Caring for Zebra Finches
By Marra Hamma
Photograph by Dale R. Gilkinson

Exotic bird breeding can be daunting even to the experts. Usually fragile and hard to find, exotic birds can demand a tremendous investment of time and money. However, one colorful import from Australia is so easy to acquire and reasonably priced even beginners can successfully breed them. Native to the Australian outback, zebra finches, Poephila guttata, are a perfect addition to the aviary.

Half a century ago, bird watchers could find no sign of the elusive zebra finch. Though these birds had once inhabited the steppes of Australia in abundance, urbanization destroyed much of the native population. Alarmed, the government banned the export of the finch in 1960, restricting private collectors. However, it soon became apparent that this particular finch adapted well to captivity. The few that made their way into captivity bred so easily that their numbers returned to normal in a short decade. They are now widely available and relatively inexpensive.

Though usually no more than four inches long, these birds can fill a room with their beautiful songs. Like most birds, zebra finches sing as the sun rises. I fell in love with their soft, peaceful sounds. I also appreciated their devotion to one another. Immediately, these birds became the focus of my bird collection.

Care

In the wild, the zebra finch is a communal bird, living in flocks of up to 100 members. Thus, I recommend keeping them in large groups. I have found that six to eight birds can live comfortably in a four-foot flight cage. Since zebra finches tend to partner for life, there must be equal numbers of both sexes.

Like most birds, zebra finches are diurnal -- active in the daytime. They awake with the sun. I haven't found a nicer way to greet the day. These birds love the sun. Exposure to at least eight hours of direct sunlight a day provides them with essential vitamin D, almost unattainable from any other source. In warm weather, I put the entire cage on my front porch in the sunlight.

Additionally, you should provide toys for the naturally curious zebra finch. They enjoy free-hanging mirrors, and will chirp incessantly at their own image. Bird swings are another necessity for active, healthy birds. If space permits, you should provide one swing per pair. Finally, in addition to their water dish, you should provide a bird bath. Finches love water and will bathe up to three times a day.

Feeding

Finches do well on commercial finch food which is a standard mix of seed and nuts. They prefer a more varied diet. Not surprisingly, finches enjoy sprouted millet, small mealworms, insects, and fresh greens. An ample amount of fresh greens on a daily basis is optimal. Your finches will benefit from the extra vitamins and minerals fresh food offers.

Almost any bird needs a cuttlebone or mineral equivalent to keep their bones healthy and beaks sharp. Providing egg shells or a whole hard-boiled egg, completely cooled, offers them an irresistible treat. Six to eight birds can fill themselves completely on one hard-boiled egg. This ensures healthy, viable eggs as well as adding variety to the diet.

Breeding

A healthy diet, plenty of sunshine, and a clean environment are important ingredients for your finches to breed comfortably and to produce hatchlings.

A standard, fully enclosed wicker nest should be provided for each pair in your cage. These are available at any pet store. The smallest size is usually adequate for the nest to fit two birds snugly. The opening should be no more than one inch across. Caged finches will not breed unless the nest is fully enclosed. Though you may be tempted, you should avoid disturbing the nest until after the eggs are hatched.

Once you've placed the nest in the cage, put lining materials of clean, short grasses and feathers on the bottom of the cage. The grasses can be gathered from your yard. Finches love to line their nests and make it as comfortable as possible. Cotton or man-made materials are not recommended because they are dangerous if ingested by the bird.

If you are not sure about whether the grasses have come into contact with pesticides, you must take extra precaution to clean them thoroughly. Fill your sink with ice cold water and a small amount of standard detergent and thoroughly wash the grasses in this mixture. Rinse well and let air-dry on paper towels. Nest material should be changed daily to help prevent parasites in your cage.

Female zebra finches lay four to six eggs which hatch after 12 to 14 days. The babies are white bundles of fluff. Both parents feed the hatchlings. Sometimes, toward the end of the feeding period, unless the nests are removed, the parents get absorbed in new mating and neglect or stop feeding the existing young. As soon as the young birds are self-sufficient, they should be separated from their parents to avoid quarrels.

Zebra finches mature quickly and often start to mate at 11 or 12 weeks of age. For stronger adults and healthier babies, it is advised to make them wait until they are about nine months old before allowing them to mate.

After years of breeding these lovely birds, I've noticed some interesting behavior patterns. The male birds tend to build the nest and females sit on the eggs. Some males in the same cage will compete with each other to build the best nest for their mates. Squabbles occur, but they are usually harmless. Males love to court their females. Any brightly colored object will serve as a gift of love. Your birds will love plastic, neon-colored paper clips individually or strung together. I attach individual clips to the bars of the cage. The males will remove them and parade with them before presenting them to the females who will place them inside their nests.

By providing alternatives to the daily routine of cage life, you help your zebra finches achieve a long and happy and life. A varied diet, a clean environment, and plenty of diversions will provide both you and your exotic birds hours of pleasure.

Marra Hamma is a freelance writer and finch breeder residing in Van Nuys, California.