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 ...