Note that society finches are very susceptible to air-borne toxins. The cage should be placed so it is not directly below an air conditioning vent or in a direct sunlight, but should be in an area of the home where there is much activity. Cage size for a pair should be at least 14 inches square. They should have at least two perches far enough apart to jump or fly between. Society finches are small, but they are very active and should be given plenty of room to move around their cage. They can die if water is withheld for 24 hours. What they do require is fresh water daily. Society finches historically have been given grit, but they do not require it. Vitamin supplementation is not necessary if the bird eats a pelleted diet. Vitamins can be provided in the water, but the bowl or water bottle must be washed daily to prevent bacterial over-growth. Ideally, vitamins should be added to soft foods, such as egg food and a soft bread mix. If your society finch is fed a seed diet, vitamin supplementation is needed. Boiled eggs or commercial egg food are excellent for young and breeding society finches. They also enjoy tiny slices of apple, grapes, melons, or sprouts. Society finches also should be offered small mounts of fresh dark green leafy vegetables such as romaine, endive, spinach, watercress and dandelion greens. These can be substituted for seeds, which can be given as treats. Pelleted diets, made in a small size, are available for society finches and provide balanced nutrition in every bite. Canary seed and millets are high in carbohydrates. Rape is high in protein and beneficial oils. FeedingĬlassical society finch diets have been seed diets consisting of a mixture of mixed millet seeds and canary seed but they can also be offered rapeseed, dehusked oats, linseed, hemp, lettuce and other small seeds. If you are selecting birds from an aviary, try to pick two birds that are perching together to enhance your chances of getting a compatible or bonded pair. Society finches are usually sold in pairs and should be kept as pairs. Crested varieties have been bred and are increasing in popularity. Solid-colored society finches (birds with no white) have been bred and are referred to as selfs. The patches are usually uneven, but with careful breeding, birds with symmetrical marking can be produced. Dilutes of these color recently have been established.Īs pieds, no two birds are identical. Colors include fawn/white, gray-brown/white, chocolate/white and solid white. Numerous color mutations have been developed over the years but most of the birds commonly seen are pieds (having patchy color). When nesting, however, they may become aggressive to other birds, especially weaker finch species. They can be kept in groups in aviaries and get along well with other species of similar-sized birds. Although they are highly domesticated, they are not typically hand-tamed and do not like to be handled. They are constantly active, hopping and flitting around the cage, making a squeaking call that sounds much like a toy trumpet. They require little space, although, like all birds, they enjoy having space to fly. They are easy to maintain, hardy and well suited to any home environment. The beautiful plumage, quirky song and antics of society finches have made them one of the world’s most popular finches. They are also an excellent starter bird for children. Society finches are good pet birds for all ages, but they are especially appealing to older people because they are brightly colored and sing without coming out of their cage. It does not – and never did – exist in the wild. The society finch, also known as the Bengalese, is unique in that it is a cultivated variety of bird for which there is no wild population.
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