Cage Size Is Important

There are many thoughts and ideas on the proper cage size for finches. A larger cage is always better. A minimum of 30" w x 18"d x 15"h (living space) for a pair of Goulds.

If you plan on breeding them, keep in mind that the average clutch is 4 to 6 eggs. Those eggs eventually hatch and turn into fledglings. When those babies leave the nest, the cage immediately shrinks! Imagine cramming 8 birds into a 24" wide cage! They struggle with their parents for roosting space and have a difficult time learning to fly because they can't move around freely! They need MUCH more space to build their flight muscles and thrive. Sure, they'll eventually leave the nest, but not for about 45 to 50 days! They will have to be feeding themselves and flying well before you can confidently move them away from their parents.

If you only have one bird, a 24" wide cage is fine, but remember the rule - more horizontal space, vertical space is not as important...birds don't
fly straight up! If the bird is unable to literally fly from perch to perch, the cage is too small.

Keep in mind...as you add perches, nest boxes, water bottles, food dishes and/or greenery, the cage gets smaller and smaller.
As you add the required accessories, the flight space of your bird begins to diminish quickly! Remember this when you purchase a cage.
Finch cages have vertical bars. The bar spacing should be no more than 1/2" to avoid entanglement or escapes. If the cage bars are spaced too wide, the bird may be able to escape leaving it open to a world of dangers!

A hookbill cage will have horizontal bars because these birds, such as parakeets, like to hang from the cage bars. They literally hook their bill over the bar and climb! Finches don't require this type of bar. AND most watering devices are made to fit through vertical bars!

The attached picture would be a good size for raising finches.