How to Train Zebra Finches

Zebra finches are cute, active little birds that are usually enjoyed for their charming little beeps and chirps and bustling activity. They are very small, only about 2 inches long excluding the tail. Because they are so small and fragile, zebra finches are generally not interactive the way many other pet birds are. With patience, you can train these delightful birds to come near your hand and eventually sit on your hand.

Things You'll Need

  • Millet or other very tasty treat
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Instructions

    • 1
      There are many types of finches.

      Stand just close enough to the cage to cause the birds to alert. They will fly around and try to move to the opposite side of the cage. Simply stand or sit there quietly until they calm down. Don't push, and don't get the birds so frightened that they are frantic.

    • 2
      Millet sprig

      Place seed, millet or fruit and vegetable treats into the cage once the birds have calmed down and are going about their business (while you hold your position). It's important that this be done quickly and without upsetting the birds any further.

    • 3

      Repeat steps 1 and 2 multiple times daily until your presence no longer causes an alert. Don't progress any further until standing in this position no longer frightens the birds. This could happen fairly quickly or slowly.

    • 4

      Move just close enough to cause an alert again, and repeat steps 1 through 3 multiple times daily, until your new position no longer causes an alert. Repeat this process until the birds do not react at all when you are standing or sitting right beside the cage and looking inside.

    • 5

      Repeat steps 1 through 4 with your hand on the cage door.

    • 6

      Repeat all the above steps with your hand inside the cage, gradually moving your hand farther until finally you can place your hand inside while holding a sprig of millet.

    • 7
      It will take considerably more time and effort to train a zebra finch to eat from your hand like this.

      Continue as described in steps 1 through 6, until the birds eat from or perch on the sprig while it is in your hand. Finally, continue until the birds are willing to perch on your hand and eat seed from your palm.