subject: General Information about Society Finches [print this page] General Information about Society Finches
When trying to spot the difference between Males and females society finches are nearly identical in appearance. When trying to sex them the only way is by behaviour. Usually the males will start to sing a song typical about 6 9 mounts old. The male will stand with an upstretched neck and puffed out feathers, he will start to sing his song and bounce back and forth on a perch while starting to approach the hen.
The male will sing very often and that's one of the reasons these are one of the favourite birds to keep. In most cases, most of the males in a cage or Avery will begin singing anytime a new member is added to the cage. There are slight differences in the male and female calls, but these are difficult to describe and you'll have to hear them to pick them up for yourself. Males will use this call while moving quickly with quick tail flicks. Some hens do sing but these are very rare to come across.
It's believed that Society finches ware a fertile hybrid developed from unknown members of the Lonchura species. Tests have revealed that the Society finch is actually a domesticated form of the White-rump mannikin. Just take a look at the Chocolate self and a White-rump mannikin and there's no doubt of their relationship.
There is no wild population of society finches they are unique in that it is a domesticated variety of bird that was developed in captivity. The beautiful plumage, quirky song and funny antics of the society finch have made them one of the most popular finch varieties.
Society finches are a good pet for people of all ages as they provide lively color and song to a home without ever having to let them out of the cage. They can be kept in aviaries and even get along well with other similar sized birds.
There are many different color variations of these beautiful birds. Their size is about 4.5-5 inches (11-12 cm) in length, and they are slightly larger than the zebra finch. Society finches by nature feed primarily on grass seeds. A good manufactured pellet mix in a small size suitable for finches which can be substituted for seeds and seeds can be given as treats.
Fresh foods are adored by society finches, which have been introduced to them at a young age. Boiled eggs or egg food from your local pet shop are excellent for young and breeding society finches, but be careful not to leave moist foods in the cage too long. Society finches must have fresh water daily bases and can die if water is withheld for more than 24 hours.
Society finches love baths and small bird baths that you place on the front of the cage can be purchased at any pet store that will fit into the door of a standard society finch cage. You can fill this with warm water. Allow the bird to enter as he chooses. You can also use a bowl of water on the bottom of the cage. They should be allowed to bathe twice weekly to maintain their plumage.
You should clip their nails from time to time they should be kept at an appropriate length, as overgrown nails can be hazardous to the birds. Just be careful not to hit the vain that runs down the nail these little birds can die very quickly when that happens.
If it does happen then apply quick stop, if no such product is available at hand you can stick the nail into a bar of soap, apply flour or corn-starch or you can light a match, blow it out and cauterize the nail on the hot head of the match. Because of their small size control of bleeding is important.
