Natural Cures for Zebra Finches

Originally from Australia, zebra finches are one of the most popular cage birds in the U.S. and other countries. The active little birds do well in captivity and have a life span of about 12 years. Zebra finches are social birds that live in flocks; as pets, they prefer to be in pairs or groups without overcrowding. They are hardy birds and most illnesses are due to improper care, unsanitary conditions and lack of exercise.

  1. Ingrown Feathers

    • Ingrown feathers and other feather disorders, such as feather chewing and plucking, are common problems in finches. Causes generally stem from physical or emotional problems. Skin infections from bacteria, fungi or mites as well as hormone imbalance, allergies and cancer are some of the most common causes of feather disorders in zebra finches.

      A formulated diet that includes fruits, millet spray, honey sticks and safflower adds nutrition to a poor diet. Reduce stress due to environmental factors by regulating humidity and temperature, increasing cage size and replacing perches that may be uncomfortable. Finches are active birds that need toys; replace them regularly to avoid boredom. Finches need 10 hours of darkness each night, a birdbath at their disposal and frequent misting during hot, dry months.

    Egg Binding

    • Egg binding occurs when the female finch is unable to expel an egg from her vent. When this occurs, place her in a 90 to 95 degree Fahrenheit hospital cage, add humidity and give her one drop of calcium gluconate orally. Feed the hen crushed, boiled egg including the shell and lubricate her vent. Contact your veterinarian for further instructions.

    Diarrhea

    • Diarrhea can affect any type of bird, including zebra finches. If the bird is new to a colony, diarrhea is generally temporary due to the upset of different surroundings. Diarrhea in a zebra finch can be due to too many greens or fruits; try cutting down on these for a few days to see if the situation improves. A teaspoon of cold, strong tea mixed with one or two drops of pure kaolin will calm the bird's gut. Administer this with a dosing tube. If the condition does not improve within three days, contract your veterinarian, as diarrhea may be a sign of serious illness.

    Mites

    • Juvenile zebra finches are susceptible to air sac mites, although they are uncommon. Air sac mites are parasites that live in the trachea and syrinx, and transmit through direct bird-to-bird contact. When introducing a new bird to your colony, it is vital to quarantine the new bird for at least three weeks first. During quarantine, watch for symptoms that include coughing, sneezing, tail-bobbing, open-mouth breathing, clicking sounds, lack of singing and loss of appetite.