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TABLE OF CONTENTS

  • Chapter One: Introduction 1
  • Glossary of Important Terms 3
  • Chapter Two: Understanding Finches 6
  • 1.) What Are Finches? 7
  • 2.) Facts About Finches 8
  • Summary of Facts 10
  • 3.) Types of Finches 13
  • a.) Zebra Finch (Taeniopygia guttata) 15
  • b.) Gouldian Finch (Erythrura gouldiae) 16
  • c.) Society Finch (Lonchura striata domestica) 17
  • d.) Star Finch (Neochmia ruficauda) 18
  • e.) Owl Finch (Taeniopygia bichenovii) 19
  • f.) Strawberry Finch (Amandava amandava) 20
  • g.) Spice Finch (Lonchura punctulata) 21
  • Chapter Three: What to Know Before You Buy 22
  • 1.) How Many Should You Buy? 23
  • 2.) Can Finches Be Kept with Other Pets? 25
  • 3.) Ease and Cost of Care 26
  • a.) Initial Costs 26
  • b.) Monthly Costs 28
  • 4.) Pros and Cons of Finches 31
  • Chapter Four: Purchasing Finches 33
  • 1.) Do You Need a Permit? 34
  • 1.) U.S. Licensing Requirements 34
  • 2.) U.K. Permit Requirements 35
  • 2.) Where to Buy Finches 37
  • a. Tips for Finding a Finch Breeder 37
  • b. Finch Breeders in the United States 39
  • c. Finch Breeders in the United Kingdom 40
  • 3.) How to Select a Healthy Finch 42
  • Chapter Five: Caring for Finches 44
  • 1.) Habitat Requirements 45
  • a.) Minimum Cage Requirements 45
  • b.) Cage Accessories and Toys 47
  • c.) Building Your Own Cage 51
  • d.) Lighting and Temperature 52
  • 2.) Feeding Finches 54
  • a.) Nutritional Needs of Finches 55
  • b.) Types of Food 56
  • c.) Feeding Tips and Amount to Feed 60
  • d. Harmful Foods to Avoid 61
  • 3.) Handling and Taming Finches 63
  • a. Tips for Taming Finches 64
  • b.) Trimming Your Finch’s Nails 65
  • c.) Clipping a Finch’s Wings 66
  • Chapter Six: Breeding Finches 67
  • 1.) Basic Finch Breeding Info 68
  • a.) Sexual Dimorphism 68
  • b.) Courtship Behavior 69
  • c.) Nest Building 71
  • 2.) The Finch Breeding Process 72
  • Chapter Seven: Keeping Finches Healthy 75
  • 1.) Common Health Problems 76
  • 2.) Preventing Illness 89
  • 3.) Quarantining/Introducing New Birds 92
  • Chapter Eight: Finch Care Sheet 95
  • 1.) Basic Information 96
  • 2.) Cage Set-up Guide 98
  • 3.) Nutritional Information 100
  • 4.) Breeding Tips 101
  • Index 103
  • References 112

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