Zebra finches are energetic and hardy birds originating from the dry scrublands and open fields of Australia. They are one of the easiest breeds to keep which makes them perfect for both the beginner and the experienced bird enthusiast.
Also known as the Chestnut Flanked Finch, their head, back and wings are gray, their tails are black and white and they have white bellies, orange legs and brown eyes.
Males have chestnut cheek patterns and black and white stripes on the chin, neck and upper chest. They have a black band that meets on the belly, chestnut flanks and a red to orange beak.
Females don't have chestnut flanks, chestnut cheek patches, and an orange beak.
Zebra finches are made for long flights so make sure you get a big enough cage. Building an aviary outside will mean less mess inside, but if this is not an option then keep their cages in the garden shed; a lot of owners do this. Getting a pair is better due to their sociable nature with other finches.
They are very adaptable but don't change their environment too often and avoid anywhere where they might get rained on. The minimum size of a cage should be 24 x 16 x 16 inches but larger is always better. Make sure they have dishes for food and water and something to bathe in.
Zebra finches originally come from areas where seeds are available, so this should remain their basic food type. You can make a seed mixture of millet, canary seeds and other seeds. Keep their seed bowl filled at all times.
They will also like foods from your kitchen; bread crumbs, mixed vegetables, spinach, lettuce or greens such as chickweed and dandelion leaves. Try out different things and see what response you get.
Just make sure the foods are natural and only feed them what you know they will consume and remove leftovers before they go bad. Zebra finches are dessert birds and can go for long periods without water, but give them access to it at all times.
They need access to calcium; cuttlefish bone, sea shells or egg shells from regular chickens. Microwave the shells for a few minutes or stick them in the oven, to kill salmonella then let them cool off and feed them to your finches.
If you are planning on breeding Zebra finches a nest box 12 x 12 x 12cm attached to the outside of the cage will work fine, and give more space inside the cage. Find one that opens at the top which is safer for the chicks and gives you better access to the eggs. For nesting materials use tissues, hay or dried grass, coconut fibres, or soft mosses.
The average clutch is 4-6 eggs which the male and female take turns to incubate over 2 weeks. They fledge at 18 days old and are totally independent at 32 days old. Once the young finches are weaned you must remove them because the parents may want to nest again.
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