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The documented human/finch relationship goes back to the 1360s, when pet Java Sparrows were kept by China’s 1st Ming Dynasty. The west was less quick off the mark, but five hundred years ago the first Canaries were brought to Europe by Spanish sailors; and in the last 100 years these trailblazers have been joined by many other pet finches, notably the Zebra finch.
The Canary, then, is the true pioneer amongst modern cage-birds. Originally a rather nondescript green-yellow, it sang its way into the heart of European towns and villages in the 16th and 17th centuries. Other cage birds came and went with the fashions of the times, but the love of Canaries has never waned.
The Canary has been a popular cage bird for more than 500 years
The kickstart for the arrival of other popular pet finch species was given, ironically, not by a finch but by a small Australian parrot - the Budgerigar. The import of pet Budgies from Australia began in the mid-19th century, and bird importers were soon drawn to some of the budgie’s fellow Aussie avians - notably another small parrot, the Cockatiel, but also the Zebra Finch, Gouldian Finch and Double-barred Finch.
Other major players in the finch pet market include the Bengalese Finch and Java Sparrow (which has been kept as a pet in eastern countries for many centuries). As their names suggest, these are not from Australia; but all five of these birds are members of the same family - the Estrildid finches. You will find many other pet finches available for purchase, but these six - the Canary plus the five Estrildid finches - are the ones from which the present popularity of the finch as a pet bird has grown.
How Much do Finches and Canaries Cost?
Prices of pet finches vary. For a standard Canary prices start at £10, with anything up to £200 for a rare variety. Zebra finches and Bengalese finches are generally in the £5-30 price range, with some of the more unusual species fetching up to £200.
How Long do Pet Finches Live?
In captivity a Canary usually lives 8 to 12 years, although birds as old as 15 are not uncommon. Zebra finches live up to 8 years, occasionally longer, and most other pet finches have similar lifespans. Speak to the breeder or shop that you bought your bird from for an estimate of your chosen pet bird's lifespan.
Comments
Amy, 30 December 2023
Bird shows have the best prices on birds. The most exotic rare finches I have seen were USA Custom’s confiscations sold in bird shops (local to the Customs location) because the Zoo’s didn’t want the confiscated birds. Lavender Wax Bill Finches were the rarest finch I have seen this way. I bought 3 for my Mother for around $400.
Amy, 30 December 2023
Canaries don’t sell for that cheap. Even @ birdshows a single female canary will cost you $50+ . Singing males are a fair normal price @ $100. Petsmart sell’sem for $170 each & infrequently.
Deb, 1 August 2021
I have a pair of silver Zebra Finches (male and female) in a cage with a yellow female Canary. I knew canaries were finches but I didn’t think they would breed together. The Canary is now laying eggs and is sitting in her food cup. Is this a problem? Should I stop her from sitting if possible?
Audrey, 24 June 2021
Is there room in the Geo bird cage for canaries to fly. They have been in a flight cage, but I only have 2 now. Is there room for 3, if I should get another one/
Serena, 10 October 2019
I have 2 love birds and an Amarillo but have long wanted finches. I have acquired a pair of heathy and lively Australian Zebra finches and your information sheets have been invaluable - thank you so much