How to Hand Feed a Zebra Finch

Zebra finches are extremely colorful and docile birds, which makes them good choices for family pets. They are small birds native to Australia that make a soft chirping sound that many find relaxing. One reason for their popularity is the ease of breeding them in captivity. Owners will not only enjoy the colorful adults, but get to witness nesting and the birth of the offspring. Owners may wish or need to hand feed these offspring or purchased baby finches. It's not uncommon that the mother leaves the baby birds to fend for themselves after birth. You can also choose to hand feed them because it helps them bond with humans.

Things You'll Need

  • Water bowl
  • Water
  • Drink tube (optional)
  • 1/2 cc syringe with needle removed
  • Electrolyte formula
  • Bird feeding formula
  • Toothpicks
  • Pipette
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Instructions

    • 1

      Provide fresh water to the bird daily. The water is generally put in a water bowl, and it needs cleaned regularly; it's not uncommon for the zebra finch to play or defecate in its water bowl.

    • 2

      Fill the syringe with electrolyte formula. Human electrolyte formula works well, and is easily found at most drug stores or even your local grocer.

    • 3

      Place the end of the syringe at the bird's beak until it opens. This may take gentle force.

    • 4

      Allow a few drops of the formula to drop into the bird's mouth. Push the plunger on the syringe very slowly. You want to drop the formula in droplets into the mouth, not a steady stream of liquid.

    • 5

      Repeat these steps every two hours for three feedings.

    • 6

      Mix the baby bird formula with the electrolyte formula until it is very thin for subsequent feedings. Warm this mixture. Baby bird formula is found in most pet stores.

    • 7

      Dip a toothpick into this mixture then place it in the mouth of the finch. Feed until the crop at the side of the neck is full. You'll begin to see it fill, much like a babies belly.

    • 8

      Keep the bird warm between feedings in a brooder. The ideal temperature range is 86 to 89 degrees F.

    • 9

      Repeat this procedure daily for the first three days.

    • 10

      Mix the bird formula and electrolyte formula into a thicker mix and use a pipette to feed. To make the mix thicker, add less water. The formula should be the consistency of whole cream purchased from a supermarket. There shouldn't be any chunks in the mixture.

    • 11

      Increase feeding interval to 3 1/2 hours from the seventh day on. Mix the formula to the consistency of pudding.