The zebra finch is a sought-after pet bird prized for its beauty, antics, and interactive nature. Reaching only four inches in height, these tiny birds are easy to house and care for. Zebra finches are usually recommended for beginners as they’re friendly and considered low maintenance. Once they’re calm and comfortable in their environment, these birds produce beautiful songs, which is why they’re aptly called songbirds.
Here’s what to know about keeping these birds as pets.
First: Why Get a Pet Zebra Finch?
Zebra finches got their name from the black and white stripes that cover their chests and have become a popular pet bird among avian lovers. They’re a particularly good choice for those new to keeping pet birds because they’re easy to care for. Zebra finches don’t need large and expensive enclosures, and their food intake is minimal, making them a cost-effective pet. Finches should not be kept alone because they are quite social, so always house at least two or more of them together.
If you have a busy lifestyle but want the company of a pet, then consider a zebra finch. These tiny birds tend to entertain themselves, and, provided they have a partner or group to interact with, they’re quite content in their enclosures. Most finches have vibrant personalities, and their beauty captivates their keepers. To properly house these interesting birds, consider their habitat, diet, handling, and general care needs.
1. Finches Need Room to Spread Their Wings
You don’t need a large enclosure for zebra finches, but they should have enough room to fly about. If you are going to keep two or more finches, the enclosure must be big enough to accommodate them. The ideal cage size for small birds is 30 inches long and 18 to 20 inches high with bars no more than ⅜ inches apart.
Finches enjoy fluttering about their cage, and while they don’t require the costly habitat you would purchase for a parrot, they should have ample room. Cramped conditions will lead to unhappy birds and increase the risk of infections due to stress.
Finches love to perch, so place a few perches at different heights, allowing each bird their own little area to relax. Perches encourage exercise as the finches jump from one perch to another. Do not place their food and water below the perches. as their droppings will land in the dishes. Soiled water can increase the risk of diseases, such as avian campylobacteriosis that can affect humans.
2. Finches Enjoy a Diverse Diet
The staple diet for finches is a mixture of bird seed, millet, and canary seed. You can add black-oiled and shelled sunflower seeds as a source of vitamin E, omega-3 and omega-6, and protein. Finches’ diet should be supplemented with food they would find in their natural habitat, which includes fresh greens. These birds come from grasslands, so be sure to introduce seeding grasses, including dandelion leaves, to their daily diet. Vegetables must be offered daily, such as bell peppers, broccoli, cabbage, and butternut. It is best to chop these foods into small pieces or grate them, making it easier for the tiny finch to consume.
Finches love fruits, but it is the one type of food that should be given in moderation because of its high sugar content. Grated apples, firm pears, and grapes are suitable fruits that you can feed every second or third day. To help your little pet bird with strong bones and egg production (in females), add a cuttlebone for calcium. Grit (small rocks that aid in digestion) is an optional extra to support healthy crops and digestion.
3. These Small Birds Don’t Enjoy Frequent Handling
As cute as zebra finches are, they don’t like being handled. Most describe them as independent birds that prefer to entertain themselves by singing, jumping along perches, or interacting with their cage mates. If you source your pet zebra finch from a reputable pet store or breeder, they should be socialized to sit on your hand or shoulder. You won’t get these birds too thrilled about being held; giving them their space is best. This way, you avoid stress and build trust, making it easier to remove them from their cage when you take them to the vet or clean their habitat.
But just because they don’t like being handled doesn’t mean they can’t be friendly birds. Zebra finches will show affection with their day-long chirps, and they’ll be particularly active when fed. These tiny birds are entertaining to watch, and with their high energy, they’re sure to make excellent pets.
4. Finches Love to Sing
Size-wise, there would theoretically be no problem keeping these birds in an apartment or another small living space. Finches don’t need very large cages, and they won’t chew or claw the furniture like a dog or a cat. When it comes to the level of noise these birds make, apartment-living can be tricky. Zebra finches are described as quiet, but in the wild, they produce tweets and chirps that form a beautiful song.
Some finch owners report low but constant chirps, while others have a problem with loud singing. The male zebra finch is a songbird of note, and in the wild, he creates his own song that he uses as a form of identification. If you’re a bird lover, you’ll absolutely love their songs, but if they become too loud, speak to your neighbors. Communication can prevent conflict, and you never know, perhaps your neighbors will be bird lovers, too!
