Your First Zebra Finch

The Australian Zebra finch is easy to care for and a perfect choice for the beginner. Their small 10cm size means they can be easily housed within the family with little disturbance to everyday routine. Social by nature it is best to keep a pair at minimum though, space allowing, a quartet is ideal.

Choosing your pet

Zebra finches are available from most pet stores, often sold by the pair due to their gregarious nature. Due to their desire to breed it is wise to buy same sex couples unless you intend to allow them offspring. Mixed pairs may quickly start to lay in their nest box, or failing that, their food bowl.

Look for birds which are alert, vocal and actively moving around their cage. Any which seem listless and sleepy should be avoided, as should those that have plucked plumage or weepy eyes or beaks. The sexes are easily distinguished, with males having dark bars across their chest and speckled brown plumage on their flanks though this varies in the differing coloured varieties. If in any doubt ask your local store for guidance.

Setting up home

Coming in a variety of shapes and sizes the retailer will be able to advise the most suited cage for the number of finches being bought. Choose a home that has a pull out tray for ease of cleaning and seed and water hoppers that are located on the outside of the cage so that disturbing the birds whilst topping up their food is kept to a minimum. Zebra finches like to roost inside nest boxes, wicker or wood, but will roost on perches if this is their only option. Whilst the latter option dispenses the need to purchase a nest box, the finches may tend to be more nervous at night. Cages also often come equipped with a number of perches made of dowel or plastic for ease of cleaning. Whilst adequate for your birds needs it is better to provide natural branches from fruit trees or ash which give better quality for your bird's feet but also look aesthetically pleasing.

Feeding your finch

The nutritional needs of Zebra finches are very simple. A basic finch seed mix is adequate along with cuttlefish for calcium and grit to aide the digestive system. Fresh water should be supplied daily and greens such as lettuce, apple or even dandelion and chickweed from the garden (though these should be washed thoroughly first) can be given two or three times a week.

Caring for your finch

Your finches cage should be cleaned once a week. The removable tray can simply be slid out, rinsed over and a new newspaper layer replaced. Seed hoppers should also be cleaned to prevent stagnation of water and food. Perches can be wiped down every few weeks or if using natural branches should be replaced once they become worn down. Clean the nest box, if provided, every two to three weeks with a wire brush to stop an accumulation of dirt.

Zebra Finches in particular love to bath. A small dish of water should be provided weekly to allow the birds to clean and maintain their healthy plumage. Alternatively purchase a bath which attaches to the cage door providing an easy solution whilst also allowing you to enjoy your bird's behaviour. You'll soon have a smile on your face as you watch you finches in a bathing frenzy.

Finches make a welcome addition to any home. They provide a source of interest and amusement whilst being relatively cheap and easy to look after. For the novice bird keeper they are a perfect starting finch, living from two to ten years, and form a wonderful addition to any bird collection.