Feeding wild birds and owning aviaries that nurture and cultivate specific breeds of birds is an American pastime that is and has been very popular for a very long time. Small birds like finches are wide spread in the wild and also adapt well to living in captivity. Cages and large enclosures can be created to resemble the natural habitat of the many different types of finches that exist worldwide. Finding the best finch seed mix is an important part of this national hobby.
Although they do consume some insects in the wild most of their diet consists of seeds, berries and vegetation. The content of their diet also changes with the seasons and with the natural stages they pass through such as molting and breeding seasons each year. When conditions allow it is a good idea to put live growing foliage in or surrounding their living spaces.
Many people who keep birds choose to blend their own feed for them. There are internet websites that provide lists of ingredients and directions for making the mixes. Most are relatively simple but some include soft foods that the birds like. These recipes include vitamins and other supplements necessary for promoting good health in birds. There are also premixed blends that can be purchased online or at any retail pet store.
Commercial mixes contain all the nutrients needed for good health in the birds but many of them do not allow for the seasonal and physical changes that occur during the year. Some contain all the best ingredients available and are recommended for year round use. This can cause problems because it provides nutrient levels at the highest activity level year round. Finches require lower levels of some supplements during the periods of rest after molting and breeding.
This period is called the resting season and it happens after the breeding and molting seasons have finished. During this time they need far less crude fats, proteins and fibers. If they are supplied with too much of these things in their daily diet they may become obese and their natural cycles will be upset. During this resting period they will do best if their diet consists of Japanese and proso millet and canary grass seeds.
These birds need the highest level of proteins and fats during their breeding season and while they raise their young. Another time that their feed needs to be high in nutrients is during the molting season. They do well when their mixtures include Niger seeds, saffron seeds poppy and sesame seeds that have been treated with vitamin supplements.
Additional vitamins and conditioners can be given to birds in their water supply. Calcium is commonly added to water supplies as well as nutrients to help maintain the look and texture of their feathers. Providing the proper amount of sulfur containing amino acids in the diet helps with molting and feather replacement each year. This can be accomplished by using the appropriate supplements in water dishes throughout the year.
Whether you enjoy feeding wild finches or keep them in your home for pets having the proper mixture of ingredients in their feeders can only increase the pleasure you get from their presence. These colorful little birds bring hours of enjoyment with their activity and the songs they provide when happy and healthy.
Although they do consume some insects in the wild most of their diet consists of seeds, berries and vegetation. The content of their diet also changes with the seasons and with the natural stages they pass through such as molting and breeding seasons each year. When conditions allow it is a good idea to put live growing foliage in or surrounding their living spaces.
Many people who keep birds choose to blend their own feed for them. There are internet websites that provide lists of ingredients and directions for making the mixes. Most are relatively simple but some include soft foods that the birds like. These recipes include vitamins and other supplements necessary for promoting good health in birds. There are also premixed blends that can be purchased online or at any retail pet store.
Commercial mixes contain all the nutrients needed for good health in the birds but many of them do not allow for the seasonal and physical changes that occur during the year. Some contain all the best ingredients available and are recommended for year round use. This can cause problems because it provides nutrient levels at the highest activity level year round. Finches require lower levels of some supplements during the periods of rest after molting and breeding.
This period is called the resting season and it happens after the breeding and molting seasons have finished. During this time they need far less crude fats, proteins and fibers. If they are supplied with too much of these things in their daily diet they may become obese and their natural cycles will be upset. During this resting period they will do best if their diet consists of Japanese and proso millet and canary grass seeds.
These birds need the highest level of proteins and fats during their breeding season and while they raise their young. Another time that their feed needs to be high in nutrients is during the molting season. They do well when their mixtures include Niger seeds, saffron seeds poppy and sesame seeds that have been treated with vitamin supplements.
Additional vitamins and conditioners can be given to birds in their water supply. Calcium is commonly added to water supplies as well as nutrients to help maintain the look and texture of their feathers. Providing the proper amount of sulfur containing amino acids in the diet helps with molting and feather replacement each year. This can be accomplished by using the appropriate supplements in water dishes throughout the year.
Whether you enjoy feeding wild finches or keep them in your home for pets having the proper mixture of ingredients in their feeders can only increase the pleasure you get from their presence. These colorful little birds bring hours of enjoyment with their activity and the songs they provide when happy and healthy.
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