What Fruits Do Zebra Finch Birds Eat?

Zebra finches are a small type of colorful bird that weigh between 1/2 to 1 oz. and look similar to a canary. The zebra finch is most recognized for its grayish color and bright orange beak. While seeds and water are important to the health of a finch, it also needs a mixture of vegetables and fruits for proper nutrition. Some zebra finches will not eat every kind of fruit placed in the cage, so experimentation is important.

  1. Crab Apples

    • Crab apple trees are most commonly found in the Midwest or northern U.S. and they perform well in colder temperatures. After red or pink buds appear on the tree, miniature apples form. These crab apples fall from the tree on their own or can be picked prior to falling. The crab apples can be placed in the cage of a zebra finch whole or can be cut in half. It is a good source of nutrition for the zebra finch and provides a crunchy snack for the bird.

    Dates

    • A date fruit comes from the date palm tree. The fruit can be used in a variety of recipes from cookies and cakes to breads and puddings. Because it has high amounts of potassium, vitamin B complex and calcium, among other minerals and vitamins, it is beneficial to human health. Those same ingredients also make the date beneficial to a zebra finch. Cut the dates in half, and place the dates in the cage along with the rest of the bird's food.

    Apples

    • Apples are an easy and inexpensive fruit to feed to a zebra finch. A variety of apples are available at grocery stores. Because all finches are not alike, select several different types of apples to try feeding the bird. Cut the apple in slices or in cubes, and place it in the bird's cage. Make sure the apple is fresh and in its raw form before placing it in the cage. Remove any uneaten apple from the cage once it starts to turn brown. Do not leave rotten fruit in the cage for the finch to eat.

    Oranges

    • Oranges are a citrus fruit commonly found in the south and coastal areas. The fruit comes in a variety of types and flavors, ranging from sour to sweet. Oranges contain antioxidants and are a good source of vitamin C and folate; they are also low in calories. Remove the skin from the orange and slice it into segments. The segments can either be sliced in half or placed in the cage whole. Remove any uneaten orange slices from the cage before they rot.