Zebra Finches

[Carla]

I'm looking into getting a pair of Zebra finches in the next few weeks.

I'm just wondering really if this cage (http://www.zooplus.co.uk/shop/birds/bird_cages_and_accessories/canary_cages/19489)
would be big enough for two, and also what exactly i'd need to set up a finch cage?

Thanks,
Carla

[chris]

Hi carla,

i reckon that cage would be fine for a pair of zebra finches, however if you have a male and female then when they start breeding you'll soon need another few cages, or a single bigger one.

as for the general setup, perches at opposite ends of the cage, one with a sanded perch cover to keep the nails trim. a cuttlefish bone & holder attached to the bars of the cage for keeping the beak trim and also for calcium, a grit pot & bird grit, seed pot and seed, drinker, a small eggfood finger drawer (only small as too much won't be too good in a cage environment)

also, probably be a good idea to provide a nest box as they'll only try to breed somewhere anyway! if they breed start providing soaked seeds and moist eggfood along with the usual stuff.

since i haven't kept zebra finches myself, if you have any specific questions i'll leave them to someone who has

Chris;)

[Waxbillman]

hello Carla

welcome to the forum

As Chris said,

zebra finches are the easiest finch to keep, and will do well on the basic diet of foriegn finch, oystershell grit and water, with millet sprays, and a little greenfood such as spinach, and if you wished to breed them, some eggfood as well.
a longer cage would be more beneficial, as would as 'box' cage, however they probabily would be ok in the size cage

i don't think they is very much else to say, only, if you decide to let them breed you'll need to order a few hundred more cages

Matthew

[dave85]

cage seems big enough to house them,

but if you intend on breeding them then id get 2 of those 1 for the parents and 1 to move or the young into if you breed some.

i have some zebbies and would be willing to let you have a pair but only problem is your location to mine.

Thanks
Dave

[Carla]

Thanks for all the replies.

Would this cage be better? http://www.zooplus.co.uk/shop/birds/bird_cages_and_accessories/large_parakeet_cages/19491
Its at the top end of what I'd like to pay, but if it means happier finches, then I am willing to do it!


This is a slightly niggling worry I have about breeding.. Most people I have spoken to make it sound like I will have hundreds of birds within a year.. Exactly how good are these little critters at breeding?!?!?!

Can you recommended any MUST HAVE books on Zebras or are they pretty easy to learn how to care for?


Carla

[laurab]

Hi Carla

You could try adtrader for bargain cages http://www.adtrader.co.uk/classhome.php?class_id=191&trader_id=9001&search_words=bird-cage

Also ebay for cheap books http://books.search.ebay.co.uk/zebra-finches_Books-Comics-Magazines_W0QQfkrZ1QQfromZR8QQsacatZ267

You know how well rabbits breed? Well Zebra Finches are the 'bird world' equivalent :shock:

[chris]

hmmm, where'd my reply go....:roll:

[laurab]

Ummmm....guilty....gulp!

I saw your reply and I had also posted a reply, when I checked for posts to be valiated ours were there as well as one from Carla; I validated Carla's but not ours as they were already showing on the thread.

When I checked back our replies had gone!

Sorry Chris, I was going to tell you but I forgot :sad: I had re-write my post and I would be grateful if you could put the link you found back on again.

Sorry again, one day I'll get the hang of this :-P

[Carla]

You know how well rabbits breed? Well Zebra Finches are the 'bird world' equivalent :shock:

*Gulp* Looks like its gonna have to be two same sexes!! There shouldn't be a problem with this right?!


Carla

P.S Am checking out all links as posted and will let y'all know what I think/decide etc as it happens!

[Carla]

Wish me luck.. Am ordering the cage today and as soon as it arrives, I should be able to get my first finches!! I'm going with the original cage at present due to present funds. I can't justify spending that little bit more currently!

Carla