Finch Bird Breeding

Finches, native to Australia, Central and South America are beautiful, multi-colored seed eating song birds. There are many different kinds of finches that are adaptive to captivity and sold around the world as songbirds to brighten aviaries and birdcages. Parrot finch, house finch, gold finch, purple finch, zebra finch, saffron finch, parrot finch, society finch, Bengalese finch, lady gouldian finch, spice finch, red bow firetail finch, canary finch and Australian finch are easy to breed, colorful, cheerful home companions.

Things You'll Need

  • Bird seed
  • Fruit (apples, oranges, berries)
  • Eggs
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Instructions

    • 1

      Purchase breeding finches from a reputable dealer. A successful breeding program starts with healthy birds. Native to Australia, the beautiful Gouldian Finch presents bold, bright colors and a delightful song. Zebra finch, green finch, parrot finch and spice finch are popular choices for the home birdcage.

      Just Gouldians
      2901 Old Norcross Road
      Tucker, GA 30084
      (770) 939-4018
      (770) 842-3874
      [email protected]
      justgouldians.com

      Bev's Birds
      P.O. Box 86136
      Tucson, AZ 85754
      [email protected]
      bevsbirds.com

    • 2
      Gouldian finches are prized for their bright colors.

      Examine the color of the birds feathers. There are a wide variety of different kinds of finches. Finches are bright and colorful, often sporting red, yellow or orange head feathers and distinct dark markings. Choose birds that are true to their native coloration, not mutations.

    • 3

      Research the library, online or purchase from a bird breeder, books on the care, feeding and maintenance of these delightful songbirds.

    • 4

      Provide a healthy, balanced diet to encourage caged finches to breed. Although finches will live just fine on a diet of seeds alone (they are especially fond of Safflower, Thistle and sprouted seeds), they love bits of fresh fruit added to their diet. Sliced bits of apples, pears, oranges, melon, grapes and a variety of berries are special treats. Finches also benefit from eggs added to their diet. Hard boiled eggs, chopped up shells all provide beneficial protein. Breeding finches are feeding not only themselves; they must provide nourishment for up to six fledglings. Health problems can be prevented by making sure that your breeding finches receive an adequate amount of calcium and vitamins. Supply cuttlebone and grit at all times.

    • 5

      Supply plenty of fresh, clean water. Change the water daily. Finches love to bathe. Their frequent splashing requires a lot of water.

    • 6

      Provide a large cage. Although a pair of finches will do fine in a small cage, breeding pairs will need room for their offspring. Choose a cage that is at least 2 feet tall, 2 feet deep and 2 feet wide.

    • 7

      Select nesting materials. Bamboo cages may be purchased from bird breeders. Artificial greenery placed around the nesting box provides the privacy the birds need to mate successfully.