How to Care for Zebra Finches

Zebra Finches make good companions, and if cared for properly they can live a long time. Here's how to take care of them.

Instructions

Difficulty: Easy

Things You’ll Need:

• Square bird cage
• cuttlebone
• gravel n’ grit
• bird protector
• perch covers
• toys
• conditioning and molting food
• finch or parakeet food

1. Purchase a square bird cage.
2. Remove the hard shell from the cuttlebone, then use a piece of twine to tie it to the inside of the cage, away from the perches, but close to the bottom of cage so that the finches can get to it easily.
3. In a lid, from a coffee jar or tub of cake icing, pour out 2 tbs. of gravel n’ grit.
4. To prevent mites and other pests from getting on your birds, hang a bird protector on the outside of the cage.
5. To keep your birds’ beaks and toenails trimmed, place a perch cover over the perch they use the most or roost on.
6. There are many different toys to choose from, but the ones that Zebra Finches like the best are swings, mirrors and blue lids from milk or water jugs.
7. During stressful times, such as molting and egg laying, give your finches food that is specifically for conditioning and molting. Mix it with their regular food or place it in a separate dish.
8. For your Zebra Finches diet, give them food that contains white millet, hulled oats and canary grass seed.
9. Give them fresh water every morning.
10. Thoroughly clean your finches’ cage at least once a week, with warm water and mild soap.
11. Give your Zebra Finches lots of love and attention.

Tips & Warnings

• Like any other animal you can teach Zebra Finches to be on their best behavior, but first you must be patient with them and earn their trust.
• If your Zebra Finches eat the hard shell of the cuttlebone, it will cause internal organ damage and death.
• Be careful about using cleaning products, air fresheners, and other chemicals around your birds.
• Gravel n’ grit not only aids with your birds’ digestive process, but also with the female finch’s egg laying, therefore it is really important to make sure that the gravel n’ grit is very fine. If it isn’t it can lead to egg binding and death.
• If your finches’ cage has rust or sharp edges on it, replace it as soon as possible.
• Place the bird protector on the opposite end of where your Zebra Finches roost and leave an opening in the covering at night to provide proper ventilation.