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
