Zebra Finch
There are many finch species, but one of the most popular kept as a pet is the zebra finch. This species is hardy and relatively easy to care for.
Adult Size
3.9-4.3 in.
Weight
0.3-1 oz.
Life Expectancy
3-15 yrs.
History of the Zebra Finch
Zebra finches live in large flocks in its native habitat of the arid areas of central Australia, Indonesia, and East Timor, too. The zebra finch has been introduced to Costa Rica and Portugal, where wild flocks now exist. Its preferred habitat includes a range of grasslands and forests, preferably close to water.
Characteristics of the Zebra Finch
Zebra finches are peaceful, lively, cheerful and social birds. Their melodies are so magical and varied that you spend all day with them, listening to their wonderful songs.
Talking Bird
Hand-tam Bird
Bird Noise
Zebra Finch Care
When keeping zebra finches, the height of the cage is not as vital as having room to fly horizontally, so a long but short cage is acceptable. It is a good idea to get the largest cage you can. A good size for a pair of finches is 30 inches long, 18 inches high, and 18 inches wide. If you are going to get a larger group of birds, you'll need an aviary or flight cage. Wire spacing should be 1/4 inch to 1/2 inch.
Supply a variety of perches, but make sure the cage is not so cluttered that the finches cannot fly back and forth. For perches, you can use dowels in a couple of different sizes, or add some natural branches, perhaps angling them to provide variety, so their feet are not always holding onto the perches in precisely the same way.
You can provide swings and ladders, although ladders will likely be used as perches instead of for climbing. Consider giving them small bells or hanging toys, although finches are generally not very interested in toys.
Speech & Sound
The male zebra finch is an enthusiastic singer (females generally do not sing). Their calls consist of a lot of “peeping” and “beeping” sounds. They sound like tiny little car horns. While they will vocalize all day if they are happy, they are not loud; however, their calls can be quite persistent. If you are able to keep them outside, or by a window where they can hear birds, they will often respond to the wild birds calls.
Common Health Problems
Zebra finches can be prone to a scaly face caused by mites, which requires treatment by a vet. Zebra finches are prone to air-sac mite infection, especially when overly stressed. If you want the bird to live, this serious condition needs immediate veterinary care. If your bird ever appears to have difficulty breathing, seek help from an avian veterinarian immediately.
Exercise
These small birds get most of their activity from straight-line flights across the cage, as well as climbing on perches and branches. Make sure your cage or aviary is large enough for flying. They don't require much more in the way of exercise.
Pros
- Quiet
- Low-volume chirper
- Good first pet bird
Cons
- Not affectionate
- Needs a larger cage for flight
- Does not like handling
Did You Know?
Zebra finches come from Australia and from the Sunda Islands.
They live in large flocks but stay away from the coast as they don’t like humid air.
