Pet Care
Caring for your Zebra Finches
Zebra Finches are sociable, intelligent and attractive birds. They are relatively easy to care for and look after. They can live up to 5 years of age. They originate from Australia.
Types of Zebra Finch
Zebra Finches come in an array of markings and colours. Common markings include black breasted, crested, penguin and yellow beak. Typical colours include fawn, grey and white.
Feeding you Zebra Finch
In the wild Zebra Finches eat a wide range of grains, seeds and vegetation. A good quality specific Finch mix provides the basis of a good diet. Cuttlefish should be given as a supplement to provide vital vitamins and calcium. Certain foods such as lettuce, lemons, potato and avocado can be harmful to your bird. Fresh drinking water should always be available.
Housing
Zebra Finches can be kept outdoors in a large purpose built aviary or indoors in a large cage. The cage should have horizontal bars set at different levels to allow your birds to climb. Indoor birds should be let out of their cage to exercise. Be sure to close all doors and windows! The cage should be located away from draughts and direct sunlight. Covering your cage at night will encourage your birds to settle down to sleep. Your cage should include a bath attached to the outside of the cage or a shallow bowl on the base of the cage. Zebra Finches tend to enjoy being gently sprayed with tepid water! Provide your birds with plenty of toys to keep them stimulated mentally and physically. Zebra Finches will usually respond to your voice but not mimic your voice.
Community
Zebra Finches prefer the company of their own kind. They can be kept alone but will require plenty of attention and mental stimulation. They can be kept in pair (hens with cocks) although if keeping a few birds together, either sex should be o.k. In larger aviaries it is best to keep more hens than cocks – otherwise the cock birds may fight over the hens. You can mix pairs of Zebra Finches with other soft-billed birds such as Canaries.
Handling
Zebra Finches are friendly birds, but will rarely become tame enough to perch on you fingers unless hand-reared. To pick up your bird, ensure you palm covers its back and wings. Your middle and index finger should surround the bird’s neck. Use your other fingers to support its body and feet. Be very gentle! Zebra Finches WILL bite if they feel threatened or stressed. Never attempt to catch a bird in mid flight. Always wait until your bird is perched safely.
Breeding
Zebra Finches can be mated from approximately 6 months old. They will usually produce a clutch of 4-6 eggs in around 12 days.