Feeding Your Finch
Nutrition is the most commonly neglected element of owning a pet bird. Too often owners assume they are feeding a proper diet to their finches when in fact they are not. Poor nutrition is a common source of many health problems.
In the wild, Finches are generally seed eaters and eat a variety of plant seeds, especially the grasses. Since season dictates seed availability, there are times of the year when insects and certain vegetation will constitute the bulk of the diet. A well balanced and varied diet must be maintained at all times.
What seeds should I feed my finches?
Seeds are available everywhere, remain fresh when stored properly and are very convenient to feed. Although finches do eat seeds, they would naturally consume a far greater variety of seed types in the wild as different plants come into season than they do in captivity.
An all-seed diet tends to be high in fats and provides an imbalanced source of nutrients that will lead to ill health and potentially shorten the life expectancy of your finch. Commercial seed mixes may contain from 2 - 5 different kinds of seeds. The problem that exists when offering a large container of seed to a finch is that the bird proceeds to selectively eat 1 or 2 of its 'favourite' types of seed only. This, of course, leads to further malnutrition.
If a smaller amount of a good quality seed mix is offered then it is likely the bird will eat a greater variety of seed. Offer less and they will eat better.
How much should I offer?
As a guideline, most finches can be maintained on 1 - 2 level 'measure' teaspoons of seeds per bird, per day in a shallow dish depending on the size of the bird. If there is more than one finch in the cage, separate dishes should be used for each bird to ensure those birds at the bottom of the 'pecking order' have a chance to eat. This may not be possible in a flock situation.
Any seeds left over in the dish at the end of the day could suggest that too many seeds were offered originally. Seeds should only be a small part of a balanced diet.
What about formulated or mash diets?
Pellets, crumble and mashes have been developed to meet all your bird's nutritional needs. Due to their small size, the powdered or mash presentations of these formulated diets are easier to feed. Different formulations are available for different life stages and for the management of certain diseases. Baby birds are the easiest to start on a mash diet but it appears they may not thrive on a diet consisting exclusively of formulated product. You are encouraged to make formulated foods part of your finches diet.
How do I convert my bird to a mash or formulated diet?
Converting seed eating birds ('seed-aholics') onto a formulated diet is not always easy. Being a new item in the cage, formulated foods may not be identified immediately as food. Slowly wean the bird to a smaller amount of seeds over a period of weeks while having mash constantly available in a separate dish. Some people mix the mash in a reduced amount of seed which may aid its acceptance in the cage but be aware that the bird will not accidentally eat mash.
It may take days, weeks or months to modify a bird's diet. NEVER withdraw seeds entirely without first being certain the bird is eating the formulated foods plus some fruits and vegetables. Birds are stubborn, but can be trained. Remember, you train the bird, do not let it train you.
This can be a stressful time for you and your finches. Consult your veterinarian if encountering any problems with this adaptation or the health of the bird.
What fruits and vegetables can I offer?
As a general rule regarding food offered to a bird, any wholesome, nutritious food that you and your family eat, your bird can eat. Fruits, vegetables and greens should account for approximately 20 - 25% of the diet. Pale vegetables, with a high water composition (i.e. Iceberg lettuce, celery) offer very little nutritional value. Avocado is reported to be potentially toxic. All fruits and vegetables must be washed thoroughly to remove chemicals and cut into manageable pieces depending on the size of the bird. It is not necessary to take the skin off. They should be offered in a separate dish. Here is a tip to help get your bird to eat fruits and vegetables. Treat your bird like a small child; offer a large variety of food items daily and never stop trying!
Water
Fresh clean water must be available at all times. Dishes must be cleaned thoroughly every day, especially the tube or gravity water containers.
What about 'people' food?
Follow the general rule discussed above and your 'common sense'. Some birds even enjoy a small amount of lean meat, cheese or egg occasionally. Finches seem to need and enjoy having small amounts of scrambled egg or store-bought 'Egg Food' as a source of animal protein a couple times weekly. Dairy products should be consumed in moderation. It would only be common sense that 'junk food' and alcoholic beverages be avoided. Some people will offer their bird insects occasionally and although good for the finch, this may be rather distasteful for owners.
Will my bird have different needs during its life?
Birds that are extremely young, stressed, injured, laying eggs or raising young may have certain special requirements. Consult your veterinarian with regard to these situations.
Do I need to use a vitamin-mineral mixture?
If your bird is on a great diet, does it need extra vitamins, minerals or amino-acids? There is much written about supplementation. The powdered supplements are often regarded as more stable. Mix these products with water or preferably apply directly onto moist food. Placing these powders on seeds or dried foods is of little value since it will ultimately end up on the bottom of the food dish.
One opinion suggests that a bird eating 75 - 80% of its diet in the form of pelleted or formulated food may not need supplements. Specific vitamins or minerals may be more important at various times during a bird's life (i.e. egg laying - requires calcium supplementation). Your veterinarian can help you assess your bird's diet and it's particular needs.
Does my bird need gravel or grit?
In the wild, a bird would naturally consume small stones, gravel or grit whenever it wishes to. This is to aid in the mechanical digestion of seeds and nuts. Controversy exists over its need in captivity especially with formulated diets. Offering a small amount in a separate dish will allow the bird to decide if it needs or wants it.
Never place gravel on the bottom of the cage as the bird is then forced to eat it out of its 'toilet', the dirtiest part of the cage. Gravel with charcoal in it is reported to absorb certain vitamins from the digestive tract making them unavailable to the bird. White oyster shell may be part of some gravel mixes. Some sick birds will eat inappropriate amounts of grit. If irregular or excessive consumption is witnessed, consult your veterinarian.
Tips
Always monitor the amount of food eaten every day by each bird.
Offer fresh water every day.
Offer fresh food every day.
Offer fresh fruits and vegetables every day
Clean all food and water dishes daily.
'No' to a food item one day does not mean 'no' forever - KEEP TRYING
