Finch Cage
How To Build Or Select A Finch Cage
A finch cage does not need to be extremely large unless you're keeping a number of finches. The bird itself is on the small side. Still, finches need room to fly around, and since they tend to fly from one end of a cage to the other instead of from top to bottom, a cage that is longer than it is wide or high is preferred.
The minimum size, let's call it the absolute minimum size cage so we don't crowd the little birds, would measure 2 feet long, 18" deep and 18" high, with a 3' long cage being even better. This would comfortably accommodate a pair of fiches. Don't purchase or build a smaller cage, thinking that would be fine for a single finch. A single finch is an unhappy finch, and needs a companion. The companion can be of the same sex or the opposite sex, but finches as a rule do not like to be alone.
Two's Company - Even if your finch cage contains only a single finch, don't think that by giving the finch lots of attention, it will make it happier. Unlike some pet birds, fiches don't really care all that much about human companionship, and would prefer to be left alone. Either get 2 finches or don't keep any. Three finches is not a good number, even if you have a slightly larger finch cage. If one of the 3 is weaker, the others are apt to pick on it, and perhaps even kill it. If you have a very large finch cage with 6 or more finches in it there probably won't be a problem, as long as they are all of the same species. Finches tend to be somewhat territorial, but this is not usually a problem when you have only two and a huge finch cage is not really necessary.
Some pet birds, like parrots, get most of their exercise by climbing around on bars or branches in their cage. While finches need something to perch on, they don't do much in the way of climbing. They get their exercise by flying, so it's important to take that into account. They don't need the toys that some other birds like to have, so your finch cage is going to contain mainly food, water, several perches, and of course finches. Swings can be added, just keep them near the sides of the finch cage and out of the bird's flight paths.
Finches Like Light And Fresh Air - A finch cage can be placed by a window with an open window being a nice touch during the summer months. Fiches can be taken outside during warm weather, but avoid letting them get rained on. Also it's a good idea to place the finch cage in a spot where it gets dark naturally at night This is preferable to covering the cage with anything during the nighttime hours.
If you build your own finch cage, a wire mesh having no more than 1/2 inch spacing works fine. Make certain that the construction allows for ease in cleaning, as a clean cage is imperative. A few imitation plants in the cage are not only a nice touch, but if placed strategically, such as near perches, offer the birds privacy, which will help keep them from becoming stressed.
When you have finches you have birds which are simply enjoyable to watch and to listen to. You can't teach finches tricks, or teach them to talk and finches can easily become stressed if you try to handle them. Finches are birds that just like to be birds, and have no need to learn any human-like habits. They are fun to watch and pleasant to listen to. Given them a finch cage that serves their best interests as the top priority, and yours as the second priority, and you should have some happy finches.