Society Finches
These adorable little birds are extremely social, so the word “society” fits them perfectly. In fact, these birds are so social that they should always be kept in groups. Their need to socialize is so strong that they can actually disrupt the breeding habits of other more private birds. They are very lively, but never aggressive and they are the perfect pet for the novice as well as the experienced bird lover.
The Society Finch (Lonchura domestica) is not found in the wild, they are strictly domesticated. They were first bred in China and then they were later introduced to Japan around 260 years ago. They were then imported into Europe. They are believed to descend from the Sharp-tailed or White backed Mannikins but their absolute ancestry is uncertain. Today Society Finches are found thought the U.S. and many more countries. These friendly birds grow to be about four and one-fourth inches or four and three-fourths inches (11-12 cm).
Society Finches have three basic colors varieties: fawn and white, chocolate and white and pure white. There are also tri-colored, crested forms, which were developed in the 1930’s) and solid-colored Society Finches. One thing that makes them so much fun is that no two Society Finches are exactly alike.
These hardy little birds can be housed in indoor cages. The cage should be placed somewhere that is well ventilated, but free from drafts. The cage should also be against a wall and at eye level. There should be good light but away from doors and window where direct exposure to sunlight can make them overly warm.
Society Finches are great pets for beginners because they are inexpensive and they are one of the easiest birds to care for. A good finch seed mix, that is found readily available at any per store, will provide their everyday preference for millets and canary seed. You should also supply your finches with green foods such as chickweed and spinach. Provide their green foods in a separate cup. Other supplement you should supply your finches with includes egg foods, apples and pears. You can spoil your finches a little bit with special nutritious treats like seeds with honey, fruits and vegetables. Grit with charcoal is also essential to your Society Finch’s diet to aid in digestion, plus it contains valuable minerals and trace elements. Grit should be provided in a special cup or it can be sprinkled over the bottom of the cage floor. Owners also need to provide their birds with a cuttlebone because the calcium that it provides will give your bird a firm beak, strong eggshells when breeding, and it will also prevent egg biding in females. The lime in the cuttlebone also aids the birds in their digestion. Since Society Finches are very hardy little birds, almost all illnesses can be traced to an improper diet, dirty cages or drafts. Society Finches will a well-balanced diet; fresh food and water daily, a clean comfortable environment and plenty of exercise are able to avoid most illnesses.
Occasionally you can offer your Society Finches a bath by setting a dish in the bottom of the cage that is about 1″ deep with a 1/2″ of water inside, or you can clip a bath house onto the side of the cage. Another aspect of Society Finch care involves trimming their nails. Owners must be careful to never clip into the vein because the bird can quickly bleed to death. Bird nail trimmers and styptic powder to stop the bleeding are available at any pet shop.
Society Finches are easy to care for, fun to watch and just a joy to have in your home.
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