Explore the wide world of finches

Finches For Dummies is your entry into the fascinating world of finches. Canaries are probably the most well-known type of finch, but finches are a widely diverse species of birds. They actually encompass several hundred different types of birds, including Gouldians, goldfinches, zebra finches, and owl finches. They also come in an amazing variety of shapes, colors, and sizes. Some are very vocal; some are not. How you care for your finch depends on its species, size, and temperament. But no need to stress. Finches For Dummies is here to help you find the perfect feathered friend!

This practical guide sets you up to become a responsible finch caretaker. Inside, you'll find information on:

• Feeding your finches and keeping them healthy

• Choosing the ideal enclosure and supplies for your finches

• Adjusting to finch life with children or other pets

• Breeding your finches

  With the advice and tips in Finches For Dummies, you and your pet finches can maintain a fun and thriving relationship for a long time. If you're interested in adopting one of these amazing birds, pick up a copy!

  Autorentext

Nikki Moustaki is an accomplished avian care and behavior expert. She works with clients to heal strained relationships between themselves and their feathered friends. She has published 47 books, including more than 30 covering the care and training of exotic birds.

Klappentext

Step into the wonderful world of finches

Finches can make a fabulous and exciting addition to your life. Providing the best home for one depends on its shape, size, and temperament. In Finches For Dummies, you get helpful advice on these delightful birds, from choosing the species that's best for you, to planning a comfortable home, and training. Most importantly, with the information and tips provided, you can become a responsible caretaker for your feathered companions, have a fun relationship, and ensure that your finches will flourish in your home. Inside

• Identify finches by species, shape, and color
• Choose the right finches for you
• Care properly for your finches
• Create the ideal environment
• Find out what seeds and insects your finches prefer
• Decide to train your finches

• Give a social finch a friend

  Zusammenfassung
  Explore the wide world of finches

  Finches For Dummies is your entry into the fascinating world of finches. Canaries are probably the most well-known type of finch, but finches are a widely diverse species of birds. They actually encompass several hundred different types of birds, including Gouldians, goldfinches, zebra finches, and owl finches. They also come in an amazing variety of shapes, colors, and sizes. Some are very vocal; some are not. How you care for your finch depends on its species, size, and temperament. But no need to stress. Finches For Dummies is here to help you find the perfect feathered friend!

  This practical guide sets you up to become a responsible finch caretaker. Inside, you'll find information on:

• Feeding your finches and keeping them healthy
• Choosing the ideal enclosure and supplies for your finches
• Adjusting to finch life with children or other pets

• Breeding your finches
  With the advice and tips in Finches For Dummies, you and your pet finches can maintain a fun and thriving relationship for a long time. If you're interested in adopting one of these amazing birds, pick up a copy!

  Inhalt

Introduction 1

About This Book 1

Foolish Assumptions 2

Icons Used in This Book 2

Beyond the Book 3

Where to Go from Here 3

Part 1: Introducing Finches 5

Chapter 1: Finches: More Than Just Pretty, Chatty Birds 7

Where Finches Come From 8

The Life of a Wild Finch 8

The Many Species of Finches 9

Size differences 11

Temperament differences 13

The finch lifespan 13

Anatomy of a Finch 14

Chapter 2: Are Finches Your Perfect Companions? 17

Knowing What to Expect from Finches 18

Activity 18

Noise 18

Enjoyment 19

Mess 20

Knowing What Your Finches Expect from You 21

A good home 22

Routine 23

Deciding Whether a Finch Is Right for You 24

Will finches fit into your family? 24

Do you have any smokers in the house? 25

Is your home also home to children? 26

Do you have other pets? 27

How Many Finches Are Right for You? 28

Chapter 3: Selecting Species of Companion Finches 31

Choosing Finches: Exploring Your Options 31

Canary 32

Cordon-bleu finch 33

European goldfinch 33

Gouldian finch 34

Java finch 35

Owl finch 36

Society finch 37

Spice finch 38

Whydah 39

Zebra finch 40

Chapter 4: Finding and Selecting Finches 43

Choosing Finches: Exploring Your Options 44

The age of your new finches 44

Gender 45

Previously homed finches 45

Finding a Finch 46

Pet shops and bird shops 46

Swap meets and flea markets 48

The classifieds 48

Breeders and experts 49

Bird shows 49

Searching for a Healthy Finch 50

Eyes 50

Nose and nares 50

Feathers 51

Feet 51

Vent 51

Attitude 51

Housing Finches Together 52

Part 2: Caring For Your Finches 55

Chapter 5: Home Tweet Home: Preparing for Your Finches and Bringing Them Home 57

Your Finches' New Home 58

Size matters: Cages, flight cages, aviaries, and habitats 58

Considering cage materials 59

Keeping cage safety in mind 60

Deciding where to put your bird's cage 61

Accessorizing Your Finches' Abode 63

Perches to stand on 64

Cups and bowls 66

Cage covers 67

Mineral blocks and cuttlebones 67

Toys 67

Baths 68

Lighting 69

Heating 70

Keeping Mess Away 70

Cage bloomers and seed guards 70

Cleaning supplies 71

HEPA filters 71

Setting up the Cage 72

Finch-Proofing Your Home 72

Traveling Safely from Store to Home 75

Chapter 6: Caring for Your Finches 77

Water: Extremely Essential 77

Knowing What Your Finch Should (and Shouldn't) Eat 79

Seeds and pellets 79

Veggies and fruit 80

Snacks 82

Live insects 83

Table foods 84

Cooked foods 84

Fun Finch Food Recipes 85

Finch flapjacks 85

Finch fiber fusion 85

Finch fries 86

What not to feed your finch 86

Nutritional supplements: When food is not enough 87

Helping Your Finches Get the Exercise They Need 88

Getting a Good Night's Sleep: Putting Your Finch to Bed 88

Grooming Your Finch 89

Toenail clipping 90 Bathing ...