Zebra Finch

Zebra finches are lively, social birds native to Australia, known for their cheerful chirping and striking black-and-white striped patterns. These small, low-maintenance birds thrive in pairs or small flocks and are ideal for beginners. Males sport bright orange cheek patches and distinctive chest patterns, while females have more subdued coloration.

ESSENTIAL FACTS

Feature Details
Scientific Name Taeniopygia guttata
Size/Weight 4 inches | 10-15g
Lifespan 5-7 years (up to 10 in captivity)

IDENTIFICATION

Feature Details
Male Orange cheek patches, black breast stripes, red beak
Female Gray cheek patches, no breast stripes, orange beak
Color Varieties White, fawn, pied, black-cheek mutations

DIET

Component Details
Base Diet Finch seed mix (1 tsp/bird/day)
Supplemental Sprouted seeds, egg food (breeding season)
Grit Oyster shell/cuttlebone for calcium

HOUSING

Feature Details
Cage Size Minimum 24″L × 16″W × 18″H (pair)
Flight Space Horizontal cages preferred
Nesting Wicker baskets or wooden boxes

BEHAVIOR

Trait Details
Vocalization Constant cheerful chirps (no singing)
Social Structure Must be kept in pairs/groups
Activity Very active, enjoy flying horizontally
zebra finch care guide and products

Zebra Finch Care Schedule

DAILY CARE

Task Details Time
Seed Refresh Finch seed mix (1 tsp per bird) Morning
Water Change Clean shallow water dishes AM & PM
Egg Food During breeding season only Evening
Health Check Observe activity/droppings Evening

WEEKLY CARE

Task Details Frequency
Cage Cleaning Remove all debris, wipe surfaces Sunday
Bath Offer Shallow water dish (1″ deep) 2-3x/week
Seed Variety Add sprouted seeds/millet spray Wednesday

MONTHLY CARE

Task Details When
Deep Disinfection Vinegar solution for entire cage 1st of month
Perch Rotation Replace/clean all perches Monthly
Nest Check Replace old nesting material As needed

Zebra Finch Pro Tips

Social Needs: Never keep singly – minimum pair housing required.

Breeding: Provide coconut fiber for nest building.

Entertainment: Add safe plants like millet sprays for foraging.