Finches as Pets: Everything You Need to Know

Finches are some of the most delightful and energetic birds you can have as pets. They may not be as hands-on as parrots or budgies, but their beauty, cheerful chirping, and interesting behavior make them a joy to watch. Whether you’re a bird enthusiast or new to owning birds, finches are a great choice if you want a low-maintenance pet with big personality.

What Finches Do

Finches are highly active birds. They love to hop from perch to perch, fly short distances within their cage, and interact with their environment. Their small size means they don’t need a lot of space to roam, but they do appreciate a good-sized cage where they can explore and stretch their wings. You’ll notice they’re not big on being held or pet—finches are typically hands-off birds, but they provide hours of entertainment with their natural behavior.

Interesting fact: Finches are social birds that live in flocks in the wild, so they do best when kept in pairs or small groups. A lone finch may become lonely or stressed.

Sleeping Habits

Finches need around 10-12 hours of sleep each night, and they prefer a quiet, dim environment to rest. They usually perch on the highest available spot in their cage to sleep, which helps them feel safe. Unlike parrots, they don’t require a nesting box for sleeping unless they’re breeding. It’s important to cover their cage at night or place them in a quiet room to avoid disturbing their sleep—finches, like most birds, are sensitive to light and noise.

Fun fact: Finches have an internal clock and will usually wake up with the sunrise and settle down as the sun sets.

Feeding Finches

A balanced diet is essential for finches to thrive. They primarily eat seeds, but their diet should be supplemented with fresh fruits, vegetables, and occasional protein sources like boiled egg or mealworms. Commercial finch seed mixes are widely available and can provide a good base for their diet. However, it’s a good idea to offer variety to keep them healthy—fresh greens, like spinach and kale, and fruits like apples (without seeds), are a hit.

• Grit can also be offered, as it helps with digestion.
• Fresh, clean water should always be available—finches tend to drink frequently.

Finches are light eaters and prefer to peck at their food throughout the day rather than eating large meals.

Socializing with Humans

Finches may not be as affectionate as some other pet birds, but they can form bonds with their human caretakers. While they don’t enjoy being held, they can learn to be comfortable with your presence—especially if you spend time near their cage talking to them. They may even come to recognize your voice and face over time.

These little birds communicate through chirping and singing, and some finch species, like the Zebra Finch, are known for their melodic songs. Though they won’t mimic speech, their soft and varied vocalizations are one of their most endearing traits.

Interesting fact: Male Zebra Finches sing to impress females and establish their territory, while females don’t usually sing at all.

Activity and Playtime

Finches are very energetic and love to keep busy. They spend most of their day flying around, chirping, or pecking at various toys or cage accessories. Providing your finches with plenty of stimulation is key to keeping them happy—things like swings, ladders, and mirrors can provide hours of entertainment. You’ll often see them preening themselves or each other if they have a companion—this is a normal grooming behavior that helps maintain their feathers.

• Finches enjoy bathing, so a shallow water dish for them to splash in is a must.
• Place a cuttlebone in their cage to help keep their beaks healthy and provide extra calcium.

Fun fact: Some finches like to build little nests even if they’re not breeding, so offering nesting material like soft grass or hay can be a fun activity for them.

Things They Like

Finches are natural foragers, and they enjoy searching for food or treats scattered around their cage. You can hide seeds or small pieces of fruit around to encourage this behavior, which keeps them mentally stimulated. They also love natural sunlight—placing their cage near a window (but out of direct drafts) can boost their mood.

Final Thoughts

Finches make fantastic pets for those who appreciate observing rather than handling their birds. They’re perfect for beginners and experienced bird owners alike. While they don’t crave human interaction in the same way as other birds, their vibrant personalities, beautiful plumage, and lively songs more than make up for it. With the right care, a pair of finches will brighten up your home for years to come.

Fun fact to finish off—finches can live up to 10 years in captivity if cared for properly, so they’re a long-term companion!

Further reading: “Finches: Finch Bird Types, Care, Where to Buy, Temperament, Health, Breeding, Feeding, and Much More!” (Amazon affiliate link) by Lolly Brown.