Zebra Finches By Kerri McCoy

Zebras finches are probably by far the most popular kept finch here in the States. Their reputation for being prolific breeders, being easy to care for, and being downright sociable makes owning them most rewarding.

Many do not know that zebra finches come in a large variety of colors. The possible color varieties are almost endless. I have found nothing more rewarding than watching my finches go through their courtship ritual and eventual breeding and raising of babies. Most male zebra finches sport a black breast bar, brown flanking along their sides, their infamous orange cheek patches, black tear drop markings and beaks red in color. This is the standard coloring for most of the zebras although whites are absent of the flanking, cheeks, and breast barring. And some of the rarer color mutations may have different coloring all together. But a sure indicator of a male zebra finch is his song. Putting it simply, males sing and females do not. You are able to sex zebra finches visually which makes acquiring them as a beginner a good bet. Female zebra finches are absent of any chest barring, flanking, and cheeks. Most, however, have the black teardrop markings and their beaks are orange in color.

Zebras are peaceful birds and can be housed with a variety of other finch species. They are hardy birds and fairly easy to care for. They are nest sleepers. My experience is that they will accept both a closed style rattan nest and open nesting boxes. They will take most anything for nesting material including bermuda grass, nesting hair, toilet paper, burlap strips, etc. Once the birds have picked a nest they will begin building the interior of it with the nesting material you have provided. They will mate and if you are lucky you can watch the whole courtship process take place. The hen will begin laying eggs. Usually one a day. Egg clutches range from four to eight eggs. My hens usually begin sitting regularly once the third egg is laid. The chicks usually begin hatching 12 days after the third egg is laid. The chicks will usually hatch one a day. The parents will feed them. You will see them gagging up food either before they enter the nest or once inside.

Each breeding pair has their own style of rearing. Between 18-21 days after the babies have hatched they will usually fledge. This means they will leave the nest for the first time. Finches are born knowing how to fly but the

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