EXPERIENCE ROXY'S PET SHOP CARE SHEETS

• Cage Size: Bengalese Finches are small but active birds that need ample space to fly and move around. The minimum recommended cage size for a pair is 18 inches wide x 18 inches deep x 24 inches high, but a larger cage will provide more space for exercise and enrichment. If you're keeping a small flock, ensure the cage is even larger to prevent overcrowding.
• Bar Spacing: The spacing between the bars should be around ½ inch to ¾ inch to prevent the birds from escaping or getting stuck.
• Location: Place the cage in a bright, well-lit area (but not in direct sunlight for extended periods), as Bengalese Finches enjoy light. They do well in rooms with human activity but should not be placed in areas with constant loud noise or drafts. A quiet, peaceful corner of the home with plenty of natural light is ideal.
• Perches: Provide several natural wooden perches at different heights and sizes. Use non-toxic, untreated branches from trees like willow, apple, or eucalyptus. Varied perch sizes help exercise their feet and prevent foot problems. Be sure to avoid perches made from plastic or smooth materials, as they can lead to foot issues like bumblefoot.
• Nesting: Bengalese Finches are social birds that often enjoy the company of others. Provide a small nesting box or nesting material like shredded paper or coconut fibers if you plan to breed them. If you don’t intend to breed, you can remove the nesting materials to prevent unnecessary egg-laying, especially if housing males and females together.

• Seed Mix: The foundation of a Bengalese Finch’s diet is a high-quality finch seed mix, which typically includes millet, canary seed, oats, and sorghum. It's best to avoid seed mixes with a high proportion of sunflower seeds, as these are too fatty for finches.
• Fresh Fruits & Vegetables: Offer a variety of fresh fruits and vegetables to supplement their diet. Safe options include leafy greens (like spinach, kale, and dandelion leaves), carrots, peas, berries, and apples. Be sure to remove any uneaten fresh foods daily to avoid spoilage. Avoid citrus fruits, avocado, and onions, as they can be toxic to birds.
• Egg Food: During breeding or molting, Bengalese Finches benefit from extra protein. Offer egg food (a mixture of hard-boiled eggs, vegetables, and seeds) to help support their health during these times.
• Fresh Water: Always provide clean, fresh water for drinking. Change the water daily to ensure it's free of bacteria.
• Cuttlebone & Minerals: Provide a cuttlebone or mineral block to supply necessary calcium, which is especially important for females during breeding or egg-laying.

• Companionship: Bengalese Finches are very social birds and should be kept in pairs or small flocks. They thrive in the company of other finches, and keeping them with at least one companion is essential to prevent loneliness. If housed alone, they may become bored or stressed, which can affect their health.
• Bonding: While Bengalese Finches are not as affectionate as larger parrots, they can form bonds with their human caretakers. They are known to be relatively friendly and may come to trust their owners over time. They may not seek out direct interaction, but they will enjoy the presence of their human family and can recognize their voice and routine.
• Training: Bengalese Finches are not typically trained to do tricks like larger parrots, but they can learn to trust their owners and respond to regular interaction. With patience, you may be able to encourage them to eat from your hand or come closer when you’re around the cage.
• Out-of-Cage Time: These birds are active and love to fly. If you have a safe, bird-proofed room, you can allow your Bengalese Finches to fly around outside their cage, but be sure to supervise them to prevent accidents or injury. Since they are small, you don’t need to provide as much out-of-cage time as larger species, but they do enjoy the opportunity to stretch their wings.

• Feather Care: Bengalese Finches are excellent self-groomers. They spend a significant amount of time preening and maintaining their feathers. You can provide them with a shallow dish of water or a gentle misting to encourage bathing. They usually enjoy taking a dip to keep their feathers clean.
• Nail & Beak Care: Like other small birds, Bengalese Finches naturally wear down their nails and beaks through normal activity, but you should check them periodically to ensure they are not growing too long. If necessary, you can trim their nails carefully using bird-safe clippers. Beaks should generally be left alone unless there is noticeable overgrowth or damage.
• Health Monitoring: Bengalese Finches are generally healthy birds, but they can still be susceptible to illness. Watch for signs of stress or disease, such as lethargy, ruffled feathers, loss of appetite, or discharge from the eyes or nose. They are also prone to respiratory infections, so be mindful of drafts and ensure their environment is clean and dry.
• Molting: Bengalese Finches molt once or twice a year. During this time, they may appear a bit scruffy as they shed old feathers and grow new ones. You can help by offering extra protein in their diet, such as egg food, to support healthy feather growth. They may also be quieter or more lethargic during this period, so ensure they are provided with extra care and a nutritious diet.

• Nesting Setup: Bengalese Finches are social birds that enjoy breeding in pairs or small groups. If you plan to breed them, provide a small nesting box (around 4 inches x 4 inches x 6 inches) or a nesting material bowl lined with soft, non-toxic materials like shredded paper or coconut fibers.
• Egg Laying: Female Bengalese Finches will typically lay 3 to 5 eggs per clutch. If breeding, make sure to offer extra calcium (via cuttlebone or mineral blocks) to prevent egg binding, a condition where the bird cannot pass an egg. After the eggs hatch, both parents will help feed and care for the chicks.
• Chicks: The chicks will remain in the nest for about 3 weeks before becoming independent. During this time, the parents will feed them a mixture of seed, egg food, and soft foods. You can observe the process, but generally, the parents will take care of the chicks until they are ready to leave the nest.

• Friendly & Social: Bengalese Finches are known for their friendly, calm personalities. They are highly social birds that enjoy the company of other finches and do well in small flocks. They are active, curious, and often communicate with each other through gentle chirping.
• Vocalization: These finches are not as loud or musical as some other species, but they have a sweet, pleasant chirp that can be calming. Males often sing to attract mates during breeding season, but their song is not as complex as other finch species. They may engage in light chirping throughout the day, especially when in a group.
• Calm & Peaceful: Bengalese Finches are generally peaceful birds that get along well with each other. Unlike more territorial species, they are not usually aggressive, making them excellent companions for other small finches and birds in a multi-bird household.

• Toxic Plants & Materials: As with all pet birds, make sure the environment is free from toxic substances. Avoid plants like pothos, lilies, and oleander, as these are toxic to birds. Be cautious of using non-stick cookware (such as Teflon), as it can release harmful fumes when overheated. Also, avoid harsh cleaning chemicals near your birds.
• Other Pets: Bengalese Finches are small and delicate, so ensure that they are safe from other pets, particularly cats and dogs. Never leave your birds unsupervised with larger pets that could pose a threat. Secure the cage and make sure that it is in a place where they can’t be disturbed or harmed.

Bengalese Finches (Society Finches) are cheerful, social, and relatively low-maintenance birds that make wonderful pets, especially for bird lovers looking for a peaceful and active bird companion. By providing them with a spacious cage, a varied diet, plenty of social interaction, and proper health care, you can ensure they thrive in your care for many years.

Whether you’re keeping them as a breeding pair or simply enjoying their delightful songs and active nature, Bengalese Finches are sure to bring joy and companionship into your home. They thrive in groups, so consider housing them with other finches, and be sure to maintain a stimulating environment for their physical and mental well-being.