A Rare Species

• Red-eared firetail finches are rarer than the common variety of finches. Moreover, they stay in permanent territories in mated pairs; therefore, while you may keep them with other finches, it would be best to give each pair an aviary of its own.
  
  

Diet in the Wild

• Red-eared finch habitats are in southwestern Western Australia. According to the Birdworld ornithological library, "The Red-eared Firetail is rarely seen on the ground, with foraging occurring mostly in bushes, trees, and shrubs. When feeding on grass seeds, it does so mainly from fallen twigs and low branches."
  
  

Seeds and Carbohydrates

• Red-eared finches are much like other finch varieties and require a staple diet of carbohydrates. A good finch-seed mixture is the mainstay of the red-eared finch diet. The carbohydrates ensure a healthy nervous system. Basic seed mix should include canary seed, White French millet, Japanese millet, and yellow and red panicum.
  
  

Greenfood and Vegetables

• Supplement the seed mixture with greenfood and vegetables. The Birdworld library suggests half-opened seed heads of grasses or most other herbs from the garden such as shepherd's purse, dandelion and chickweed, or any vegetables such as silverbeet and lettuce. Birdcare.com suggests some fruits as well, such as apple.
  
  

Live Food

• According to the ornithological library, many aviculturists provide live food (often mealworms) during the breeding season, although others have had good results without it. Birdcare.com suggests small crickets as well.
  
  

Grit

• In addition, you should provide grit for digestion. Birdworld suggests fine-grade grit and cuttle-fish where possible.