Considering a Bird as a Pet? Check Out the Lovely Zebra Finch!

If you're in the market for a new feathered friend, why not consider the charismatic zebra finch? Hailing from the family Estrildidae and belonging to the order Passeriformes, these grain-loving birds are often dubbed as the stylish sparrows.

Originating from the tropical forests of Africa, these vibrant avian wonders also call Australia and Southeast Asia their home. While native Japanese zebra finches were bred in Japan, the rice finches thrive in the diverse landscapes of Asia and Indonesia.

With a petite size (measuring only 10-15 cm and weighing around 50 grams), these energetic and lively birds are not just active but also skilled songbirds. While they might not outdo other melodious songbirds in the vocal department, they'll still belt out a tune or two for your entertainment. Their song, although not overly loud, carries a repetitive and rhythmic charm.

One striking feature of zebra finches is their beak, which appears as if coated in polished wax, boasting a glossy and substantial texture. The beak's coloration ranges from yellow, coral, and light orange to bright orange, red, or even black.

Zebra finches are relatively easy to tame. Though a tad skittish, with gentle handling, they quickly warm up to their caregivers. You can even call them by name, and they'll eagerly flutter your way.

However, these colorful avians are a bit wary of sharing space with other pets, especially dogs and cats – their presence sends them into a flurry of panic as they dart around their enclosure. If you have other pets, it's wise to keep your zebra finch in a separate room to avoid any undue stress.

In the wild, these birds form flocks, and at home, to keep your melodious companion from feeling lonely, consider getting them a fellow zebra finch or a different finch species.

Zebra finches don various feather coats, each distinct to their species. Unlike parrots, their plumage isn't as flamboyant, with the males of certain species sporting brighter colors than their female counterparts. During the breeding season, male finches undergo a plumage change to attract their potential mates. Once the season concludes, their colors revert to their original hues.

Zebra finches, these exquisite and exotic creatures, caught the attention of European explorers. Alongside parrots, they journeyed to Europe, becoming a sought-after commodity in various port cities. By the 18th century, they had spread widely, appearing in zoological gardens and becoming favorite subjects for exotic pet enthusiasts. Given the arduous transportation methods (sea voyages on ships, which were long and perilous, resulting in the loss of many delicate birds along the way), these feathered beauties carried a hefty price tag.

 

Caring for Your Feathered Friend

Zebra finches aren't too demanding when it comes to their care. They have their preferences, though. They're not fans of noise – loud sounds stress them out. The same goes for sudden movements.

Your bird's cage should be comfortably spacious, preferably square or rectangular, given that these agile creatures love to move around freely and are almost always on the go. It's a good idea to furnish the cage with perches, a feeder, a water dispenser, a bathing dish, a mirror, and a few toys.

The cage tray should be cleaned daily to remove droppings and leftover food. Regularly washing the feeder, water dispenser, and bathing dish is advisable as well. Keep the cage at a height that's neither too low (on the floor) nor too high (on a high shelf or cupboard). Placing it on a table is an optimal choice.

The room where your zebra finch resides should have a moderate temperature of around +20 degrees Celsius (68 degrees Fahrenheit). Humidity levels are crucial – these tropical forest dwellers naturally thrive in moist environments (about 60% humidity).

Daylight is paramount for zebra finches, particularly during winter when daylight hours are shorter. Inadequate light can disrupt metabolism, trigger feather-plucking, cause rickets, and even slow down growth and development in young chicks. During the winter months, the light period should span from 12 to 16 hours. Balance is key – excessive lighting isn't favorable either, as it can lead to loss of appetite, a suppressed nervous system, and reduced metabolism. The finch becomes lethargic and loses interest in its surroundings.

Water levels in bathing dishes and water dispensers shouldn't exceed 2 centimeters, as these little birds can drown. The water should be changed daily, and during summer, even more frequently, sometimes up to once a day.

For nesting materials, offer your birds soft hay, fresh grass, feathers, and stems of timothy grass.

It's best to have at least a pair of zebra finches – a male and a female. They get along exceptionally well, and observing their harmonious interactions is truly delightful.

Feeding. Your bird's daily diet should include millet (both dry and sprouted), greens (add them to millet every 2-3 days), finely chopped boiled chicken egg (once or twice a week), and a sprinkle of white canary seed. Pre-packaged seed mixes (white, orange, and yellow millet) are also beneficial. Zebra finches aren't too fond of dark-colored seeds, so keep this in mind when choosing their food. However, reddish and dark millet contains more nutrients, so you can slowly introduce it alongside lighter seeds in their diet and observe their reaction.

Rice finches and Japanese finches, with their sturdier beaks capable of breaking through the tough shells of dark millet, are less finicky eaters compared to zebra finches and Gouldian finches.

These birds also enjoy green foods, such as:

  • Dandelion
  • Lettuce
  • Plantain
  • Clover
  • Beet greens

It's essential to incorporate mineral supplements into your bird's diet. You can purchase pre-made mineral supplements or create your own. Simply crush eggshells finely – this aids in digestion. Commercial mineral supplements contain crushed oyster shells, gravel, and sand.

Forbidden foods for birds include:

  • Sweets
  • Onions
  • Garlic
  • Spices
  • Avocado
  • Mango
  • Persimmon
  • Dairy products high in fat.

These birds exhibit striped plumage on their neck and chest, reminiscent of a zebra's pattern – hence the name. However, only the males have these "zebra" stripes. Brightly colored beak, chestnut cheeks, and white-brown feathers with small speckles on the sides of their bodies create an appealing look. This feathered companion will be a constant source of delight in your home. While females have a more modest appearance, they are also uniquely charming.

  • Size: Approximately 11 cm (4.3 inches).
  • Zebra finches are undemanding in terms of care.
  • They have a strong need to live in flocks.
  • The finch's song is distinct: short, clear, and a bit robust. Though the voice (especially in males) is sharp and not particularly melodious, these endearing birds continue to have their admirers. Zebra finches are occasional chatterboxes, so be prepared for some joyful noise.
  • Males are more colorful than females and can show aggression towards other male birds. Occasionally, zebra finches with crests are encountered.
  • In a pair, it's usually the male that begins building the nest. He could use a hand – adding fresh grass for moisture inside the nest helps create optimal conditions for eggs and chicks.
  • Zebra finches are highly prolific, capable of nesting and producing chicks 3-4 times a year. However, it's not advisable to allow them to breed so frequently, as it can weaken their health.