They possible originated as hybrids of 2 other manakin species which produced fertile hybrids. It does not and never did exist in the wild state. It was his passion for seahorses that led me to write a book about them years later.1 Society finch or Bengalese The society finch is unique in that it is a cultivated variety of bird for which there is no wild population. My grandfather actively conspired in my zoo-buildings efforts, regularly appearing with chipmunks, boa constrictors, turtles rescued from the Fulton Fish Market and, especially, unusual marine creatures. My mother went on to become a serious naturalist, and has helped thousands learn about wildlife in her 16 years as a volunteer at the Bronx Zoo. Assisting in hand-feeding hatchling praying mantises and in eradicating hoards of mosquitoes (I once thought I had discovered “fresh-water brine shrimp” and stocked my tanks with thousands of mosquito larvae!) became second nature to them. My mother and grandmother somehow found ways to cope with the skunks, flying squirrels, octopus, caimans and countless other odd creatures that routinely arrived un-announced at our front door. Most importantly, my family encouraged both my interest and the extensive menagerie that sprung from it. One might imagine this to be an unfortunate set of circumstances for a person born and raised in the Bronx, but, in actuality, quite the opposite was true. I believe that I was born with an intense interest in animals, as neither I nor any of my family can recall a time when I was not fascinated by creatures large and small. Image referenced from wikipedia and originally posted by Jason L. Click here for more information concerning finch species that forage together in the wild. Working with mixed species collections is a favorite pastime of mine, and one that hooks most who give it a try. If you are serious about your birds, please consider providing them with as much space as possible. My most memorable observations of captive finches have taken place before large cages and outdoor aviaries. Nesting sites so situated are outside of the cage and therefore will not restrict available flight space. The Double Flight Cage is equipped with 2 doors that allow for the installation of nest boxes. yellow-rumped and gray-headed munias).įor many of the more sensitive finches, a large flight cage is the only reasonable alternative to an outdoor aviary if breeding efforts are to be successful. Ample room is particularly important for shy finches, and for those that become lethargic in small cages and reproduce most reliably in group situations (i.e. Nesting and BreedingĪdditional space always improves ones chances of breeding captive birds. You can also use this cage to create a striking mixed-species display for compatible birds such as cordon bleus, golden-breasts and painted finches. The Double Flight Cage is an excellent choice for those seeking to provide finches of any kind with additional room, and is perfect for housing larger species such as Gouldian finches, bull finches and Java rice birds. 5 inch bar spacing renders this cage ideal for even the smallest of finches, but its design also permits the accommodation of cockatiels, parrotlets, lovebirds and parakeets. Available in 6 colors, it can also be divided to allow for introductions or when separate facilities are otherwise needed. A Finch MansionĪt just over 5 feet x 2 feet x 5 feet, the A&E Double Flight Bird Cage is the ultimate in luxury housing for finches. As most finches are not given outside flight time, cage size and complexity are important factors in their husbandry. It is very hard to hand-tame finches, or to induce breeding in tight quarters. Then too, many finches tend to be high strung, and are ill at ease when closely confined. They spend more time foraging and otherwise moving about, and hence have little to “occupy themselves” in a small cage… space therefore is key to their well-being. Whereas a parrot might clamber over every inch of its home – roof included – finches use mainly flying and ground space.Īlso, finches explore and will utilize toys, but not to the extent seen in most parrots. For example, finches do not climb about as do parrots, and hence cages offer to them much less “useable space”. Rather than using your pet’s size as a factor in cage choice, I propose instead that you carefully consider its habits and natural history. But the facts that a bird “fits” in a cage, and can move about somewhat, does not necessarily mean that we are providing it with an ideal environment. Their small size, especially when compared to other pet birds, seems to pre-dispose hobbyists to providing equally tiny living quarters. It seems to me that finches are often “short-changed” when it comes to cage space.
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