Finches

There are 18 species of native Australian finch recognised within the family Estrildidae. They are found across a wide range of habitats — from tropical savanna and spinifex grassland to woodland, coastal scrub and irrigated farmland — wherever grass seeds are abundant and water sources are accessible. All Australian finches are predominantly ground or near-ground feeders on grass seeds, supplemented seasonally with insects (particularly during breeding).

Finch keeping is one of the oldest and most popular branches of Australian aviculture. Whether kept as a breeding collection or purely for observation, finches in a well-planted aviary provide a constant source of colour, movement and natural behaviour. The Zebra Finch is the most commonly kept and most forgiving species, and is universally recommended as the ideal starting point for new finch keepers. The Gouldian Finch, while breathtakingly beautiful, requires more careful management and a higher standard of hygiene than most other species.

Finch keeping does not generally require a native bird keeper licence in NSW for the most commonly kept species, including the Zebra Finch, Gouldian Finch, Star Finch, Painted Finch and Blue-faced Parrot Finch, which are all exempt from licensing requirements. Other native finch species may require a Class 1 or Class 2 Bird Keeper Licence — confirm current requirements for specific species with your state wildlife authority before purchasing. All birds must be sourced from licensed captive breeders.

Finches are active, fast-flying birds that benefit greatly from space and height. Kellyville Pets recommends a minimum aviary size of approximately 60cm W x 60cm D x 150cm H (2ft x 2ft x 5ft) for a single pair; a larger flight aviary of at least 1.8m L x 0.9m W x 1.8m H is strongly preferred and provides the flight exercise and environmental complexity that best supports finch welfare and breeding success.

The aviary floor should be easy to maintain and keep clean — sand, fine gravel or a concrete base with good drainage prevents moisture accumulation, which encourages disease. Add a thick layer of native plants and shrubbery inside the aviary; any native Australian plant is generally safe. Plants provide shelter, nesting sites, foraging opportunities and visual barriers that reduce inter-bird aggression.

Provide natural branches of varying lengths, shapes and thicknesses from native species — eucalyptus, gum, grevillea, bottlebrush and lilly pilly — which allow natural chewing and foot exercise. Place food and water off the ground and away from perches to avoid faecal contamination. A covered, sheltered section of the aviary protects birds from rain, wind and temperature extremes. Nesting boxes, grass tussocks and half-open cups provide nesting options for breeding pairs.

Finches are predominantly seed eaters and should be provided with a quality finch or canary seed mix containing a variety of seeds such as French white millet, Japanese millet, plain canary, pannicum and small amounts of hulled oats. The seed mix should be fresh — check regularly and remove husks from the dish before topping up, rather than simply adding seed on top.

Live and seeding grasses are among the most important and enriching dietary supplements — branches of seeding native grasses, chickweed, milk thistle, endive and dandelion are relished and provide variety, moisture and additional nutrition. Egg and biscuit food (a soft food mixture containing protein, egg and vitamins) is particularly important during breeding and moulting periods and supports overall condition. Greens such as spinach, silverbeet, chickweed and endive can be offered daily.

Grit in small amounts assists with seed digestion. Cuttlebone provides calcium and should always be available, particularly for breeding birds. Fresh, clean water must be changed daily — finches are heavy water users relative to their size. Vitamin supplements such as a quality bird vitamin supplement can be added to water two to three times per week. Gouldian Finches have higher nutritional requirements than other finches and benefit from a more comprehensive supplementation programme; consult a specialist breeder for current recommendations.

Most finches are not suited to regular handling and should not be handled unless necessary for health checks or transfer. When handling is required, use a soft, cupped hand movement and work quickly but calmly. Finches are very fast and can easily injure themselves by flying into aviary walls or cage sides when panicked.

For keepers who want a more interactive experience from a finch species, the Zebra Finch is the most suitable — some individuals become remarkably bold and will feed from the hand. Consistent, calm presence near the aviary over time builds confidence in the flock. Some individual birds, particularly young hand-raised finches, can become relatively tame, but this is the exception rather than the rule.

A well-designed, planted aviary is itself the most important form of enrichment for finches. The presence of live native plants, varied branches at different heights, and the company of a flock all provide the environmental complexity and social interaction that finches need. Regularly rotating fresh branches from native species adds novelty and encourages natural chewing and perching behaviour.

Live seeding grasses hung or scattered throughout the aviary stimulate natural foraging behaviour — the act of searching for, selecting and husking seeds is genuinely enriching and occupies finches for extended periods. Providing a shallow, clean bathing dish — replenished daily — is an important enrichment item; most finch species are enthusiastic bathers. Offering egg and biscuit food in a separate dish during the breeding season provides both nutritional support and foraging variety.

Air sac mite (Sternostoma tracheacolum): A microscopic parasite that affects the respiratory system, causing open-mouth breathing, tail bobbing and respiratory distress. It is a serious and potentially fatal condition requiring veterinary treatment with appropriate anti-parasitic medication. Gouldian Finches are particularly susceptible. Prevent through good hygiene and quarantine of new birds.

Scaly face mite (Cnemidocoptes): Causes crusty growths on the beak and face; treatable by a vet if caught early.

Psittacosis (Chlamydiosis): Can affect all finch species; annual vet checks and good hygiene are preventative.

Bacterial infections: Common in overcrowded, poorly maintained aviaries — maintain good hygiene, adequate space and ventilation.

Moulting problems: Incomplete or prolonged moults are often linked to nutritional deficiencies — ensure a complete, varied diet with protein supplementation during moulting periods.

E-coli and coccidiosis: Can spread rapidly in wet, dirty conditions — maintain a dry, clean aviary floor and change water daily.