How to Feed a Pet Finch

With the proper diet, your pet finch could live 15 years or longer. Follow these steps to properly feed your bird.

Things You'll Need

  • 4 ceramic dishes
  • Finch seed mix
  • Fruit and vegetable selection
  • Mealworms
  • Cuttlebone
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Instructions

  1. Learn About Pet Finches

    • 1

      Know that the most common types of pet finches are Zebra, Australian Grass, and Lady Gouldian Finches.

    • 2

      Keep in mind that finches are not talking birds. Whistling at them may induce them to make a honking chirp, but they will never speak.

    • 3

      Consider buying more than one finch. They enjoy the company of other birds.

    Know the Nutritional Requirements of a Finch

    • 4

      Give your finch plenty of carbohydrates, which are essential for their nervous system. Buy a good finch seed mixture from your local pet supply store.

    • 5

      Know that your pet finch will need ten amino acids regularly. These can be provided by a fortified feed mix.

    • 6

      Aim for 5 to 10 percent of your finch's diet to be composed of fruits and vegetables.

    • 7

      Add protein to your finch's diet to aid bone and muscle strength and enzyme production. You can feed your finch mealworms, which can be purchased at a pet store.

    • 8

      Provide vitamins and minerals from supplements. You can purchase liquid vitamins to be added to the water from most pet supply stores.

    • 9

      Give your finch plenty of fresh water. Tap water is not recommended due to the additives it may contain. Give your finch distilled water.

    Prepare Your Finch's Meal

    • 10

      Allow your finch to have seeds at all times. They will snack on their seed mix throughout the day.

    • 11

      Prepare a selection of fruits and vegetables. Cut up apples, bananas, grapes, broccoli, spinach, dandelion or carrots.

    • 12

      Feed your finch mealworms by placing a few in a deep ceramic dish. These can be provided every few days.

    • 13

      Provide a cuttlebone in your finch's cage. They can supplement their diet with important calcium and minerals while pecking and playing.

    • 14

      Give your finch an occasional treat. Provide millet seed sprays for them to enjoy.

    • 15

      Change the water in the dish in the morning and at night. Add liquid vitamins to the water as instructed on the bottle.