Are there major differences between Owl and Zebra Finches?

[BunnyApocalypse]

Hi, I'm new to the hobby and I've heard that Zebra Finches are the way to go for beginners, but I was wondering if there was a significant difference between them and Owl Finches. I also have some other general beginner questions:
1. I've heard that finches are okay with being left alone for the most part, do they actively not like human interaction? Or are they just okay with only small amounts of it but fine with a bit more.
2. Any specific things I should buy before getting them that might not be apparent for me as a beginner?

Any help would be great, thanks!

-Chris

[Sally]

Owl and Zebra finches are closely related and similar in care needs. Zebras are considered a beginner finch, while the Owl finches usually are acquired after someone has a little experience (in part because they are more expensive than Zebras too). Owl finches are a little more difficult to sex, if you are wanting a breeding pair. Both species are active little finches with lots of personality.

It is good to do some research before getting into finches, and there is lots of good reading at www.finchinfo.com. You will find articles on housing, care, nutrition, and species information on both Zebras and Owl finches.

As far as your other questions:
1. Finches don't mind being left alone, as long as they have other finches for company, preferably ones of their own species. They definitely should not be kept alone, just one bird. They aren't like the hookbill species that require lots of human interaction.
2. One of the most important is the size of the cage. I recommend a minimum size of 30" long x 18" deep x 18" tall for one pair of finches. They definitely need flying room, so the more space you can give them, the better.

Welcome to the forum! If you put your general location in your profile, it will make it easier for us to recommend where you can get various supplies.

[lovezebs]

BunnyApocalypse

Hi Chris, and welcome to the Forum.

Sally already gave you lot's of good information.

The one thing I can add, is that Owls, are much more easy going , and sweet natured than Zebras. Zebras, tend to be territorial and can be fairly aggressive, which some people run into difficulties with.

However, if you are interested in breeding, than Zebras are much much easier to breed than Owls. As Sally mentioned, Owls, are very difficult to sex, while Zebras on the other hand are very easy (seeing as males and females, look quite different from one another).

Wishing you the best of luck with whichever species you decide to get.

[slwatson]

BunnyApocalypse

Hi Chris! Owls are very sweet...they make a sweet like mew sound, almost like a cat. I had two pairs but could never successfully breed them. The only way I could tell the difference in sex was to separate one away from the others. If it sang, it was a male.

[lnlovesorange]

I love owls, they are the next breed I'm going to get. And let me tell you. I got Zebras, bred them, they had babies, (what an experience) then I got Gouldian's, then I got Societies (last night!) and next owls. I'm sure they are that much different as Sally said in regards to care, but I wanted to KNOW my stuff before getting a bird, and around me, there aren't stores that carry any other breed but Societies and Zebras so I have to find a breeder. But good luck to you, depending on how you like bird sounds, I would try to find sound slips of both of them. Zebras some peole don't like, and if they fight they are kind of.... screechy. and the only time I ever heard an owl it sounded EXACTLY like a CatBird!!! But I don't mind either one (hope not I have 6 zebra finches 4 of them male trying to outsing each other!) LOL. But this is a great place for info, so Hope you keep on asking once you do get them. I've learned so much here, an consider myself pretty well versed in "Finch" now (don't get me wrong I'm by no means an expert... But I know A LOT MORE than when I started) Great point on the cage size too! Gutta love Sally. The only thing I can add is don't get stuck in just seed. Egg is REALLY good for birds (especially in breeding hens and feeding parents) Sprouted seed is 300% more nutritional than regular seed and fresh veggies, Kale, spinach, cucumbers, romaine, carrots, carrot greens, parsley broccoli. Fresh food is really good for birds, and a lot of people (myself included) didn't know all this when I started. Good luck. Hope to hear back from you and see pics, no matter what you chose!

[wilkifam]

Owls are much sweeter and easy going than Zebras. Zebras can be agressive and pushy. If you are looking for a beginner finch to breed, you might consider society finches. Much sweeter and easier going than Zebras, and just as easy if not easier to breed than Zebs. Zebras and owls can also hybridize..... so you don't want to keep them together.