Finch Care Tips - Society Finches

The society finch is a domesticated hybrid descendant of several species of the finch family. Its' wild counterpart is a native bird of tropical Asia. This bubbly little bird has been a favorite for hundreds of years, firstly in China and then Japan. Both the male and the female are identical but their behavioral patterns are quite different when it comes to the breeding season. Another way to tell the sexes apart is to listen to their contact calls, although this can be quite difficult to describe. It is their wonderful song that has made these little birds so popular throughout the ages and why they are so popular today.

It is now known that the Society finch is related to the White-rump manikin and the striated finch. Looking at this domesticated hybrid it is clear that the relationship is there. There are many accepted color varieties of the society finch and there are some other mutations and colors to be seen. Several hybrids have feather mutations in the form of a crest and some of have frills that cover the entire body which some find a little unattractive.

These little finches are prolific breeders and will nest any where they can find although occasionally they will build themselves elaborate nests. The problem is that breeders often find up to eight hen birds attempting to nest in a single box which can often cause problems. Breeders have understood that the only way to breed the Society finch successfully is to have limited numbers in any single aviary, thus avoiding the overcrowding in a nesting box. The overall problem is being able to sex these little birds when choosing which ones should be put together and often it is just a question of pot luck.

Because they are such prolific breeders it is always advisable to separate the birds when the required numbers have been raised. Leaving the pair together will result in them continuing to produce a limitless amount of offspring. However, these little finches make wonderful foster parents to other manikin species and will do the job exceptionally well.

Like many of the manikins the society finch prefers larger millet and has a taste for the occasional greens that are offered to them. Crushed egg shells and oyster shells will provide all the calcium that they require with cuttlebone on offer at all times. When keeping them it is important to make sure that all cages and aviaries are kept as clean as possible and to remove any food that has not been eaten on daily basis.

Being such social little birds has made the Society finch as popular as it has been in the past. They are inexpensive to buy and very easy to maintain which makes them a favorite for the beginner who wants to keep birds. It is one of the most domesticated of the finch family and has adapted well to captivity. The Society finch enjoys being with people which is another reason that they have been so popular over the centuries and are so loved by all who keep them today.

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