Zebra Finch Feed

Zebra finches are seed eaters. They primarily feed on grass seeds. Various variety of millet is their staple food. Zebra finches are typically found in scattered bushes and trees. But they are now adaptable to human surroundings and are loved as pet birds. They need to be provided with proper feed that includes balanced diet and fresh water. Some feeds are described here that are useful for bird.

Seeds:

Zebra finch feed comprises of a good quality finch seed mix. This should not be the sole diet provided to finches. The seed provided should be well sprouted. If seeds are not sprouted they are too old to feed. Millet sprays are the favorite diet for many finches. But it should be given rarely. Sprouted seeds are an excellent way to boost nutrition. They should be fed as they begin to sprout.

Green and fresh food

A variety of fresh food should be provided to zebra finches. Green food includes romaine lettuce, dandelion green, kale and spinach in moderation. Fresh fruits and vegetables should be too included in their feed. Keep on experimenting on a variety of feed as finches take time to like any particular new feed. The serving sizes of these feed should be small.

Pellets

Pellets are served as an excellent balanced diet for zebra finches feed. The pellet should be of good quality that is especially made for finches. Finches will take time to eat pellet at instance, but once they like it, it turns to be the favorite treat.

Egg food

Apart from seeds, vegetable and fruits zebra finches feed includes egg food too. Egg food is a supplement that is important for breeding birds but that can be fed in moderation to non breeders as well. Commercially prepared egg food supplements are available at stores or one can make it at home too.

Cuttlebone and grit

For the healthy growth of finches, supply of calcium is very necessary in their diet. Calcium supplement is recommended and so a cuttlebone is an easy way to add calcium to the diet. Crushed oysters shells or eggshells also serve as a rich calcium diet (heat thoroughly before crushing to prevent salmonella contamination).

Grit is not widely accepted by most of avian veterinarians. Eating grit can lead to various health issues in zebra finches. If grit is given to the finches, offer a few granules at a time and at infrequent intervals.

Zebra finches are chaotic and hungry eaters, typically dropping seed everywhere. This behavior spreads seed around that helps in plant reproduction. The availability of water is important to the bird’s survival. They often drink water while eating. Zebra finch may be plump, as it eats quite often throughout the day.

Some breeders say that a diet of panicum millet and plain canary seed is a suitable staple diet for Zebra Finches, but you can also feed them by filling one pot with plain canary seed and another with a mixture of half panic um millet and half mixed millets. They will need mineral grit at all times, and a good supply of chickweed, seeding grasses and other non-poisonous wild plants should be provided when they are available. Cuttlefish such as is used for budgies is essential and sprouted seed is invaluable throughout the breeding season. If a fresh supply of stale whole meal bread soaked in milk is presented to the birds at this time they will happily take it, but it goes off pretty fast in warm weather so it must be replaced frequently in well washed pots. An occasional few drops of cod liver oil mixed in with the seed is beneficial but this is best given through the winter as it too can deteriorate quickly in summer.