EXPERIENCE ROXY'S PET SHOP CARE SHEETS

• Cage Size: Zebra Finches are small and active, so they need a spacious cage. The minimum recommended cage size for a pair of finches is 18 inches wide x 18 inches deep x 24 inches high. Larger cages are ideal to give them ample space for flying and exploring.
• Bar Spacing: The spacing between the bars should be ½ inch to ¾ inch to prevent your Zebra Finch from escaping or getting stuck.
• Location: Place the cage in a bright, well-lit area (but not in direct sunlight for extended periods). Zebra Finches enjoy being part of the household and thrive in environments where they can observe activity. Avoid placing the cage in high-traffic areas or near loud noises, as they may become stressed. It’s also important to place their cage away from drafts, heating vents, or cold spots.
• Perches: Provide a variety of perches in different sizes and materials. Natural wooden perches (like those from non-toxic trees such as apple, willow, or eucalyptus) are best, as they help prevent foot problems like bumblefoot. Ensure there are multiple perches at different heights to encourage exercise and exploration.
• Nesting Box: If you plan to breed Zebra Finches, provide a small nesting box (about 4 inches x 4 inches x 6 inches) made from soft materials like shredded paper or coconut fiber. This will give them a secure space for laying eggs and raising their young.

• Seed Mix: The primary part of a Zebra Finch’s diet should be a high-quality finch seed mix. This should include millets, canary seed, oats, and sorghum. Avoid seed mixes that contain a lot of sunflower seeds, as they are high in fat and not nutritionally balanced.
• Fresh Fruits & Vegetables: Zebra Finches benefit from a variety of fresh produce. Offer leafy greens (like spinach, kale, and lettuce), as well as fruits such as apples, pears, berries, and melons. Avoid offering citrus fruits, avocado, or onions, as they are toxic to birds.
• Egg Food: During breeding or molting, offer your Zebra Finch extra protein through egg food (a mixture of hard-boiled eggs, grated vegetables, and seeds). This is especially important for females during egg-laying.
• Fresh Water: Always provide fresh, clean water. Change the water daily to ensure it’s free of bacteria.
• Cuttlebone & Minerals: Offer a cuttlebone or mineral block to provide calcium, which is important for their bone health, especially if you have breeding females.

• Companionship: Zebra Finches are highly social birds and should be kept in pairs or small groups. It’s important to house them with at least one companion to prevent loneliness. They do well in small flocks, so if you have space, multiple pairs of finches can live harmoniously together.
• Bonding: While Zebra Finches are not as interactive as parrots, they can bond with their owners in their own way. They may come to recognize your voice and will often chirp and sing when you’re near. Regularly talking to your finches, offering treats, and spending time near them will help strengthen this bond.
• Training: Unlike larger parrots, Zebra Finches are not typically trained to perform tricks or learn words, but they can learn to trust you over time. They are more likely to approach you or feed from your hand once they feel comfortable.
• Out-of-Cage Time: Zebra Finches are active and enjoy flying, but since they are small birds, they do not need as much out-of-cage time as larger species. Still, providing some safe, supervised out-of-cage time for them to fly in a bird-proofed room is a great way to give them exercise and mental stimulation.

• Feather Care: Zebra Finches are excellent self-groomers. They spend a significant amount of time preening and keeping their feathers in top condition. However, you can offer a shallow dish of water or lightly mist them with water to encourage bathing, especially during their molting period.
• Nail & Beak Care: In most cases, Zebra Finches will naturally wear down their beaks and nails through regular activity. If their nails become too long or sharp, you may need to trim them carefully. Be cautious when trimming their beaks, and only do so if necessary—if you’re unsure, it’s best to have a vet handle it.
• Health Monitoring: Watch for signs of illness in your finch. Lethargy, loss of appetite, ruffled feathers, or discharge from the eyes or nose are all signs that your bird may be sick. Zebra Finches are prone to respiratory infections, so be sure to keep their environment clean and free from drafts. If you notice any signs of illness, consult an avian vet immediately.
• Molting: Zebra Finches molt once or twice a year, shedding their old feathers to make way for new growth. During molting, they may appear scruffy and may be quieter or less active. Ensure they have a nutritious diet to help support feather growth. It’s also a good idea to provide extra protein during this time, such as egg food.

• Breeding Setup: If you’re planning to breed Zebra Finches, it’s important to provide them with a secure nesting area. Offer a small, cozy nesting box or a small bowl lined with soft nesting material. The female will lay between 4 to 6 eggs per clutch, and it’s important to provide a calcium supplement to prevent egg-binding, a condition where the bird cannot lay an egg.
• Egg Laying: Female Zebra Finches may lay eggs even if there is no male present, but they usually won’t hatch. If you’re not breeding, it’s a good idea to remove any nesting materials to prevent unnecessary egg-laying. This also helps prevent calcium depletion in females.
• Chicks: Once the eggs hatch, both parents will take turns feeding and caring for the chicks. The chicks will stay in the nest for about 3 weeks before becoming independent. You can offer the parents extra protein-rich foods to help with chick-rearing.

• Active & Social: Zebra Finches are active, curious birds that enjoy exploring their environment. They spend much of their time hopping around, flying short distances, and interacting with each other. They are naturally social and will often engage in gentle grooming with their companions.
• Vocalization: Zebra Finches are known for their sweet, chirpy songs. Males are the primary singers and will often sing to attract a mate, especially during breeding season. They have a variety of different calls and songs that vary by individual, and they may respond to other birds or sounds in their environment.
• Independent: While Zebra Finches enjoy companionship, they are more independent than parrots and may not require as much direct interaction from their owners. They are relatively low-maintenance in terms of social needs but will still appreciate the company of other finches and the occasional attention from their human caretakers.

• Toxic Plants & Materials: Like all birds, Zebra Finches are sensitive to toxins. Avoid toxic plants such as pothos, lilies, azaleas, and oleander. Be mindful of non-stick cookware (like Teflon), which can release toxic fumes when overheated. Also, avoid using any strong chemical cleaners around your birds.
• Other Pets: Zebra Finches are small and vulnerable, so it’s essential to keep them safe from other pets, especially cats and dogs. Never leave a Zebra Finch alone with larger pets, as they may be injured or stressed. Make sure the cage is secure and placed in a safe, quiet area where they cannot be easily disturbed or threatened.

Zebra Finches are delightful, cheerful birds that make excellent pets for bird lovers of all experience levels. They are relatively low-maintenance, active, and easy to care for, and their sweet songs and playful nature bring joy to any home. By providing them with the right diet, a spacious cage, plenty of social interaction, and proper health care, you can enjoy the company of these charming little birds for many years.

Whether you’re keeping them as pets for their beauty and song or breeding them, Zebra Finches are hardy, social, and adaptable creatures that make wonderful companions. Ensure their environment is safe, stimulating, and clean