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Guide to Housing and Choosing Zebra Finches for Beginners

Cages and birdrooms
If you are interested in keeping these beautiful small birds you will need to provide an appropriate, safe and sheltered environment.  Most beginners will have seen the zebra finch in a small cage at the pet shop, but to care for your new birds properly you should consider purchasing a larger cage. If you are hoping to breed and expand your collection think about providing a dedicated outside area for your birds. (A birdroom can be a shed that has been insulated and given an easy to clean floor).

Choosing your birds
You have a wide variety of colours to choose from when choosing your zebra finch. Your supplier should be able to easily sex your bird - this is not difficult amongst most varieties.  Registered breeders will usually ring their birds thereby giving details about the age and pedigree history. If you are hoping to have a breeding pair of finches then aim to purchase birds that are under 18 months old. Look out for foot defects - birds that cannot grip their perch properly may have permanent deformities.  You should also look out for any dampness around the area where excrement is expelled as this could indicate internal health issues.  Zebra finches moult at various times throughout the year so any missing feathers are not necessarily a bad sign.

Finding an ideal breeding pair
Try to find a pair of zebra finches that have a similar shape, exhibitors look for a plumper bird that holds its wings against the body without any crossing over the back. The back tail should be neither droopy nor high, it should appear to be held in an entirely naturally manner.  Consider how you think the resulting offspring will be coloured and shaped and avoid breeding closely related birds. 
As a beginner you will probably have limited choices available to you but try to pick the best birds that you can.

Daily jobs
You must give your birds fresh seed and water every day – even if your containers hold enough for a few days.  If you are using newspaper as a floor covering it must be replaced every day as it is not as absorbent as wood chippings. You should also make sure that you have a proper look at your birds to ensure that they are behaving normally and do not look weak or fatigued.  Any birds that do look at all unwell should be isolated until they return to their normal behaviours.
(Special note: make sure that you keep your bird seed in a sealed container – a free source of food is very attractive to unwanted pests including mice)

Weekly jobs
You must thoroughly clean the cage every week, replacing floor coverings and providing a bath as this will help them to maintain their feet and feathers in tip top condition (although breeding or nesting birds may not need this). Grit pots should be emptied and replenished to make sure that there are the correct minerals available.

Occasional jobs
Perches and other objects must be removed from the cage and washed in a mild bleach or disinfectant solution on a regular basis. You should also consider using anti-mite sprays - these are widely available and come with full instructions. 
Test door fixings and make sure that the cage has not rusted or deteriorated in any way, replace or make repairs as soon as they appear.

Possible problems
Whilst not very common some problems may occur whilst caring for your zebra finches, most can be easily treated and some should just be left alone!
A bird that is unwell should be removed to a small cage in a warm, quiet place without any perches or other objects that may prevent easy access to food, water and grit.  A little honey or glucose dissolved in some water may be helpful to revive any bird that is under the weather.
Strong cold tea may help with diarrhoea but remember that laying hen birds often have soft droppings.  Hens that seem to be having trouble laying their eggs may benefit from being placed in a warm area – never try to help or prod the area as this may cause fatal injuries. 
Clippers can be used for both overgrown beaks and claws – but make sure you do not cut too short and also that you avoid the blood vessels.  Sore feet can be treated by removing perches and bathing the affected areas with a weak disinfectant solution and cotton wool.
Broken legs and wings are usually best left alone but you may wish to consult your vet or bird specialist. 

About the Author

An avarian specialist with focus on zebra finches and currently owns and operates the site www.zebrafinches.co.uk

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