Thinking about brightening your apartment with the cheerful chirps and flitting colours of finches? You’ve made a wonderful choice! Finches, unlike larger parrots, are relatively quiet and don’t require vast amounts of space, making them seemingly ideal companions for apartment living. However, providing them with a happy, healthy life in a smaller home requires thoughtful planning and consistent care. This guide will walk you through the essentials of keeping finches content in your apartment.
Choosing the Right Finch & Companions
Not all finches are created equal when it comes to apartment suitability. Zebra finches and Society finches are arguably the most popular choices for beginners and apartment dwellers. They are hardy, relatively easy to care for, and breed readily (which you may or may not want – be prepared!). Gouldian finches are stunningly beautiful but can be more delicate and sensitive to temperature changes, requiring a more experienced hand.
Crucially, finches are highly social birds. Keeping a single finch is generally discouraged as they thrive on interaction with their own kind. Plan on keeping at least a pair, or even a small group (three or four). Ensure you have birds of compatible species and temperaments. Same-sex pairs often get along well if you wish to avoid breeding. While a small group will create more sound, finch chirps and calls are generally soft and melodic, unlikely to disturb neighbours in the way a squawking parrot might.
The Cage: Their Apartment Within Your Apartment
This is where many well-intentioned owners make their first mistake. Just because finches are small doesn’t mean they need a tiny cage. In fact, the opposite is true, especially in an apartment where out-of-cage flight time might be limited or impractical.
Size Matters Most
Length is more important than height for finches. They fly horizontally, not vertically like helicopters! Look for the longest cage you can reasonably accommodate. A minimum recommendation for a pair of finches is often cited as 30 inches long, 18 inches high, and 18 inches deep, but honestly, bigger is always better. Flight cages, which are specifically designed to be long, are excellent choices.
Bar Spacing and Material
Bar spacing must be narrow enough to prevent escapes or injury – no more than 1/2 inch apart, and preferably closer to 3/8 inch for smaller finch species. Ensure the cage material is non-toxic; powder-coated metal or stainless steel are safe options. Avoid cages with rust or chipped paint.
Cage Placement
Where you put the cage is vital for your finches’ well-being.
- Find a location with good natural light, but avoid direct sunlight, which can quickly overheat the cage.
- Keep the cage away from drafts, whether from windows, doors, or air conditioning/heating vents. Temperature fluctuations can stress finches.
- Place the cage against at least one wall to provide a sense of security.
- The living room or a home office is often a good spot where they can be part of the household activity without being overwhelmed.
- Never place the cage in the kitchen. Cooking fumes, especially from non-stick cookware (Teflon), aerosol sprays, and cleaning products, can be highly toxic and fatal to birds.
Household Hazards Alert! Apartments contain numerous hidden dangers for small birds. Fumes from cooking (especially overheated non-stick pans), aerosol sprays (air fresheners, hairspray), cleaning chemicals, scented candles, and even some plug-in air fresheners can be lethal. Ensure excellent ventilation when cooking or cleaning, and never spray aerosols near the birds’ cage. Windows and mirrors also pose collision risks if birds are ever allowed supervised flight time.
Setting Up the Interior: A Finch Paradise
A bare cage is a boring cage. Enrichment is key to preventing boredom and promoting natural behaviours.
Perches
Offer perches of various diameters and textures (natural wood branches like manzanita or apple wood, rope perches) to exercise their feet and prevent foot problems like bumblefoot. Avoid sandpaper perch covers; they are too abrasive. Place perches strategically to allow for clear flight paths across the length of the cage.
Food and Water Dishes
Provide at least two food dishes (especially if housing multiple birds to prevent squabbles) and a water source. Hooded dishes can help contain seed hulls. Water tubes or bottles are good, but also offer an open dish for bathing, changing the water daily (or more often if soiled).
Enrichment Items
Finches appreciate simple toys. Swings are usually a big hit. Small bells (ensure they are bird-safe with no small parts that can be ingested), shreddable toys made of natural materials, or even just some millet spray clipped to the side provide stimulation. Rotate toys periodically to keep things interesting.
Nesting
Unless you intend to breed, it’s generally best to avoid providing nests or nesting materials. These can trigger hormonal behaviour and egg-laying, even in same-sex pairs, which can lead to health issues like egg binding.
Nutrition: Fueling Tiny Dynamos
A balanced diet is crucial for longevity and vibrant health.
Seed Mixes and Pellets
A high-quality finch seed mix can form the base of their diet, but seeds alone are not nutritionally complete (often high in fat). Supplementing with formulated finch pellets is highly recommended to ensure they get all the necessary vitamins and minerals. Introduce pellets gradually, perhaps mixing them with the seeds.
Fresh Foods
Offer small amounts of fresh foods daily. Good choices include finely chopped greens (kale, romaine lettuce, dandelion greens – ensure they are pesticide-free), chopped broccoli, peas, corn, and small pieces of apple or melon. Remove uneaten fresh food after a few hours to prevent spoilage.
Supplements
Provide a cuttlebone at all times as a source of calcium, vital for bone health and egg formation (even if not breeding, females may still lay). Crushed oyster shell can also be offered in a separate dish to aid digestion.
Water
Fresh, clean water must be available at all times. Check and change water dishes and bottles daily, or more often if they become contaminated with food or droppings.
Keeping it Clean: Apartment Hygiene
Regular cleaning is non-negotiable, especially in an enclosed apartment space, to prevent odours and keep your birds healthy.
- Daily: Change the cage liner (paper towels or plain newspaper work well), wipe down any heavily soiled areas, wash and refill food and water dishes.
- Weekly: Thoroughly scrub the cage bars, base, perches, and toys with hot water and a bird-safe disinfectant (or a dilute vinegar solution), rinsing well and drying completely before returning the birds.
- Monthly: Consider a deeper clean, potentially taking the cage apart if possible for easier access to all crevices.
Managing seed hulls can be a bit messy. Placing a mat under the cage or using a cage skirt can help contain the mess. A small handheld vacuum kept nearby is also a lifesaver for quick cleanups around the cage area.
Verified Tip: Consistent Care is Key. Finches are relatively low-maintenance compared to larger birds, but they depend on you completely for their well-being. Daily checks on food, water, and general health are essential. Regular cleaning prevents disease and odour build-up, crucial in shared apartment buildings. A predictable routine helps finches feel secure.
Sounds and Socialisation
While finches aren’t loud, they are vocal, especially during the day. Their gentle chirps and songs are usually considered pleasant background noise. Talk to your birds gently; while they won’t learn to mimic speech, they will learn to recognise your voice and associate it with positive things like food and care. Spending time near the cage simply being present helps them become accustomed to you and feel secure in their environment.
Living in an apartment doesn’t mean you can’t enjoy the delightful company of finches. By providing a spacious cage, a stimulating environment, proper nutrition, and diligent cleaning, you can create a wonderful home for these charming little birds, bringing a touch of nature’s beauty and song into your urban dwelling.
