Finches are among the most commonly kept companion birds worldwide, yet their welfare needs are frequently misunderstood. As highly social, active birds, finches have specific requirements that many captive environments fail to provide.
Finches are often kept in cages too small for adequate flight, without appropriate social companions, and with insufficient environmental enrichment. Unlike parrots, finches do not typically bond with humans and require conspecific social partners for good welfare. Their small size leads owners to underestimate their needs. A proper finch setup includes a flight cage at least 90cm wide, a compatible companion, varied perches, nesting material, and bath water.