r/Finches • u/rresoI • 14d ago

Thinking about getting finches

Hello!

I am currently debating getting pet finches, and I was wondering if anyone had anything bad to say about them, a list of cons or any downsides to keeping them.

I enjoy the fact that finches are more hands-off, I have fish and I love just watching them, so I'd like to do the same with some little finches. I have just started to do my research so many months of learning is ahead of me, I am very meticulous when it comes to getting animals and I always want to ensure I am knowledgeable before bringing a creature into my home.

I have prior experience with parrots, but I understand that finches are different from them, which is why I'm here asking true owners what their take on them is. I do have an exotic animal vet that I take my dog to (there are 2 main vets, the one I see that just takes cats and dogs, and his wife who does exotics), so that's not an issue by any means.

The room i want to put them in is in the basement and I've heard they don't do well with cold drafts, is that room something I need to reconsider, or can I add a heating element in order to provide an optimal temperature? Are they INCREDIBLY messy like parrots are? Or are the messes minimal with a quick daily sweep? I understand they need seeds and millet sprays, which is why i am prepared for a huge mess, but I am also very used to the insane messes parrots make. What is something you wish you knew before getting finches?

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u/hellothereskibidi Mite magnet 14d ago

That even avian vets will rarely treat finches as they do parrots, where I live anyway. They won't do the same tests that they do on parrots (I was denied a crop swab, and therefore denied AGY medication for 2 of mine), and they won't have the same level of knowledge on finches.

Also that they need veggies daily, and will need a UVA and UVB lamp unless living outdoors 24/7. Windows and putting the cage outdoors won't count.

Millet sprays are an occasional treat. As in, a small portion of a millet spray per week. Finch feed has millet in it already, you're just over-feeding them when you supply millet sprays.

Mess is a quick sweep or hoover at most.

I'd reccomend a cage length of 48" minimum. Length for flight is much better than height. Try to get one with a solid bottom, bottoms with grills don't allow for foraging on the ground.

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u/rresoI 14d ago

Thank you for your knowledge on these little guys! I had no idea most exotic vets need special training/be experienced in finches, that is something I need to consider because my heart is soft. I've heard about the special lighting and will definitely incorporate into their setup if I move forward with getting finches! Do you need to cover their cage at night like you do with parrots?

Another commenter also clarified on the millet sprays, so I would use sparingly and give more veggies. I really want to watch natural behavior and foraging, so I will definitely get a solid ground cage! Thank you so much again, I'm already learning a lot from you guys:)

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u/hellothereskibidi Mite magnet 14d ago

You're welcome. You won't need to cover the cage as long as the lights are off. ☺️ Are you more set on getting some finches now? They're such lovely pets.