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Note:

The information on this Care Sheet is not asubstitute for veterinary care. If you need additional

information, please refer to the sources on the following

page or contact your veterinarian as appropriate.

shopping listfor needed supplies

appropriately sized habitat

habitat cover

book about finches

high quality finch food

millet spray

treats

grit

habitat paper or litter

food and water dishes

variety of perches

variety of toys

bird bath

grooming supplies

vitamins and supplements

sources

Speak to an associate about the Petco library ofbooks on finches.

Speak to an associate about our many private branditems available for the care and happiness of yourpet.

Because all finches are potential carriers of infectious

diseases, such as Chlamydiosis, always wash yourhands before and after handling your finch and/orhabitat contents to help prevent the potential spreadof diseases. Work with your avian veterinarian onprotocols to treat your bird should the bird contractChlamydiosis.

Pregnant women, children under the age of 5 andpeople with weakened immune systems should

contact their physician before purchasing and/orcaring for a finch and should consider not having afinch as a pet. For more information regarding finch-es and disease, go to the Center for Disease Controlat cdc.gov/healthypets/ and petco.com/caresheet.

This care sheet can cover the care needs of otherspecies. See petco.com for more information.

includes gouldian, orange weaver, society, spiceand zebra finches

finch

average adult size: 3-8 inches long,head to end of tail,

depending on species

average life span: 5-10+ yearswith proper care,

depending on species.

diet: herbivores

Bird owners should avoid non-stick cookware and

appliances as they can release fumes hazardous to

your birds health.

finch facts:

2012, Petco Animal Supplies, Inc.All rights reserved. (03/2012)

Developed with and approved

by a qualified veterinarian.

Finches are small, gentle birds that come

in a dazzling variety of colors. Finches

should always be housed with at least

one other finch, preferably more.

care sheet

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red flags

If you notice any of these signs, please contact your

exotic animal veterinarian.

Developed with and approved

by a qualified veterinarian.

common health issues

includes gouldian, orange weaver,society, spice and zebra finches

finch

to average householdtemperatures, not to

exceed 80F; be cautiousof extreme temperaturechanges. The habitatshould be placed off thefloor in an area that is well-lit and away from drafts.

A rectangular flighthabitat, approximately24W x 14D x 18H, with

metal bars spaced nogreater than 3/8 apart,makes a good homefor up to 3 finches. Aflight habitat is stronglyrecommended. It is best toprovide the largest habitatpossible.

Perches should be at

least 3 long and 1/4-1/2in diameter; a variety ofperch sizes to exercise feetand help prevent arthritis isrecommended.

A metal grate over thedroppings tray willkeep the bird awayfrom droppings; linethe droppings traywith habitat paper orappropriate substratefor easier cleaning. Toavoid contamination, donot place food or watercontainers under perches.

Finches can be kept

with at least one other

diet

A well-balanced finch dietconsists of: Specialized pellets should

make up 60-70% of diet,fresh vegetables and fruitsand small amounts offortified seeds.

Clean, fresh, filtered,

chlorine-free water,changed daily.

Do notfeed birds avocado,fruit seeds, chocolate,caffeine or alcohol as thesecan cause serious medicalconditions. Avoid sugarand high fat treats.

feeding

Things to remember whenfeeding your finch: Fresh food and water

should always be available.

Vegetables and fruits noteaten within a few hours

should be discarded.

Remember, treats shouldnot exceed 10% of totalfood.

ntake.

housing

Finches acclimate well

lead, zinc or lead-basedpaints or galvanized parts

as these can cause seriousmedical issues if ingestedby your bird.

Do not use a lot of cleaningagents around your bird asthe fumes can be harmful.It is recommended to use anatural cleaning product.

grooming& hygiene

Provide filtered, chlorine-free, lukewarm waterregularly for bathing;remove the water whendone. As an alternative,mist the bird with water.

Nails should be trimmedby a qualified person toprevent injury to the bird.

signs of a

healthy animal

Active, alert, and sociable

Eats and drinks throughoutthe day

Dry nares and bright, dryeyes

Beak, legs and feet normalin appearance

Clean, dry vent

Smooth, well-groomedfeathers

finch, preferably more.Depending on species,

some finches can behoused with other types offinches. Different types ofbirds should notbe housedtogether.

Birds should be socializeddaily by the pet parent.

normal

behavior Finches need the company

of other finches to thrive.

Most finch speciesmake frequent, pleasantchirping.

Finches need room to fly intheir habitat.

Provide foraging toys,which provide importantmental stimulation.

habitat

maintenance

Clean and disinfect thehabitat and perches

regularly; replace substrateor habitat liner weekly ormore often as needed.

Replace perches, dishes,and toys when worn ordamaged; rotate new toysinto the habitat regularly.

Ensure that there are nohabitat parts or toys with

beak swelling or

accumulations

fluffed, plucked, or

soiled feathers sitting on floor of

habitat

wheezing or coughing

runny or discolored

stools

favoring one foot

eye or nasal discharge

red or swollen eyes

loss of appetite

care sheet

Health Issue Symptoms or Causes Suggested Action

diarrhea fecal portion of stool not

formed. Multiple causes, from

change in diet to internal

parasites.

consult with an avian

veterinarian and

ensure correct diet.

lice or feather

mites

restlessness, scratching,

feather picking.

consult with an avian

veterinarian and clean

habitat.

mites(scaly

face and leg

disease)

white deposits on eyes, beak,

legs, and feet.

consult with an avian

veterinarian.

avian pox lesions in mouth, scabs on

eyes and face.

isolate bird and

consult an avian

veterinarian.