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Zebra Finch
Care Sheet
Colourful and active birds who are ideal for an aviary. These birds are small, pretty and easy to keep. Available in many patterns and colours..
Colours: Standard/Grey which are the ’wild’ type. Available in Fawn, Pied, Black-Cheek, Black-Face, White, Light back and more.
Housing: Social birds, keep groups of birds in an aviary
Lifespan: 5 to 7 years
Adult Size: 10cm | Adult Weight: 12g
HOUSING YOUR FINCH
Zebra Finches should be kept in an aviary and allowed plenty of space to exhibit natural behaviours. Provide perches for finches to separate and exercise enrichment activities.
Finches kept indoors should be exercised daily. Minimum enclosure size should be twice the full wingspan of the bird and twice the height of the bird tip to tail.
Enjoys stimulation– provide several types of toy, This bird enjoys daily bathing so provide a bathing bowl in the enclosure. Zebra Finch’s are climbers so allow the largest aviary/ enclosure and space to climb.
HOUSING YOUR FINCH
Zebra Finches should be kept in an aviary and allowed plenty of space to exhibit natural behaviours. Provide perches for finches to separate and exercise enrichment activities.
Finches kept indoors should be exercised daily. Minimum enclosure size should be twice the full wingspan of the bird and twice the height of the bird tip to tail.
Enjoys stimulation– provide several types of toy, This bird enjoys daily bathing so provide a bathing bowl in the enclosure. Zebra Finch’s are climbers so allow the largest aviary/ enclosure and space to climb.
HANDLING YOUR FINCH
Zebra Finch’s may not enjoy being handled unless used to it.
If you do need to handle the bird, cover the back of the bird with your palm, place the middle and index finger around the neck, and use the other fingers to support the body.
Be careful not to stress the bird, which will cause it to bite.
Over time, with repeating the above steps, your budgie should jump on to your hand—make sure the windows and doors are closed. Never pick your budgie up from above or grab it which can cause stress. Handling on a daily routine will help your bird to understand handling times.
GENERAL CARE
Origin: Australia/Indonesia Size: 10cm Adult Weight: 12g Lifespan: 5 to 7 years (more commonly 5) Housing: Social birds, keep groups of birds in an aviary. Young: Chicks Sexual Maturity: 70-80 days Incubation Period: 14-16 days Birth Weight: 0.5-1 ounce Breeding Season: All year round Colours: Standard/Grey which are the ’wild’ type. Available in Fawn, Pied, Black-Cheek, Black-Face, White, Light back and more. Referred to as American, English and German. American are the smaller wild-type birds and the latter are larger birds often bred as show birds.
GENERAL CARE
Origin: Australia/Indonesia Size: 10cm Adult Weight: 12g Lifespan: 5 to 7 years (more commonly 5) Housing: Social birds, keep groups of birds in an aviary. Young: Chicks Sexual Maturity: 70-80 days Incubation Period: 14-16 days Birth Weight: 0.5-1 ounce Breeding Season: All year round Colours: Standard/Grey which are the ’wild’ type. Available in Fawn, Pied, Black-Cheek, Black-Face, White, Light back and more. Referred to as American, English and German. American are the smaller wild-type birds and the latter are larger birds often bred as show birds.
HEALTH CHECK
Signs of flight are normal
Moves normally and no signs of lethargy
The beak aligns correctly and has no signs of over growth
The vent is clear
The bird is alert
The bird is acting normally and there are no signs of isolation from other birds
Some common ailments that affect Zebra Finches include air sac mites, scaly face mites, and egg-binding. It is important to monitor your bird’s health closely and seek veterinary care if you notice any concerning symptoms.
Signs of illness include changes in behaviour, such as lethargy or decreased appetite, abnormal droppings, and difficulty breathing. Early detection and treatment are crucial in ensuring the well-being of your zebra finch.
Nails: Nails should be a suitable length and not curled round. Use different sizes of perches and offer a sanded perch for natural filing.
Feathers: Feathers should be clean, smooth, and free of any signs of damage or discoloration. Regularly provide opportunities for bathing to help maintain feather health and cleanliness.
Beak: The beak should be smooth, symmetrical, and free of any overgrowth. Offer appropriate chew toys and mineral blocks to help keep the beak properly trimmed and healthy. If you notice the beak does need filing, seek veterinary care and do not attempt to cut the beak yourself.