How to Keep Zebra Finches Well and Happy

Zebra finches are colorful little birds native to Australia. These tiny seed-eating birds are hardy enough to thrive under various conditions, but should not be exposed to rain or drafts. Zebra finches are sought after aviary birds because they are pleasant to watch and soothing to listen to. They are nondemanding to keep and easy to breed.

Things You'll Need

  • Aviary, with one solid side and partly covered roof
  • Nest boxes, sufficient for each pair
  • Hay
  • Dried grass (optional)
  • Coconut fibre (optional)
  • Living trees
  • Assorted branches
  • Perches
  • Food dishes
  • Water dishes
  • Seed mixture for small birds
  • Dandelion leaves
  • Chickweed
  • Millet sprays
  • Bowl of crushed egg shells
  • Cuttlefish bone
  • Large, shallow bathing bowl
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Instructions

    • 1

      Construct an aviary at least 24 inches long by 16 inches wide by 16 inches high.

    • 2

      Cover at least one-quarter of the roof to protect your finches from rain and nail horizontal wooden planks against one side of the aviary.

    • 3

      Secure three or four nest boxes against the closed-in side of your aviary, under the covered section of the roof. The exact number of nest boxes depends on the number of finch pairs that you have. Place dried grass or hay into the nest boxes in preparation for breeding. Coconut fiber is readily accepted by the zebra finches.

    • 4

      Plant a tree in the aviary. Secure a number of branches to the aviary mesh and position a number of perches in the aviary.

    • 5

      Place three or four food bowls into the aviary. Having more than one bowl prevents competition between the birds and ensures that the younger finches have equal access to the seed.

    • 6

      Place two water bowls into the aviary and position them under the closed-in section of the roof to keep the water cool. Water bowls should be cleaned and filled with clean and cool water on a daily basis.

    • 7

      Provide your zebra finches with a high-quality seed mixture for small birds. Ensure that the seed mixture contains canary and millet seeds and always keep the food bowls full.

    • 8

      Supplement the seed mixture with chickweed, dandelion leaves and millet sprays.

    • 9

      Provide your finches with a small bowl of crushed egg shells. These shells, which should be microwaved to destroy any bacteria, supply valuable calcium.

    • 10

      Attach one or two cuttlefish bones to the wire of the aviary.

    • 11

      Place a large, shallow bowl on the aviary floor, in a position where it will receive sun for part of the day. Zebra finches enjoy bathing and will enjoy the water, particularly if it is warmed by the sun.