Zebra Finch Care

Lifespan:

5–9 years in captivity with excellent care.

Sexing:

Males are more colorful, featuring bright orange cheek patches and a black chest bar. Females are duller in color and lack these markings.

Enclosure:

• Minimum Size: 30” x 18” x 18” cage with bar spacing no more than ½ inch.
  

  Provide horizontal space for flight rather than height. Include multiple perches of varying widths and materials, swings, and natural branches. Avoid overcrowding, and if housing pairs, allow enough space to prevent territorial stress.

Bedding/ Liners:

Line the cage bottom with newspaper or paper towels and replace daily. Clean perches, dishes, and accessories weekly to maintain hygiene and prevent bacterial growth.

Lighting & Temperature:

Maintain a 12-hour light/dark cycle using natural sunlight or full-spectrum avian lighting. Full-spectrum (including UVB) helps enhance feather color, supports vitamin D synthesis, and improves overall health. Keep the room between 65–80°F, avoiding drafts and sudden temperature changes.

Humidity:

Maintain 40–60% humidity. Offer regular opportunities for bathing via shallow dishes, misting, or shower perches.

Food:

Provide a high-quality finch seed mix as the diet base, supplemented with fresh vegetables, leafy greens, and small portions of fruit. Offer cuttlebone or mineral blocks for calcium and crushed egg or commercial egg food during breeding or molting. Fresh, clean water should always be available.

Socialization:

Zebra Finches are highly social and thrive when kept in pairs or small groups. They are not hand-tamed birds but enjoy being near human activity.

• Offer swings, mirrors, and small toys for enrichment.

• Play soft background music or provide natural sounds to keep them engaged.
  Affectionate, intelligent, and easy to train, cockatiels make fantastic pets for both new and experienced bird owners. Their friendly personalities, combined with relatively simple care needs, make them one of the most beloved companion parrots in the world.

Zebra Finches are cheerful, active, and low-maintenance birds that bring life and movement to any home or aviary. Their beautiful songs, strong social bonds, and endearing personalities make them an excellent choice for both beginner and experienced bird keepers.

How do I get a Zebra Finch in Maryland?

Zebra Finches are tiny birds with big personalities — their cheerful chirping and energetic flutters bring life to any room. Whether you’re building a small flock or just starting with your first pair, these social songbirds are a joy to keep. At Critters, Reptiles & Exotics in Frederick, Maryland, we’re happy to help you get started with everything from bird-safe enclosures to the right seed blends and accessories. Swing by the store and see who’s singing today — there’s always a new adventure waiting at Critters, Reptiles & Exotics!