How to Cure Zebra Finches

Zebra finches are domesticated birds which originated from Australia. They are very easy to look after and are often recommended to people new to keeping birds. They come in a variety of colors, and primarily eat seeds. Zebra finches, like all birds, can become very ill if kept in unsuitable conditions or exposed to harmful chemicals and fumes. Curing your zebra finch can be as easy as changing it's surroundings to mirror their natural habitat.

Things You'll Need

  • Cage
  • Cage decorations
  • Egg
  • Fruits
  • Hospital cage
  • Iverlux
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Instructions

    • 1

      Check your finches cage size. It is a common misconception that zebra finches will thrive in smaller cages. They will be happiest with a large amount of space to play and fly in, as this mimics their natural habitat much better. For a pair of finches, the smallest cage should be 18-by-15-by-12 inches.

    • 2

      Make the cage interesting. Finches should be kept entertained by a variety of perches, swings and mirrors. Do not clutter the cage, but give your finch plenty to do. This will prevent him from becoming depressed and withdrawn, which can make them look very ill.

    • 3

      Vary your finches food. Zebra finch food is usually a variety of seeds and pellets, which are balanced to give the finches their nutritional needs. These should be accompanied by treats, such as egg, carrot tops, dandelion greens, spinach and fruit.

    • 4

      Ensure your finch's cage is well lit, preferably by natural sunlight. Sunlight is essential for your finches psychological and physical health.

    • 5

      Watch your finches behavior. If all of the above are correct and your bird is still appearing unwell, their behavior is key to diagnosing them in time. Typically, sick finches will be lethargic and have a puffed-out appearance. They may still eat and drink normally, but will sleep a lot of the time. Your finches vent may appear dirty. If your finch is displaying this behavior, move them away from any other birds, into an individual cage. This cage should be warm and secure.

    • 6

      Listen to your birds breathing. You may have to go to a silent room to do this, and sit listening for a while before you can hear the noise. If your birds' breathing has a clicking noise, however faint, it is likely that he has air sac mites. This can be treated with Iverlux, but ideally a vet should treat a bird suffering from this condition. If air sac mites are not treated successfully, they can cause asphyxiation.

    • 7

      Check your finch for signs of mites. These may appear as crusty regions around the birds beak and legs, and there may be some swelling. You may notice that your finch has spent a lot of time grooming their feathers recently. These are all signs that your finch is suffering from mites, which can be treated with Iverlux too. Mites can cause disfigurement if not treated, so monitor treatment carefully and take your finch to a vet if you do not see improvement.

    • 8

      Take your finch to the vet if the above treatments don't work, or if your finch is not suffering with any of the above. Other possible diagnoses include parasites from live food, and being egg-bound. These are conditions that need immediate medical attention, or your finch may not survive.