Last updated: October 2026
Written by Ash and the Birdsville team. We keep a large variety of finches in cages and big aviaries at our Alexandria store.

The best finch cage is long and wide, not tall, with bar spacing of no more than about 1cm, because finches fly from side to side and don’t climb like parrots. A good aviary is even better, giving finches room to fly, nest and live in a flock. Finches are small, social birds that need space, shelter from the cold and safety from predators more than toys or attention. This page covers how big a finch cage should be, what to look for in a cage, how to set up a finch aviary, which way an aviary should face, how to keep finches warm in a Sydney winter, nesting, how many finches to keep together and how to keep your setup clean. You’ll find finch cages, flight cages and everything to fit them out in store at Birdsville, with seed, nesting material and supplies online at Petsville (https://petsville.com.au/).

Finch Cage and Aviary Key Takeaways

Finches fly side to side, so a finch cage should be long and wide, not tall.
Bar spacing should be no wider than about 1cm so small finches can’t squeeze through or get their heads stuck.
A flight cage or aviary is always better than a small cage, because finches need room to fly.
Face an aviary towards the winter sun so finches get as much warmth and light as possible in the colder months.
Tropical finches such as Gouldians feel the cold and need a sheltered, draught free area and extra warmth in winter.
Cover part of an outdoor cage or aviary to protect finches from rats, snakes and butcherbirds.
Keep new finches separate for 2 weeks before they join your flock.
Finch cages and flight cages are sold in store at Birdsville, 684 Botany Road, Alexandria, with seed and supplies online at Petsville.

 

Finch Housing Quick Facts

Cage shape: long and wide, not tall
Bar spacing: no more than about 1cm
Best setup: a flight cage or walk in aviary
Aviary direction: facing the winter sun
Shelter: a covered, draught free section in every aviary
Cold sensitive species: Gouldian, star, painted and other tropical finches
Quarantine: 2 weeks for new birds
Cleaning: food and water daily, full clean weekly, check for holes monthly

What Size Cage Does a Finch Need?

A finch needs a cage that’s as long and wide as you can fit, because finches get their exercise by flying from one end to the other.

Height matters far less than length. A tall, narrow cage gives a finch nowhere to fly, while a long flight cage lets it move like it would in the wild. As a rough guide, a cage for a pair of finches should be at least 60cm long, and every extra pair needs more room. Our in store flight cages include models around 60cm and 77cm long. See our Flight Cages page (https://birdsville.net.au/flight-cages/) or come in and we’ll help you choose the right size for the number of finches you plan to keep.

What Should You Look For in a Finch Cage?

Look for a finch cage with narrow bar spacing, horizontal space, easy cleaning and room for perches at both ends.

Bar Spacing

Finches are tiny, so bars spaced too wide let them escape or get their heads stuck. Choose bars no wider than about 1cm apart. Many cages sold for budgies and cockatiels have wider spacing, so always check before you buy a cage for finches.

Perches

Place perches at each end of the cage to give your finches a clear flight path between them. Use perches of different thicknesses, and natural branches where possible, to keep feet healthy. Don’t clutter the middle of the cage, as finches need open space to fly.

Food and Water

Put food and water dishes where they won’t be fouled by droppings from the perches above. A seed guard such as the AviOne Seed Guard Cage Tidy (https://petsville.com.au/products/seed-guard-90cm-cir-s-suits-320-355-cages) helps keep husks off the floor. See our Cage Tidies and Covers page (https://birdsville.net.au/cage_tidies/) for more options.

Cleaning

A cage with a slide out tray makes daily cleaning much quicker. Change the floor paper often and wash dishes every day.

How Do You Set Up a Finch Aviary?

Set up a finch aviary with a large open flight area, a covered and sheltered section, plants for cover, and nesting sites tucked away in the quietest spot.

An aviary lets finches behave naturally, flying, foraging and breeding in a small flock. Aviculture Hub (https://www.aviculturehub.com.au/a-look-at-some-great-finch-aviaries) recommends combining open, sunny areas with sheltered sections, and adding thick shrubs and seeding grasses so finches have cover and natural places to nest. Keep competition low by giving your birds plenty of feeding stations and nest sites.

Which Way Should a Finch Aviary Face?

Face a finch aviary towards the winter sun, which in Sydney means a northerly aspect. This gives your finches as much sunlight and warmth as possible in the colder months. Consider the needs of the species you plan to keep and your local climate before you start building.

Shelter

Every aviary needs a fully covered, draught free section where finches can escape wind, rain and cold. A solid back wall and roof over the sheltered end work well. Clear roofing over part of the aviary can trap extra warmth in winter while still letting the light in.

Plants and Perches

Dense, bird safe shrubs, native grasses and branches give finches cover, somewhere to perch and places to build nests. Our Natural Bird Toys page (https://birdsville.net.au/natural-toys/) lists safe Australian native plants.

Keeping Out Predators

Cover most of an outdoor cage or aviary, and check the mesh and floor for gaps every month. Birdsville’s own finch care advice warns that snakes, rats and butcherbirds are all threats to finches kept outdoors. Use small gauge mesh, seal the base, and keep feed stored in sealed containers so it doesn’t attract rodents.

Do Finches Need Heat in Winter?

Tropical finches such as Gouldians, star finches and painted finches feel the cold and need extra protection in winter.

Keep finches out of draughts at all times, and in cold weather provide a sheltered area, a cage cover at night or gentle heating. Hardier species such as zebra finches cope better, but every finch needs a sheltered spot. A finch that sits fluffed up and quiet may be cold or unwell, and a sick finch needs a small, warm cage. A towel over the cage on its own isn’t enough warmth. See our Common Bird Illnesses page (https://birdsville.net.au/common-bird-illnesses/) for the warning signs.

What Do Finches Need for Nesting?

Finches need a quiet, sheltered nest site and soft nesting material to build with.

Offer nests in the most protected part of the cage or aviary, with a choice of sites so pairs don’t fight over them. Good nesting materials include Swamp Grass (https://petsville.com.au/products/breeders-delight-nesting-material-swamp-grass-50g), which is made for finches and canaries, and Canary Nesting Fibre (https://petsville.com.au/products/breeders-delight-nesting-material-canary-nesting-fibre-50g). The BeakJoy Seagrass Nest Weaver (https://petsville.com.au/products/beakjoy-seagrass-nest-weaver) gives birds natural seagrass to pull apart and weave. Avoid nesting mixes containing cedar, which can irritate a bird’s lungs. Clean nest boxes once the young have left.

How Many Finches Can You Keep Together?

Finches are flock birds and should be kept in pairs or small groups, never alone.

The right number depends on the space you have. A small flight cage suits one or two pairs, while a large aviary can hold several pairs. Overcrowding leads to fighting over food and nest sites, so if birds start squabbling, give them more room or fewer companions. Introduce new finches gradually.

Can Different Finch Species Live Together?

Many finch species live happily together in a well planted aviary, but avoid housing finches with large parrots unless the aviary is very big. The more mixed your collection, the higher the risk of disease spreading. Our team can advise which species mix well. See the individual species on our Finches for Sale page (https://birdsville.net.au/animals-for-sale/birds-for-sale/finches-for-sale/), including Zebra Finches (https://birdsville.net.au/animals-for-sale/birds-for-sale/finches-for-sale/australian-finches/zebra-finch/), Gouldian Finches (https://birdsville.net.au/animals-for-sale/birds-for-sale/finches-for-sale/australian-finches/gouldian-finch/), Star Finches (https://birdsville.net.au/animals-for-sale/birds-for-sale/finches-for-sale/australian-finches/star-finch/), Painted Finches (https://birdsville.net.au/animals-for-sale/birds-for-sale/finches-for-sale/australian-finches/painted-finch/), Diamond Firetail Finches (https://birdsville.net.au/animals-for-sale/birds-for-sale/finches-for-sale/australian-finches/diamond-firetail-finch/) and Blue Faced Parrot Finches (https://birdsville.net.au/animals-for-sale/birds-for-sale/finches-for-sale/australian-finches/blue-faced-parrot-finch/).

How Do You Bring New Finches Home?

Set up the cage or aviary with perches, food and water before your new finches arrive, and bring them home as quickly as possible.

Keep new finches in a separate cage for 2 weeks before they join your existing birds, ideally inside or next to the main enclosure so the birds can see each other. Give them about 5 days to settle before you rearrange anything. When introducing a new hen, house her where the males can see her first, then release her gently.

How Do You Keep a Finch Cage or Aviary Clean?

Keep finches healthy with daily fresh food and water, a weekly clean and a monthly check of the whole setup.

Every day: give fresh water and seed in clean dishes.
Every week: clean the cage or aviary thoroughly with a bird safe disinfectant.
Every month: check for holes and rat holes, and clean or replace branches.

Adding Vetafarm Aviclens (https://petsville.com.au/products/vetafarm-aviclens-water-cleanser-100ml) to drinking water helps keep bacteria down, especially in summer.

What Else Do Finches Need?

Alongside the right housing, finches need a quality finch seed, a calcium source and fresh greens.

Our Birdsville Blends Finch and Canary (https://petsville.com.au/products/birdsville-blends-finch-canary-500g) is made fresh in store and is our top pick for finches. Basic Finch Mix (https://petsville.com.au/products/avigrain-seed-finch-blue-2kg) is a good everyday seed. Offer shell grit (https://petsville.com.au/products/shell-grit-5kg) and a cuttlebone (https://petsville.com.au/products/avi-one-cuttlebone-with-stainless-steel-clip) for calcium, and Vetafarm Finch and Budgie Crumbles (https://petsville.com.au/products/vetafarm-finch-budgie-crumbles-450g) for breeding birds. Every finch benefits from a regular vitamin boost, so add Vetafarm Multivet (https://petsville.com.au/products/vetafarm-multivet-50ml) to the water. Our Finch Seed page (https://birdsville.net.au/seeds-grains/finch-seed/) covers diet in detail.

How Does Sydney’s Weather Affect Finch Housing?

Sydney’s cold winter nights and hot summer days both affect how you house your finches.

In winter, tropical finches need a sheltered, draught free spot, a cover over the cage at night and gentle heat in cold snaps. An aviary facing the winter sun makes a big difference. In summer, make sure every cage and aviary has shade, as small finches overheat quickly, and change the water often. Keep indoor cages away from windows that get direct afternoon sun.

A Tip From Our Staff

Think about your finches before you build anything. Aviaries should be carefully planned around the species you’re going to keep and your local climate. Tropical finches feel the cold, so we always say make sure the aviary faces the winter sun to give them as much sunlight as possible in the colder months.

Finch Cage and Aviary Frequently Asked Questions

What size cage does a finch need?

A finch needs a cage that’s long and wide, because finches exercise by flying from end to end. As a rough guide, a pair of finches needs a cage at least 60cm long, with more space for every extra pair. Length matters more than height, and a flight cage or aviary is always better than a small cage.

Can finches live in a cage?

Yes, finches can live happily in a cage as long as it’s long enough for them to fly and they have at least one companion. Choose a flight cage with bar spacing no wider than about 1cm, place perches at each end, and keep it out of draughts. An aviary gives them even more room.

What bar spacing do finches need?

Finches need cage bars no more than about 1cm apart. Finches are tiny birds, and wider bars let them escape or get their heads stuck. Many cages made for budgies and cockatiels have wider spacing than this, so always check the bar spacing before you buy a cage for finches.

Which way should a finch aviary face?

A finch aviary should face the winter sun, which in Sydney means facing north. This gives your finches the most sunlight and warmth in the colder months. Add a fully covered, draught free section at the back where they can shelter from wind, rain and cold nights.

Do finches need heat in winter?

Tropical finches such as Gouldians, star finches and painted finches feel the cold and need extra protection in winter, such as a sheltered area, a night cover or gentle heating. Hardier finches like zebra finches cope better, but every finch needs a draught free spot to shelter in on cold nights.

How many finches should be kept together?

Finches should always be kept in pairs or small groups, as they’re flock birds and get lonely on their own. A small flight cage suits one or two pairs, while a large aviary can hold several pairs. Avoid overcrowding, which leads to fighting over food and nest sites.

Where Can I Buy Finch Cages in Sydney?

Birdsville stocks finch cages, flight cages and everything you need to fit them out, along with a large variety of finches in cages and aviaries, at 684 Botany Road, Alexandria NSW 2015, servicing the Eastern Suburbs and Inner South Sydney. Cages are bulky, so they’re best seen and collected in store. Visit us or call (02) 9669 1766 and we’ll help you choose the right cage or aviary setup for your finches. We’re open 9:30am to 5:30pm weekdays, 10am to 5pm Saturday and 10am to 4pm Sunday, with directions on our Contact page (https://birdsville.net.au/contact-birdsville/). Follow us on TikTok ([ADD TIKTOK LINK]), Facebook (https://www.facebook.com/BirdsvilleRosebery/) and Instagram (https://www.instagram.com/petsvillesydney/) for live updates and to see our finches and aviaries.

Outside Sydney? Petsville (https://petsville.com.au/) ships finch seed, nesting material and supplies anywhere in Australia, including our Birdsville Blends Finch and Canary. Seed can’t be sent to WA or Tasmania because of quarantine laws.

Popular finch supplies on Petsville:

Birdsville Blends Finch and Canary (https://petsville.com.au/products/birdsville-blends-finch-canary-500g)
Swamp Grass Nesting Material (https://petsville.com.au/products/breeders-delight-nesting-material-swamp-grass-50g)
Canary Nesting Fibre (https://petsville.com.au/products/breeders-delight-nesting-material-canary-nesting-fibre-50g)
Vetafarm Finch and Budgie Crumbles (https://petsville.com.au/products/vetafarm-finch-budgie-crumbles-450g)
AviOne Seed Guard Cage Tidy (https://petsville.com.au/products/seed-guard-90cm-cir-s-suits-320-355-cages)

About Birdsville

Birdsville has been at 684 Botany Road, Alexandria NSW 2015 since 1985, and we believe we’re now the oldest bricks and mortar bird shop still trading in Australia. Owner Ash brings experience from vet clinics and from the Rainforest Habitat in Port Douglas, now Wildlife Habitat. We’re a small business that does things in a big way, and we keep our products the best of the best.

Sources

Aviary design, shelter, plants and nesting: Aviculture Hub, A Look at Some Great Finch Aviaries
Quarantine, predators, winter warmth, mixing species and cleaning: Birdsville Finch Care Sheet
Aviary orientation and cold sensitive species: the Birdsville team
Product details: Petsville product listings