Zebra Finch

Scientific Name: Poephila guttata

Origin: Australia

The Zebra Finch is an ideal species with which to begin bird keeping. There are several different forms of this domesticated species. The description below is for the original color.

Description:

Size: 15 cm (5 in)

COCK:

Body: grey. Under parts: buff and white. Ear patches: bright chestnut. Flanks: chestnut, spotted with white. Throat: black and white barred. Beak: red. Legs: orange.

HEN:

Similar, minus throat markings, chestbarring, lobe and flank markings.

Beak: paler red than the cock bird.

Other color forms available are fawn, white, pied, silver-winged, and albino.

Diet: (seedeater)

Plain canary seed and mixed millets form the basic diet. Dry seed alone keeps this species in excellent health. Millet sprays should be given as a treat and green food may be provided. Grit and cuttlefish bone must always be available.

Zebra Finch Breeding:

Zebra Finches nest in boxes or wicker baskets, which should be well packed with nesting material by the owner. A small space should be left to allow the pair to finish off their nest. This prevents them from making 'sandwich nests', when eggs are laid in an empty box or basket and then another nest is built on top.

Zebra Finches are very inquisitive and often inspect other birds' nests. If they are intent on their own nesting, however, they are less inclined to make a nuisance of themselves in this way.

Zebra Finches lay many eggs and attempt to breed at any time of the year. They should not be allowed to breed too frequently as the hens become exhausted. It is best to allow a pair to rear only two nests of chicks per season. Segregate cocks and hens to prevent over breeding. Six eggs form an average clutch and eggs are laid on consecutive days. The incubation period usually begins after the second or third egg. One or two chicks hatch a couple of days after the rest. Both parents share in incubating the eggs and feeding the chicks. Whole meal bread and milk, soaked seed and canary rearing food should be provided.

Chicks leave the nest around 20 days of age. Any young birds which are slow in learning to feed themselves should be encouraged with millet sprays, which they find easier to manage. The parents may often be seen feeding their young on the ground at this stage.

As soon as they are independent, young stock should be removed from their parents and the cocks segregated to prevent them from attempting to breed before they are fully developed.

Zebra Finch Information

• The zebra finch can easily adapt with captive environment. The bird is also very hardy and has a highly socializing nature.
• The bird can be kept in aviaries as well as large cages.
• Their nest is generally bottle shaped with a single tunnel like entrance.
• In wild the bird is found in large flocks.
• The natural habitat of the bird consists of open grasslands and woodlands.