How to Train Finches

Finches come in a wide variety of species that sport various colors and personalities. They hail from all over the world and each species has its own unique personality traits. Many people keep finches for their sheer beauty; others enjoy their singing and some desire to train them as a small friendly companion. Certain species are more apt to train easier then others. For better success, select species that have been domesticated for many years and also pick finches that have a calm demeanor. Many zebra finches, canaries and green singing finches are known to be tame and can even perform tricks.

Things You'll Need

  • Bird perches
  • Silk worms
  • Dried fruit treats
  • Insects for finches
Show More

Instructions

    • 1

      Move slowly around the finch. All species of finches have a strong flight instinct. They tend to be jumpy and easily afraid by sudden movements. Slow movement can mesmerize and calm them which aids in training.

    • 2

      Stare at the bird's feet or above its head. Never look the finch in the eye. Finches find eye contact to be frightening and intimidating. They think eye contact is a signal for danger and will fly off to remove themselves from the perceived threat.

    • 3

      Talk in a low, soothing voice. Never yell around your finch. Begin to whistle softly ever time you enter the room where the finch is housed. Whistle softly and use the same tune each time. This lets the finch know you are arriving and to expect you. It also lets the finch know when you are leaving the room. Soon the finch will begin to anxiously await your arrival by sitting close to the bars of the cage and watching.

    • 4

      Sit beside the bird cage quietly, talking in a soft voice to your finch. Watch the bird's actions closely. Sing softly to the finch. Try to spend time just being in the same room beside the finch so it becomes familiar with you and knows that you will never harm it.

    • 5

      Release the bird from its cage once a calm acceptance has been attained. This acceptance will normally happen after you've spent six to eight weeks with the finch daily. Cover all windows and mirrors so the bird does not fly into them.

      Place a perch outside the cage door so the bird can slowly leave the cage and sit outside on the perch. Never reach into the cage and grab the finch. Leave the door open and let the finch exit when it feels comfortable. Set up several perches around the room so the finch has places to alight on and explore with its newfound freedom.

    • 6

      Lure the finch back into its cage using treats such as dried fruit, silk worms or other canned insects. Never chase the finch back into its cage. Simply set tasty treats in its food dish. Always call the bird gently as you place the treats into its food dish. When the finch goes into the cage to eat, close the cage door slowly.

    • 7

      Call the finch the next time it is outside of the cage, but this time, hold a treat out and call it to your hand. When the finch alights on your hand, allow it to have the tasty treat.

      Once this trick is established, begin calling the bird and letting it land on your head or shoulder to receive the treat. Soon you will be able to open your pocket and place a treat within for the finch to nestle into your pocket and enjoy. Now the bird successfully comes when called and will allow you to handle it. The finch should also allow you to gently pet its breast. Do not try to pet the bird's head until firm trust is established but reach up slowly and stroke its tiny breast.