subject: General Information about Zebra Finches [print this page] General Information about Zebra Finches General Information about Zebra Finches
Zebra finches are fun little birds and are easy to have in your home. They are the greatest pleasure to view and their soft singing and chirping is very soothing. Whether you want only one pair to keep you company or you want to be a breeder with one type or many birds, Zebras finches are a joy to keep. Zebra finches are small birds, and are very active and fun to watch. They are quiet when it comes to vocalization or chirping and peeps that most people find very easy to tolerate. In general, finches have an expected lifespan of anywhere between 5 to 15 years. These birds average size is about 4 inches (10cm). Some of the English and German verities can be a little larger.
A general good Zebra Finch diet should include a mixture of millets, cereal seeds and canary grass seeds. Cuttlebone and grit should also be supplied at all times and not forgetting Fresh water. Lettuce, Spinach, Chickweed, Spray Millet, Egg food, Broccoli tops and Carrot tops can also be offered on a regular basis.
Zebra finches can be kept in cages or aviaries, indoors or outdoors it really up to you. Because zebra finches are very hardy, they can tolerate many different environments without any problems. However, you should always place them in a spot where it won't rain on them. You should also avoid changing the environment too often, because the birds will need to get acclimatised to their new environment. Generally, healthy acclimatised zebra finches will look more healthy happier and more active. However, when breeding recommended temperatures may vary from region to region depending on humidity, etc.
You can take pride and enjoyment in breeding Zebras. Always Select a suitable couple in good condition and place them in the same cage. If the birds you chose are in good condition they will usually start building a nest immediately, and within a couple of days the first eggs will be laid. Check the nest every day in order to follow the progress. Be sure not to frighten the birds on approach let them know you are coming. If you frighten them, they can accidentally destroy the eggs when they panic. If the birds are unwilling to leave the nest, don't chase them off unless you are worried something might be wrong.
Around when the third egg is laid, the birds will start sitting on the eggs. After about 2 weeks, the eggs will start to hatch. At this time you should start to feed a rearing food or egg food. This can be bought in most pet shops, or if you'd like you can make your own. You should continue to feed the regular seed mixture as well. When the birds are around 8 or 9 days old, they should be fitted with a closed coded ring for later identification.
If you suspect something is wrong, you will have to check the nest. In that case, great take great care not to frighten the birds. When the birds are around 3 weeks old, they will leave the nest for the first time. Around 1 week later (at 4 weeks) the birds will start feeding on their own. A pair of zebra finches should not be allowed to breed more than 2 - 3 clutches every year. At 5 to 6 weeks the birds are self-sufficient and can be removed from the parents.
