Finch Bird Lifespan – How Long Do Finches Live in Captivity?

Caging birds has been a debatable topic where some individuals consider it barbaric and inhumane. However, if you place your feathery friends in optimal living conditions, there is a high chance of enhancing their lifespan or giving them a better quality of life.

In addition, living in the wild exposes Finches to predators and food competition with other bigger birds. Since Finches are smaller and less belligerent, they make ideal prey for Corvids, rats, snakes, chipmunks, raccoons, and others.

How Long do Finches Live in Captivity?

Finches can live between 2-5 years in captivity, but their lifespan depends on various factors such as the food they eat, cage maintenance, out-of-cage time, stress, companion, or health issues. With good care, you can extend the life expectancy of your pet finches.

How to Make Your Finches Live Longer?

Below is a quick guide on how to ensure that your pet bird enjoys a fulfilling long life.

– Food & Diet

With several other creatures in the wild, Finches spent most of their time foraging for food. The situation becomes more complicated in winter due to scarcity and frigid temperatures. For this reason, birds may cover long distances or migrate to warmer environments. Sadly, migration exposes Finches to predator birds like ravens or other creatures.

On the other hand, a little bird in captivity enjoys the privilege of adequate food and guaranteed security from predators. Generally, Finches enjoy various foods like berries, seeds, insects, or specific vegetation and fruits. You can also add some commercial seed combinations to the diet.

Often, Finches select one or two favorite seed options from the mixes. In such a scenario, add some honey to the mixture to ensure that your birds receive several nutrients from various seeds. Do not forget to give your Finches some clean water and healthy pellets from reliable sources.

– Out of Cage Time

It is common for birds to develop abnormal behavior and health complications when confined in cages for a long duration. Common adverse reactions include biting bars, excess pacing in the cage, poor appetite, fluffier feathers, and others.

Like any other bird, Finches require some out-of-cage moments for psychological stimulation and exercise. Remember that birds in the wild spend considerable flying from one spot to another. Therefore, mimic this natural inclination by allowing your birds to enjoy some recreational sessions for approximately 30-60 minutes.

Nonetheless, birds develop severe attachments to their cages and may become homesick if you keep them outdoors for a while.

– Cage Cleaning

It is vital to ensure that your finch cages do not build up moisture or dust. You can achieve this by cleaning the cages regularly with soap and water. Moreover, check on the ventilation levels to deter fungus and molds formation.

Depending on the number of birds in the cage, weekly or monthly cleaning ensures that your birds stay in a clean and safe environment. Bear in mind that dirty enclosures cause life-threatening conditions like respiratory ailments and Psittacosis (caused by bird poop).

– Reduced Stress

Although birds often make noises, a rapid increase in the screeches and shrills indicates boredom, sadness, or stress. Identifying and tackling your Finch causes of stress is exceptionally vital. A stressed-up

Finch would mainly exhibit amplified aggression, fear, and destructive behavior. Some of the significant causes of stress in Finches include excess noise, health issues, inadequate diet, boredom, or change of environment.

It is worth noting that changing your pet’s routine or moving them from one cage to another can lead to immense stress or confusion. If possible, place a sheet over the cages to keep your pet friends calm. Then, slowly remove the cover and allow the birds to familiarize themselves with the new environment at ease.

Most importantly, place them in a suitable environment away from predators, noise, or clutter. Finally, keep your birds stimulated with exciting activities and toys. If stress originates from health complications, consult a qualified bird vet before the issue escalates.

– Keep your Birds in Pairs

Finches are sociable creatures that prefer living together in a flock. While it is not always possible to replicate this in captivity, strive to pair them in twos or threes. Sometimes, placing Finches in a pair of two makes them extremely territorial or defensive. Usually, this leads to frequent brawls as they fight for resources or space.

Given that Finches are social creatures placing males and females together may lead to instant breeding. Not unless you want to expand your flock real fast, keep similar sexes together. While it is tempting to keep different species in one enclosure, avoid bringing together timid and pushy birds. One impressive coupling is the Bengalese and Zebra Finches.

Altogether, Finches fights are never fatal and may not lead to death. Still, ensure that your birds have easy access to food, water, and perches. Also, get rid of any nests in the cage because Finches often fight over them.

How Long do Wild Finches Live?

Whether in captivity or natural habitat, Finches require proper rest, tranquility, and nutrition. Furthermore, ecosystem changes, nasty weather, and predator threat put the lives of these beautiful birds at risk. According to a recent update from the American Birds Conservancy, most Finches species live for approximately 12 to 27 years in captivity.

Unfortunately, harsh weather conditions in the wild drastically reduce their life to roughly 4-7 years. Beyond anything else, pet owners must keep their birds in an optimal environment. Not only does it keep the Finches healthy, but it also amplifies their survival chances.

That said, it is critical to tell when your Finches are contented or not. For instance, do the vocalizations sound happy or dull? Mainly, soft growls and purrs are an indication of annoyance or discontentment in birds.

 Why Do Finches Die Suddenly?

Even if Finches are hardy creatures, airborne viruses or toxins can quickly put them down. Other than that, distress, calcium deficiency, and genetic conditions cause sudden death. There are several signs that determine if a bird is about to die. Some of them include puffy eyelids, growth around the eyes, plucking feathers, and eye discharge.

If you notice any sickly Finch, isolate them from the healthy ones and contact an avian vet right away. Mostly, when death occurs, dependable vets perform an autopsy to determine the exact cause of death.

Last Words

Nothing beats the gratifying sensations of sharp cheeps from Finch pets in the house. Although they do not display emotions like cats and dogs, Finches are exciting and charming pet choices.

If you want to enjoy a more rewarding experience with your birds, take them to a routine vet check-up at least twice yearly. Apart from executing physical analysis, dependable vets also thoroughly groom the birds and perform various lab tests.