Finches for Dummies

Explore the wide world of finches
 
Finches For Dummies is your entry into the fascinating world of finches. Canaries are probably the most well-known type of finch, but finches are a widely diverse species of birds. They actually encompass several hundred different types of birds, including Gouldians, goldfinches, zebra finches, and owl finches. They also come in an amazing variety of shapes, colors, and sizes. Some are very vocal; some are not. How you care for your finch depends on its species, size, and temperament. But no need to stress. Finches For Dummies is here to help you find the perfect feathered friend!
 
This practical guide sets you up to become a responsible finch caretaker. Inside, you'll find information on:
* Feeding your finches and keeping them healthy
* Choosing the ideal enclosure and supplies for your finches
* Adjusting to finch life with children or other pets
* Breeding your finches
 
With the advice and tips in Finches For Dummies, you and your pet finches can maintain a fun and thriving relationship for a long time. If you're interested in adopting one of these amazing birds, pick up a copy!

List of contents

Introduction 1
 
About This Book 1
 
Foolish Assumptions 2
 
Icons Used in This Book 2
 
Beyond the Book 3
 
Where to Go from Here 3
 
Part 1: Introducing Finches 5
 
Chapter 1: Finches: More Than Just Pretty, Chatty Birds 7
 
Where Finches Come From 8
 
The Life of a Wild Finch 8
 
The Many Species of Finches 9
 
Size differences 11
 
Temperament differences 13
 
The finch lifespan 13
 
Anatomy of a Finch 14
 
Chapter 2: Are Finches Your Perfect Companions? 17
 
Knowing What to Expect from Finches 18
 
Activity 18
 
Noise 18
 
Enjoyment 19
 
Mess 20
 
Knowing What Your Finches Expect from You 21
 
A good home 22
 
Routine 23
 
Deciding Whether a Finch Is Right for You 24
 
Will finches fit into your family? 24
 
Do you have any smokers in the house? 25
 
Is your home also home to children? 26
 
Do you have other pets? 27
 
How Many Finches Are Right for You? 28
 
Chapter 3: Selecting Species of Companion Finches 31
 
Choosing Finches: Exploring Your Options 31
 
Canary 32
 
Cordon-bleu finch 33
 
European goldfinch 33
 
Gouldian finch 34
 
Java finch 35
 
Owl finch 36
 
Society finch 37
 
Spice finch 38
 
Whydah 39
 
Zebra finch 40
 
Chapter 4: Finding and Selecting Finches 43
 
Choosing Finches: Exploring Your Options 44
 
The age of your new finches 44
 
Gender 45
 
Previously homed finches 45
 
Finding a Finch 46
 
Pet shops and bird shops 46
 
Swap meets and flea markets 48
 
The classifieds 48
 
Breeders and experts 49
 
Bird shows 49
 
Searching for a Healthy Finch 50
 
Eyes 50
 
Nose and nares 50
 
Feathers 51
 
Feet 51
 
Vent 51
 
Attitude 51
 
Housing Finches Together 52
 
Part 2: Caring For Your Finches 55
 
Chapter 5: Home Tweet Home: Preparing for Your Finches and Bringing Them Home 57
 
Your Finches' New Home 58
 
Size matters: Cages, flight cages, aviaries, and habitats 58
 
Considering cage materials 59
 
Keeping cage safety in mind 60
 
Deciding where to put your bird's cage 61
 
Accessorizing Your Finches' Abode 63
 
Perches to stand on 64
 
Cups and bowls 66
 
Cage covers 67
 
Mineral blocks and cuttlebones 67
 
Toys 67
 
Baths 68
 
Lighting 69
 
Heating 70
 
Keeping Mess Away 70
 
Cage bloomers and seed guards 70
 
Cleaning supplies 71
 
HEPA filters 71
 
Setting up the Cage 72
 
Finch-Proofing Your Home 72
 
Traveling Safely from Store to Home 75
 
Chapter 6: Caring for Your Finches 77
 
Water: Extremely Essential 77
 
Knowing What Your Finch Should (and Shouldn't) Eat 79
 
Seeds and pellets 79
 
Veggies and fruit 80
 
Snacks 82
 
Live insects 83
 
Table foods 84
 
Cooked foods 84
 
Fun Finch Food Recipes 85
 
Finch flapjacks 85
 
Finch fiber fusion 85
 
Finch fries 86
 
What not to feed your finch 86
 
Nutritional supplements: When food is not enough 87
 
Helping Your Finches Get the Exercise They Need 88
 
Getting a Good Night's Sleep: Putting Your Finch to Bed 88
 
Grooming Your Finch 89
 
Toenail clipp

About the author

Nikki Moustaki is an accomplished avian care and behavior expert. She works with clients to heal strained relationships between themselves and their feathered friends. She has published 47 books, including more than 30 covering the care and training of exotic birds.

Product details

• Authors: Nikki Moustaki
• Publisher: Wiley, John and Sons Ltd
• Languages: English
• Product format: Paperback / Softback
• Released: 11.11.2021
• EAN: 9781119755319
• ISBN: 978-1-119-75531-9
• No. of pages: 160
• Subjects: Guides > Nature; Lifestyle, Lifestyles, Haustierhaltung / Vögel, Pet Care / Birds, Finkenvögel