How to Build Zebra Finch Aviaries

The zebra finch (Poephila guttata) is one of the most popular pet birds. With their attractive black, brown and white coloring, bright red-orange beaks, and orange cheek patches on the males, zebra finches are beautiful as well as easy to maintain. Active and fun to watch, they are not excessively noisy, adding to their appeal as a pet. Zebra finches are social birds, and should be kept in pairs, or a larger group if space permits.

Things You'll Need

  • Finch cage
  • Newspaper
  • 2 or 3 perches
  • Food dish
  • Water bowl
  • Commercial finch food
  • Fresh greens
  • Mealworms
  • Water
  • Bird swing
  • Mirror
  • Cuttlebone
  • Bird bath
Show More

Instructions

    • 1

      Purchase the biggest cage you can for the space you intend to keep it. According to Pet Education, the minimum cage size for 2 to 3 finches is 16 inches high by 24 inches wide by 16 inches deep. Zebra finches love to fly, and need at least 20 inches horizontal flying space.

    • 2

      Line the bottom of the cage with newspaper to absorb droppings, and change daily. Supply 2 or 3 perches of different thicknesses to provide a place to perch, and to exercise the birds' feet.

    • 3

      Provide a food dish and water bowl. Feed a commercial finch food, containing a blend of seed and nuts. Bird Times Magazine recommends varying the diet by adding mealworms, millet, and fresh greens. Fresh water must be available to the birds at all times.

    • 4

      Keep your finch aviary in a quiet, secure location. Avoid direct heat sources or drafts. On sunny days, you can place the finch cage outside in a protected spot. This will allow the finches to enjoy sunlight, and optimize their health.

    • 5

      Hang a bird swing, and place a bird-safe mirror in the aviary. These keep the finches active and provide diversion during the day.

    • 6

      Mount a cuttlebone to the side of the cage. This provides calcium to keep the birds bones strong, and helps sharpen their beaks. Finches love water, so keep a shallow dish of clean water accessible for bathing. You can also mist them with water, which will help keep their feathers healthy.