Finches Cages - Creating the Best Home for Your Birds

 

Providing cages for finches need not be costly or time consuming, as long the behaviour of these interesting lively pets is taken into account, along with what works best for you.

As people become busier in their lives it helps to have a pet that doesn't need much interaction, they can entertain and busy themselves very well. At the same time it is the owner's responsibility to be sure their home is livable.

The first thing to consider is the size of the cage; the length should be 2 to 3 feet and the bars should be close together, so they cannot escape.

These birds are very small but made to fly so they need enough room to fly from perch to perch.

Purchasing a second cage is recommended, to put the finches in while cleaning the main cage.

Cages for finches should never be cluttered so when it comes to accessories and extras remember;

• Grit paper or grit sprinkled on the floor of the cage.

• Two feeders; one for food and one for water available regularly.

• A dish for bathing put in the cage several times a week.

• Two or more dishes in the cage at certain times providing treats.

• A nest box so they can sleep at night.

When providing finches cages with perches to fly from or rest on remember;

• The size depends on the size of the cage.

• Perches provide great exercise for finches' feet.

• Materials can be collected from the outdoors, such as maple tree, poplar tree, pear tree or elm tree branches.

• Cement perches are great because they help trim the finches' toe nails.

• At the same time it isn't a good idea to use them only because they can be harmful to their feet after a while.

Other accessories you could use are bells, plastic rings, toys, beads, ladders, mirrors, swings, or other shiny objects. Many are available online as well as at most pet retailers. Have a collection of them but only use a few at a time, regularly swapping them over with others giving your finches versatility.

A great way to prevent mites is to use a small disk, known as a 'bird protector', which can be attached to the side of the cage. It is good idea but only an option, it won't make much of a difference whether or not you have it.

Cleaning finches cages need only be done once a week.

It is a very simple process;

• Use newspaper or brown paper bags cut to size, or paper towels at the bottom of the cage.

• Use regular scrubbing pads or cloths.

• Clean the entire cage, the bottom and top, the bars, inside and out, along with all the accessories.

• Rinse and dry everything.

Purchasing cages for finches and organising materials and accessories need not be expensive or time consuming. There are online resources as well as pet stores that can offer good deals and advice. You just need to be clear about what you are looking for.

By Chris Connolly

Posted in: PETS