The price of pet finches varies depending on the species and rarity, with common types like Zebra finches or Society finches usually costing between £4 and £28, while rarer species such as Diamond Firetail or Gouldian finches can be priced up to £120 to £160, influenced by factors like colour mutations and breeder availability.
Finches are social birds that thrive best when kept in pairs, ideally male and female, and can also do well in small groups of several pairs if the enclosure is sufficiently large, as they can become stressed or lonely if kept alone; juvenile finches can be kept together until about 9 weeks old, after which same-sex pairs may become aggressive unless part of a larger social group.
For beginners, Zebra finches and Society (Bengalese) finches are recommended due to their hardiness, ease of care, sociable temperament, and affordability, whereas more colourful species like Gouldian finches require more experience and care.
Pet finches, such as Zebra and Society finches, generally live between 5 and 10 years with proper care, with Zebra finches often reaching around 8 years; their lifespan depends on good diet, suitable housing, stress minimisation, and regular veterinary care.