3 Facts You Ought to Know About Society Finches

Bengalese finches or society finches are popular for being lovable, charming and highly interesting birds. These birds were initially bred in Japan, and they have been domesticated for years. Their origins, however, remain unclear. Nonetheless, Sharptail and Asian Striated manikins are believed by breeders to be their ancestors.

Society finches are easy to breed and keep. This is why they are truly popular and well-loved by pet owners. Male and female finches have the same appearance and they can only be classified by checking for particular traits. Males usually have a specific song, which is akin to trilling sounds. They also bounce to and fro on the perch. Males typically sing quite often, particularly when they are first added to an aviary or cage. This is a sort of adapting mechanism for them.

What type of diet should you give society finches?

Larger millets are preferred by society finches. Occasional egg food, as well as some green vegetables is a welcome addition to their diet. Calcium and grit, plus crushed oysters shells and egg shells should be provided to fill the calcium requirements of society finches.

Things to remember when society finches come to their breeding age

Society finches prefer to be in groups, as they are very sociable birds. This might make it a bit difficult to breed them. The ideal solution is to provide them enough space to fly in the cage. You should also consider setting up a couple of nesting boxes. The key to breeding society finches is to keep them in single pairs, as this allows them to mate and care for their young more efficiently.

Put dry leaves in the cage but be sure that grasses or dry leaves have not been sprayed with chemicals or fertilizers to avoid
poisoning. Since society finches are sociable, older ones will aid in feeding the younger finches. Keep in that society finches breed as early as 3 months of age. However, the society finches' best breeding time is when they're already 6-8 months old.

Basic caring methods for society finches The wild is an entirely different territory for society finches, as they are accustomed to being cared for. Always bear in mind to give ample food and water for them. The society finches' cage should also be have the right temperature and humidity. You cannot place society finches in places that are too cold or to too hot because this could be fatal for them.

If you're moving them, make sure to pack enough water, seeds and supplements for their nourishment. In cases where they won't have access to sunlight for a few days, provide them with vitamin D supplements, such as cod liver oil.

More importantly, remember to keep society finches in pairs so that they always have company. These birds are sociable; they would have a better and longer life when they are placed in a spacious cage with companions.

Michael Stanford is an expert on finches. For more info on society finches, visit http://www.keepingfinchesguide.com