Contact Information
kristycoury@comcast.net
Phone:281-337-3227
**NO SHIPPING, Pick-up only. Will
deliver short distances upon request with delivery fee.
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Care and Feeding instructions.
The
Gouldian Finch Stats
- Before you purchase
your first Finches, you must understand the commitment you
are about to make. Finches aren't necessarily difficult to
keep, but they do have needs. One day without appropriate
food or water could be life threatening. Some species are
easier than others. For instance, a beginner may want to
start with a pair of Zebra or Society Finches, as they are
some of the easiest Finches to keep. Finches are NOT
solitary animals and need pals to hang out with. Two finches
of any species is the minimum. Do some research before you
get your birds to make sure Finches are right for you. They
don't talk to you, but they will certainly sing to you. Some
sing more than others. Typically only the male Finch sings. Once
you've decided that finches are the right pet for you,
decide how much room you have available to give to the
finches. Are they going to be kept inside or out?
- Inside: A small cage is ok for 1
pair of Zebra finches, but bigger is always better! Don't
locate the cage too near the kitchen or any other place in
the home where any kind of fumes may be. Finches need a full
days worth of sunlight, so placement near a window would be
great as long as the birds can get some shade. You will need
a supplemental light source if not enough natural light is
available or if your windows have a UV blocking coating. Normal household temperature is fine. If it's
comfortable to you, it is fine for your finches.
- Outside: A large aviary or walk-in
flight would be supreme, but a smaller cage will do, if it's
not too crowded. The aviary has to be protected from the
elements either by having a sufficient roof or by being
located under a covered patio. There is always a flight risk
if you don't have some kind of safety catch or screened in
porch where your birds are located. You will also have to
consider that no matter where you live, there will be
predators that will want to eat your birds or their food.
You will need to take precautions to keep your birds safe.
The temperature where I live in south Texas is" HOT" in the
summer and "NOT AS HOT" in the winter. :) Finches are birds
and birds naturally live outside. When your
birds are acclimated to the outdoors, they should do fine
all year round. During cold weather I have a heat lamp in
their cage in case they need it. My Gouldians typically stay
outdoors even in the winter but I would recommend monitoring
your birds closely and evaluate how they are coping with the
cold. Certainly consider bringing them indoors if the
temperatures stay under 40 degrees for a prolonged period. On the extreme hot days, over 98 degrees F, I run
an oscillating fan to move the air around a bit if they seem
distressed or panting. No matter the temperature outside,
sufficient protection from elements is of utmost importance.
A clean, dry environment will keep your birds happy and
healthy.
- Food: There are many different
varieties of finch food on the market. I personally don't
have a favorite and in fact buy several different kinds of
seed and mix them together. Volkman finch food is a great
seed, but can only be bought online from what I've seen or
at bird fairs. Whatever seed you choose, stick
with it or gradually change from one to another if you must.
Millet is a staple in my aviary. Finches love it and I
always make it available to my birds. I also give them fresh
collard greens, carrot, corn, broccoli,
or strawberry on occasion.
They have access to a cuddle bone, grit,
(dried) egg food, herb salad, and dried greens all the time.
I've read that breeders give supplements but my birds do not
receive anything unnatural unless, for some reason, they need it. This is totally my
preference. There is nothing wrong with giving or not giving
supplements. It's like taking a daily vitamin I suppose. Just make sure you give your birds the
necessary nutrients to keep them healthy and happy.
Medicines: The only medicines I use
are Scat and mite dust (seven dust). The SCAT I use once or twice a year to treat all my birds. It prevents/treats air
sac mites. The mite dust can be used in the bottom tray of
your
aviary, under the corn cob, to keep mites and other insects
away. The birds should not come in contact with the dust.
I spread Diatomaceous Earth
over the outdoor aviary floor and sometimes put in a bowl
for dusting. This is a natural insect control and de-wormer.
It's a good idea to have a small
separate cage available in case you get a new bird or have a
sick bird. This way you can keep the bird separate and treat
it as necessary and keep the rest of your flock safe.
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