How to Raise Exotic Finches

There are over 50 varieties of exotic finches, some rare and some more common. About 10 of these species are readily available to the finch fancier. The lesser known will take time to locate but are not impossible to find. Before embarking on a finch-raising venture, be aware that some finches will breed and rear their young on their own, while others will not and their babies may have to be fostered.

Things You'll Need

  • Cages
  • Feed and water bowls
  • Grit
  • Cuttle bone
  • Nest boxes
  • Nesting material
Show More

Instructions

    • 1

      Select the type or types of finches to raise. Finches that are abundant and easy to raise include the zebras, societies and spice. More difficult breeds include the lady Gouldian, waxbills, weavers and pin-tailed whydah.

    • 2

      Purchase appropriate cages. Some breeds of finch, such as zebras and societies, can be housed together, while others require one cage per pair. When flying several finches together, make sure the cage is large enough for the less aggressive to escape harassment. Make sure there are several feed and water bowls so everyone gets to eat.

    • 3

      Use an oval wicker type basket for smaller finches, one that is completely surrounded except for the entrance hole. Use a bowl type basket for canaries and larger finches. You can use wooden nest boxes for breeding finches but they are more difficult to clean. The wicker baskets are disposable. Line the baskets or boxes with nesting material purchased from a pet store. Avoid string and yarn as the birds can get their legs entangled.

    • 4

      Furnish the cage with hanging feeders to provide grit. Purchase the small grit that is recommended for finches. Hang a cuttle bone for beak health. Make sure the cage has enough perches, especially if housing several finches together. Change the feed and water daily. Clean cages regularly to avoid disease.

    • 5

      Lady Gouldian finches may not raise their babies themselves. Breeders sometimes keep zebra or society finches to sit on the Gouldian eggs and feed the young.