Читать книгу Birds For Dummies - Gina Spadafori - Страница 38

Relatively inexpensive with a couple of very hardy species in the group, finches make a good first bird, a child’s pet, or charming aviary residents for both experienced or beginner bird keepers. Best bets: society or zebra finches, which are very common and relatively inexpensive (usually starting at around $20). Although small in stature, these little birds do need comfortable housing and a stress-free existence in your home. If you provide a finch with enough enrichment in her enclosure to allow her to choose if she can be seen or not, she’ll feel great comfort and security. Sadly, stress is one of the leading contributors to some of the health problems Brian sees in finches.

Photograph by Kim Campbell Thornton

FIGURE 2-1: Canaries and other finches delight with color and song but generally prefer not to be handled.

Beyond society and zebra finches is a world of exotic and lovely finches, such as the multicolored Gouldians or the Fischer’s, with their long tail plumes. The more unusual finches are much more expensive than the society or zebra finches — they cost up to $250 — and they’re also more difficult to keep. Easily chilled and quickly stressed, many of the more unusual finches are best left in the hands of experienced bird lovers.

Society and zebra finches are the best bet for anyone looking to bring the zest of these little guys into their lives. They’re both easy to keep. A pair or handful of zebras or societies can comfortably keep themselves amused while you’re at work.

The finch’s life span is around 3 to 6 years for a “typical” pet, but a healthy bird from a reputable source, cared for properly, can hit the 20-year mark. Finches can thrive in almost any living situation, from studio apartment to outdoor aviary.