Food for Newly-Hatched Finches

Finches are small birds that can be found in many different parts of the world. The various finch types each have their own unique behaviors and distinct appearances that make them popular among pet owners and birdwatchers. Though not all finches are meant to be kept as pets, many bird lovers may enjoy providing food for birds and their offspring. For this reason, it is important to know what and how to feed baby finches.

  1. Food Before Drying

    • Food for baby finches can be made at home by hand or bought in a pet food store. Food for baby finches typically includes various seeds, bugs or both. Some pet food brands even mix bugs and seed in the same container. However, until newly-hatched finches' feathers have dried, it is recommended they be fed ground bugs instead of seed, as their bodies are not yet capable of processing the seeds.

    Black Oil Sunflower Seed

    • Black oil sunflower seed is enjoyed by various breeds of finches, such as goldfinches and redpolls. However, as with all seeds, black oil sunflower seed should be given to baby finches only after they have developed a dry, fluffy appearance. Black oil sunflower seeds provide plenty much-needed fat and protein for newly-hatched finches. They also have thinner shells when compared to gray or black-striped sunflower seeds, which makes black oil sunflower seeds easier for baby finches to consume. Varying bag sizes of black oil sunflower seed can range from approximately $10 to $40 at a pet store.

    Bugs

    • Another popular food for baby finches is ground bugs. Bugs generally provide the much needed protein, fats and other nutrients so vital to the growth of young birds, including finches. In the wild, parent finches eat and digest bugs and other food, and then regurgitate it back into the baby finch's mouth. To mimic this, grind up the insects given to the baby finch, not only to mimic the way it is fed in the wild, but also to allow for the young bird to easily eat and digest the meal.

    Eggfood

    • Eggfood is another popular food choice for both baby and adult finches. It can be made at home or purchased from some pet stores. One recipe for bird eggfood consists of regular store-bought eggs, wheat germ oil, zinc and vionate vitamins and dry egg food. The ingredients are blended together in a mixer so that the meal can be easily eaten by the finches.