance hole approximately 2 inch (5 cm) in diameter on the front top corner. An upright nest box of similar dimensions also works well but the horizontal type seem to be the most popular. Again you will need a removable lid or a door for inspection and cleaning purposes, a perch below the entrance hole, and if using an upright nest box some wire mesh on the inside below the entrance hole will help for the same reason as the cockatiel box above, but again not essential.

Small finches such as zebra and Bengalese (society) will need a nest box that is approximately 5 inch (12.5 cm) in all dimensions with the front slightly smaller in height by about 1-1½ inch (2.5-3.75 cm) to leave an entrance opening at the top front, you can have a perch below the entrance if you like but it's not needed. Finches will also often take to a small semi-open wicker basket.

Before putting out your nest boxes you must inspect each one carefully for any signs of wear or rot, and if necessary repair or replace them. Also make sure your nest boxes are hygienically clean, so give them a scrub if needed with a mild disinfectant solution, then rinse them thoroughly and allow them to dry completely before using them.

Place your nest boxes as high up as possible, after all birds usually nest in trees so like to nest high up. Be sure to fix all your nest boxes at the same height otherwise your birds will squabble over the highest placement. If you have a mixed aviary make sure you do not mix different types of nest boxes in the same place. By this I mean split your aviary into areas, no barriers required, an area for cockatiel boxes, an separate area for budgerigar boxes, and a separate area for finch boxes or baskets. If you have nest boxes for different species in too close a proximity this may result in territorial disputes between different species and can result in destroyed eggs, or chicks getting attacked.

Unless you are breeding for the show bench, for which a totally different approach is required, it is best to let your birds choose their own mates and nesting boxes.

Whilst they are breeding and raising young you must be certain to supply your birds with a constant food and fresh water source, after all they will need all the energy they can get. Also try not to let your birds raise more than 2 clutches per year, 3 at the most as once they have finished they will need to build up their energy and fat reserves to get through winter, so be sure to remove the nest boxes in the autumn (fall) when they have done.

Good luck!

Room for Flight Equals a Happy Finch   Gouldian Finches Are Spectacular!   Many Types of Finches Make Good Pets   Flight Cages For Finches   Feeding Your Finches   Various Methods of Poultry Farming and Their Advantages