FINCHforum

Hi all
Im new to this forum and also new to keeping zebra finches. Im looking for abit of advice so i can keep my birds as happy and health as possible. Ive built an aivary in my shed that is 4ft long 3ft deph and 4ft high. Ive got 2 male and 2 females in there and they seem pretty happy. Im currently feeding them a funch seed mix, millet spray and bits of fruit and veg. Ive read about egg food, do i replace the seed mix with egg food or just feed in addition? Ive also been told they can eat peppers i assume thats not the seeds? Also could i keep one male canary with 4 zebra finch as i have one indoors in a cage that i was thinking about putting in the aivary.
Any help will be appreciated.

Regards Danny.

Danny91

Hi Danny, and welcome to the Forum.

For happy healthy Zebras, their diet ahould consist of good quality Finch/Canary seed mix, spray millet, some wild grass seed heads (if you can find them) greens, veggies, some fruit, hard boiled eggs, fortified bird grit, cuttle bone, and some bird vitamins twice a week in their water.

Regarding store bought egg food, I mix it into my hard boiled egg mixture.
If you have breeding pairs, or pairs raising babies, egg should be offered every day., if not breeding or rearing young, two or three times a week is enough.

About your Canary.
I did house a male Canary in a mixed flight of Society and Zebra finches.

Canary males, are usually fairly tough individuals, and can look after their own interests, but if you do put him in, make sure that the Zebs, are not bullying him too much. Zebras, especially when breeding can be miserable individuals. So make sur there are enough food and water stations and that they are allowing him to eat and drink without too much harassment.

Let us know if you have any more questions, we'll do our best to answer them.
Also would love to see some pictures of your birds and your set up.

Thankyou for the reply and advise. Ive only had them for two weeks but they seem to be doing well. I will get some pictures for you to look at soon.

Sounds like a good setup. Based on what Ive read, having an abundance of options for food/water/nests/perches is the answer to keeping the peace!

Have fun!

Well, just checked the aivary today and thought id have a look in the nest and there is an egg in there. Ive just had a good read on the internet and it says they will lay one egg a day. Could you guys give me some advise on this please.

Regards Danny

Danny91 Zebras are quite hardy and a good species to start off. They will lay 3 to 5 eggs, and no need no intervention from you. They breed easily and don't really need anything more than a good seed mixture, greens from time to time and a form of calcium like eggshell to breed and raise chicks successfully. But we are nice people and tend to do a lot for our pets and give them food in abundance and give eggfood and, and ...

Thankyou for replying. How do i raise the young? What do i feed them?or do i just leave them to it. Ive just put some hard boiled egg in the aivary with some crushed shell in a seperate dish. The hen doesnt seem to be going to the nest but her chest seems to be sticking out again. Shes been eating the egg and shell also.