Zebra Finches

[carolyorkie2010]

Just wondered if any of you have any experience of keeping Zebra Finches? I have a (talking) Budgie, but toying with the idea of having a couple of Zebra Finches as well. I've looked on the 'net for details, but would appreciate any personal views about keeping them. 

[ilove2patch]

I had some years ago. Are you thinking inside or in an aviary?

[carolyorkie2010]

Would have them inside.

[ilove2patch]

When I had a pair inside I had them in a wire fronted wooden cage with a nest box in the corner. They will want to nest! It was about 22"x15" & 18" high. This is approx. They were lovely little birds but very noisy. I think I had two pairs to begin with but when one pair had five little chicks the other pair went into dads aviary. I did love them but what a racket they made! lol

[chickengrandma-2008]

My dad used to keep them but I don't know anything about them except that they lay eggs, as Maggie said.  Would you have them in the same room (or within earshot) of the budgie.  I think he would stop talking if you did.

[ilove2patch]

The budgie would start honking away like the finches! lol

[cookiecookuk]

my daughter use to have two and all i remember is they love to nest they love to bath and they must be kept out of draughts.but they are fun to keep.

[carolyorkie2010]

They would be in the same room as the budgie, yes. Nowhere else to put them really. And if the budgie starts honking, might be better than him swearing, LOL Someone even said you can put finches in with a budgie, but I'm not sure I would like that. And I doubt Tweet would after all this time.

[ilove2patch]

They would probably be ok together in a mixed aviary but not a cage. I think they are happier outside in an aviary myself but if you just have two indoors it's ok.

[carolyorkie2010]

Ok, thanks for that. I appreciate the advice.

[merc1_clocks]

I've never heard of a Zebra finch...

I'm away to google

[cookiecookuk]

They are just adorable little finches My daughters had there own personality as well and in the morning they use to wait for her to change their bath water and before she could clip it to the side they would both be in there splashing abutted if she did not change the water they would not bath.and also if you gave them new bedding for their nest you had to leave it on the floor of the cage because if you put it in their nest they would drag it out and then put it in themselves.

[carolyorkie2010]

They sound more appealing by the minute. I can see I'll be making a trip to the pet shop...........

[silver_sisters]

OP if you are around the London area I just handed a beautiful little male Zebra Finch into the Mayhew Animal Home last night

I was heading back from the dog walk and we all passed within inches of it and it didn't bother with us at all, carried on pecking the parched grass seed, bless it

Naturally couldn't leave it for the foxes so popped a towel over it and popped it up to the rescue

I'll call tomorrow to see how it is anyway

[carolyorkie2010]

Unfortunately, I'm not in that area, but would love to know how the finch is getting on. Good for you, rescuing it.

[captainbovine]

piccies please