AUSTRALIAN FINCHES 

HOUSING

Australian Finches are best bred in cages as young when leaving the nest are susceptible to drafts and damp, and the breeding season for these birds is generally during the winter months. However, when not breeding the parent bird’s benefit from being in an outside aviary with inside quarters for feeding and roosting and youngsters will moult to their adult plumage much quicker with natural sunlight.   It is recommenced that the roof of the flight is covered to avoid contamination from wild birds. eg: Salmonella from bird droppings etc. Extended hours of lighting need to be provided for a minimum of 12 to 14 hours each day, and during the winter months the temperature needs to be maintained approx 10 deg=s above freezing so some form of heating must be considered.

FEEDING

The best seed mixture for these birds is a Budgerigar mix as this contains all the millets and canary seed required, supplemented with millet sprays and egg food. Mineral grit and a small quantity of charcoal, together with water for drinking & bathing should also be supplied. Greenfood should be given at least twice weekly.

NESTING

Nest Boxes ‑ 6 inch cubed, with coconut fibre for nesting material.  A hole of one and a quarter inch to one and a half inch or half open front is best.