Breeding Society Finches: A Comprehensive Guide

As a responsible bird breeder, it is essential to understand the specific needs of your avian companions. For those interested in breeding society finches, this article aims to provide a comprehensive overview of their requirements and care.

Firstly, it's crucial to note that there are codes of practice in place for keeping birds in captivity, which require adequate space, food, water, and other essential resources. In Victoria, Australia, the Code of Practice for the housing of caged birds is enforced, and breeders must ensure they comply with these regulations.

When it comes to roosting, some species of society finches build nests to sleep in at night. These include black-throated, diamond firetail, double-barred, long-tailed, masked, red-browed, and zebra finches. It is illegal to intentionally allow hybridisation between different species, so it's essential to keep distinct groups separate.

Some society finches are known to be more aggressive than others, particularly the crimson finch, which may attack birds with similar feathering. As such, it's recommended to keep these birds separately from others. Diamond firetails and black-throateds, on the other hand, may benefit from being kept with larger birds.

In terms of mixing different species, most society finches are generally tolerant of each other, except for the crimson finch. Chestnut-breasted and yellow-rumpeds may cause damage during breeding, so breeders should take this into consideration when housing their birds.

Society finches do not typically harm plants, making them a great choice for those with a green thumb. However, it's still important to provide a safe and stimulating environment by offering a variety of plants, such as milk thistle, endive, dandelion, seeding grasses, and more.

When it comes to feeding your society finches, there are several options available. Soaked or sprouted seeds, cuttlefish, shellgrit, and charcoal can be offered as treats, while live foods like mealworms, maggots, white ants, and more provide a nutritious and exciting meal. Regular greens should also be included in their diet.

In terms of aviaries, minimum height and size requirements must be met to ensure the birds' well-being. For example, breeding societies finches require a minimum height of 60cm and an area of approximately 3700 sq.cm.

Finally, it's worth noting that new mutations or colours may become available over time, so breeders should stay up-to-date with the latest developments in society finch breeding.

By following these guidelines and providing your society finches with the proper care and attention, you can help them thrive and enjoy a successful breeding experience.

Breeding society finches