Buying a Canary or Finch | Finches and Canaries | Guide

Whilst many pet shops stock Canaries and Zebra Finches, there are many breeders who sell birds as well. If you’re looking for a less common bird, a breeder will usually be your only outlet.

Gouldian and Zebra Finches feeding together

If you are a soon-to-be first time bird keeper, you will need to have a practical answer to the following questions:

Why do you want the birds?

Unless you plan on buying a canary, which will happily live alone, you will need to buy at least 2 birds. Is that ok with you?

Who will care for the finches, clean out their cage, give them food and so on?

Have you kept any other types of bird before? If not, do you know what you are doing? Even if you have read up on the articles here, it is still a good idea to talk to a professional.

Do you have a suitable location for the cage, out of direct sunlight and away from fraughts or steam kitchens? Will the cage be out of reach from pets and young children?

If you plan on keeping the cage outside, do you have any way of heating it? Finches don’t fare too well with cold weather.

Is everyone at home happy with the idea of having finches? Even if it’s going to be you who does all the looking after, other members of the household will hear the squawking and singing. You need to make sure everyone is ok with it.