Finches are renowned companion birds for many pet enthusiasts because of their pleasant noises and social interactions with their colony members and owners. They are typically passive pet birds who like to be in the company of other birds of their own species.
But how much does a finch cost to own?
The total cost in owning a pet finch will range in price from $50 to $300 in the first year. The price will depend upon many factors, including their age, breeder, pedigree, and health status. Accessories will also be a large cost factor to be aware of.
Most finches prefer the companionship of fellow finches than that of a human friend. So, if you’re thinking of getting a finch, you might want to consider getting more than one to preserve your bird’s mental well-being.
Expenses associated with housing, care, and feeding a pet finch
In general, keeping, feeding, and maintaining pet finches will be less expensive than attempting to care for a cat or dog as a companion.
On the other hand, those costs are fully variable, and they can fluctuate based on the longevity, age, and overall health of your bird. Some types of pet finches can live up to 20 years. So, you have to care for them a little longer than any other bird, which ultimately increases the cost. Furthermore, if your pet has any special medical requirements, you may end up spending far more money on your pet finch than you would on any other type of pet.
The typical cost of raising a pet is around $300 in the first year, with an annual cost of approximately $200 after that (don’t forget to include the cost of purchasing the bird somewhere in the equation, as well).
The typical lifetime cost is around $2,000 to $4,000 per bird for a finch that lives for one or two decades. Even though this is still less than what you could pay for other types of pets, it is a significant sum – and one that should be taken into consideration.
When it comes to taking care of your pet finches, keep in mind that you’ll have to spend money on things like diet, treats, toys, cages, routine veterinarian visits, and other necessities.
Listed below is a fast analysis of the typical cost of pet finches, broken down by the sort of spending involved.
It’s crucial to remember that, although some of them are one-time expenditures, others are regular expenses that you’ll have to handle on a bi-weekly, monthly, or annual basis.
Furthermore, things do break and wear out. While you may usually get several seasons out of many of these goods, the wear and tear will be more severe if you rear multiple finches together.
Pet Finches Supplies: A Breakdown
| Cage prices range from $50-$1500 |
| Food and water bowls cost between $10 and $40. |
| Toys range from $25 to $150. |
| Perches, staircases, swings, and play stands range in price from $75 to $300. |
| Nests range in price from $5 to $15. |
| A birdbath costs $10. |
| Items for grooming cost around $60-$100. |
| Cleaning products cost between $30 and $40. |
| Finches’ food costs between $10 and $50. |
| Travel carrier expenses usually cost around $30-$100. |
| Veterinarian fees range from $50 to $500. |
As you can see, even little pet finches will require a significant financial investment. This breakdown of expenditures does not even consider the cost of purchasing the bird itself!
Please keep in mind that the larger or more exotic your avian companion is, the more costly it will be, not only to purchase outright but also to nurture it.
For a pet finch, how much time must be dedicated?
Finches are highly clever, amusing, and, most importantly, friendly creatures. Are you mentally and physically prepared to devote the time necessary to engage with your finch? Do you have the patience to wait? Getting your finch comfortable and acclimated to their new surroundings requires time and effort when they first arrive at your house. It may take many days to reach this goal. In addition, there is more work to be done! In their natural habitats, finches require constant stimulation, and some varieties of pet finches might get dissatisfied or bored if they are not given regular opportunities to be taken out of their cages and interact with their owners. To engage with your finch and play with toys, you should schedule a specific time each day for you and your bird to concentrate on teaching them new skills or signals.
What is the average cost of a veterinarian visit for a pet finch?
Owners of finches are sometimes startled when they find that their bird requires an initial visit from an avian doctor in addition to monthly examinations.
These examinations will enable your veterinarian to diagnose and treat any potentially life-threatening disorders as soon as they arise. There are a variety of veterinary charges that you will need to spend in order to care for your bird correctly.
Even though some of them are one-time charges, others need yearly visits – and the payment of annual fees – to be effective.
You’ll have to pay for a psittacosis test, as well as immunizations and microchipping, among other things. Some of them can be bargained in terms of price, while others are entirely optional.
A skilled veterinarian will take the time to provide any necessary immunizations and examine your bird’s feathers, throat, eyes, and nares. The cost of extra tests or treatment for your pet finch is at least $50, and it might cost you far more.
Following the initial appointment, the cost of a subsequent visit to the veterinarian is typically between $25 and $35 per finch.
The good news is that you will most likely not have to take your pet finch to the veterinarian as frequently as you would have to take other types of birds to the veterinarian.
FAQs
What is the best finch to purchase, and where can you get one?
Zebra finches are a popular and commonly available kind of finch that makes excellent pets for families, school classes, and apartment dwellers. The companionship of another zebra finch is preferred by zebra finches, which are bird-friendly in nature and do not require continual attention from people in the manner as many members of the bird family do.
Can you keep a wild finch as a pet?
No, not at all. Even when some situations make it necessary, wild finches should be allowed to survive in the wild. If a finch is unable to be rehabilitated, you might want to consider providing it with a loving home. Aside from that, it is not recommended that you capture wild finches and keep them as your pets. Please stay away from persons who are selling wild finches and do not encourage them. There are a lot of finches that have been grown in captivity that need to be adopted.
Can you catch a wild finch and keep it as a pet?
It is against the law in the United States to keep any type of wild native bird (including finches) in captivity, and anybody who is caught doing so may be punished with a crime.
How do pet birds differ from other animals in terms of personality?
Birds have individual personalities that can easily be distinguished. Some species formed an emotional attachment to a single family member and showed that individual with their undivided attention. Depending on their situation, that individual may or may not be the one that loves and nourishes them the most. Other birds will distribute their affection evenly among all members of their family. Pick for a bird that will snuggle with you as you rest at night or a bird that will stay in its natural environment for the majority of the day and night. Some species prefer little to no handling, such as finches, but others seek it to the point where they grow agitated if they do not receive it regularly.