Letting A Finch Out of It's Cage

[Coturnix Quail]

So, recently, I've started taking my finches out of their cage and let them chill around the house. One day, I was going to catch my male finch and he flew into a window very hard. He was in shock for a couple of minutes, but he's all better now. I don't want to risk it again, but they keep waiting at the door for me to open it! They're usually always calm when I take them out, unless I try to catch them. They are untamed, but they will eat from your hands. Should I risk it again?

 

[wamtazlady]

If you do let the out again take some precautions. Cover the windows and mirrors. Make sure the toilet lid is down. Make sure there are no buckets of water from cleaning floors sitting out. Make sure there is no water in the kitchen sink or bowls with water soaking. A way to make them happy and keep them safe is to buy or build a cage where they can do some flying. A three foot cage should be more than enough room for a finch.

 

[duncan5]

Build a large inside aviary. It will be so much safer than letting your birds "free fly" inside your home. Good luck

 

[Coturnix Quail]

Thank you! I will try that if I can find an appropriate area to build one.

 

[The Kooky Kiwi]

Thank you! I will try that if I can find an appropriate area to build one.

When I had inside birds (I had hand raised parrots) I had a particular room that was the "bird safe" room. All windows had net curtains and/or fabric blinds so birds couldn't see outside and think they could fly out. Also, if they were learning to fly, the nets offered a bit of a crash net option to grab onto if they weren't agile enough to actually avoid the curtain.

Irrespective the bird type, if you wish to catch them calmly, let them have free fly time in the evening so you can dim the lights for catching. I found the best option was to turn out the main lights but leave a small reading lamp on in a corner so the bird could still see you (and not get a fright by being grabbed in the dark) but did not have enough light to be charging around the room!