Distribution:
The Zebra finch (Taeniopygia guttata) is a small passerine bird native to the arid regions of Australia. They are widely distributed throughout the continent, including regions like Papua New Guinea and Indonesia. Zebra finches thrive in a variety of habitats such as grasslands, savannas, and open woodlands.
Size:
Zebra finches are relatively small birds, measuring around 10-11 centimeters (4 inches) in length. They have a slender body with a long, pointed beak. The males have distinguishing black and white stripes on their throat, chest, and upperparts, resembling a zebra pattern. Females, on the other hand, lack these stripes and have a more plain, grayish coloration. (Don't worry the way I'm holding her is completely safe and she isn't in any pain)
Diet:
Zebra finches have an omnivorous diet, which consists of a variety of foods. They primarily feed on a seed-based diet, including millet, grass seeds, and various grains. In addition to seeds, they also consume small insects, fruits, and even nectar when available. To supplement their diet, it is recommended to provide them with a mix of high-quality seeds, fresh vegetables, and occasional protein sources like mealworms.
It's also important to give them lettuce a few times a week. My birds love lettuce and other vegetables. I also like to grow my own millet sprouts andy birds will treat it like a dog with peanut butter! A rich and healthy diet can also help them with having better health and it will allow them to produce better and stronger chicks.
Compatibility:
As social birds, Zebra finches are generally compatible with other species of birds if kept in appropriate conditions. They are known for their sociable nature and often form small flocks in the wild. However, it is essential to consider the specific needs and temperaments of the other bird species when considering compatibility.
Providing ample space, separate feeding and perching areas, and proper introductions can help minimize any potential conflicts. I've found that in larger flocks they will breed together and they will lay around the same time so their chicks all fledge together for added protection.
Popularity in the hobby:
Zebra finches are popular aviary birds, commonly kept as pets or in community aviaries. They are relatively easy to care for and breed, making them a favorite among bird enthusiasts. They are known for their cheerful and active nature, entertaining their owners with their energetic flights, and chirping.
Breeding:
Breeding Zebra finches is a rewarding endeavor, as they are prolific breeders and can breed year-round with the right conditions. They typically build small nests using grass and other plant materials. The female lays a clutch of 3-7 eggs, which are incubated by both the male and female for around 12-16 days. The chicks hatch helpless and are fed by their parents until they fledge around three weeks later. In the wild they only breed when food is constantly available and their is lots of rain making water very accessable. In captivity we make these conditions normal year round do is the temperature is warm and they aren't stressed that means you can get 4-6 chicks very month or two per pair!
Selling birds from your own breeding:
If you are allowing your birds to breed and you have multiple pairs you will quickly have more birds than you will know what to do with! I have learned this as I have my own colony which sense they all breed together at the same time I get about 15-30 new birds a month. This has required me to need to sell. In Italy a single Zebra finch is worth about 3-8€ depending on color and quality. So I don't make all that much. I have actually needed to buy stock cages to hold these birds and sometimes I will sell them in bulk to pet stores who are looking for a supplier. (In the photo below you can see one of my stock cages)
However in America I know that Petco and PetSmart sell them for 45$-60$ each!!! Which is pretty crazy to me!
So if you have the room the money and the time. I find that making an aviary and breeding your own birds can be a very fun and rewarding experience and you can make tons of money from breeding and selling your own birds. If you are to sell them for 30$ each and you have three pairs that are reproducing about 4 chicks very months you would make around 120$ from every clutch. Or if you pair some of the new chicks to give you more breeding pairs you can get about 500$ every few months.
(In the photo below you can see this aviary setup that allows for the birds to breed in a flock)
View attachment 3611498
The Zebra finch (Taeniopygia guttata) is a small passerine bird native to the arid regions of Australia. They are widely distributed throughout the continent, including regions like Papua New Guinea and Indonesia. Zebra finches thrive in a variety of habitats such as grasslands, savannas, and open woodlands.
Size:
Zebra finches are relatively small birds, measuring around 10-11 centimeters (4 inches) in length. They have a slender body with a long, pointed beak. The males have distinguishing black and white stripes on their throat, chest, and upperparts, resembling a zebra pattern. Females, on the other hand, lack these stripes and have a more plain, grayish coloration. (Don't worry the way I'm holding her is completely safe and she isn't in any pain)
Diet:
Zebra finches have an omnivorous diet, which consists of a variety of foods. They primarily feed on a seed-based diet, including millet, grass seeds, and various grains. In addition to seeds, they also consume small insects, fruits, and even nectar when available. To supplement their diet, it is recommended to provide them with a mix of high-quality seeds, fresh vegetables, and occasional protein sources like mealworms.
It's also important to give them lettuce a few times a week. My birds love lettuce and other vegetables. I also like to grow my own millet sprouts andy birds will treat it like a dog with peanut butter! A rich and healthy diet can also help them with having better health and it will allow them to produce better and stronger chicks.
Compatibility:
As social birds, Zebra finches are generally compatible with other species of birds if kept in appropriate conditions. They are known for their sociable nature and often form small flocks in the wild. However, it is essential to consider the specific needs and temperaments of the other bird species when considering compatibility.
Providing ample space, separate feeding and perching areas, and proper introductions can help minimize any potential conflicts. I've found that in larger flocks they will breed together and they will lay around the same time so their chicks all fledge together for added protection.
Popularity in the hobby:
Zebra finches are popular aviary birds, commonly kept as pets or in community aviaries. They are relatively easy to care for and breed, making them a favorite among bird enthusiasts. They are known for their cheerful and active nature, entertaining their owners with their energetic flights, and chirping.
Breeding:
Breeding Zebra finches is a rewarding endeavor, as they are prolific breeders and can breed year-round with the right conditions. They typically build small nests using grass and other plant materials. The female lays a clutch of 3-7 eggs, which are incubated by both the male and female for around 12-16 days. The chicks hatch helpless and are fed by their parents until they fledge around three weeks later. In the wild they only breed when food is constantly available and their is lots of rain making water very accessable. In captivity we make these conditions normal year round do is the temperature is warm and they aren't stressed that means you can get 4-6 chicks very month or two per pair!
Selling birds from your own breeding:
If you are allowing your birds to breed and you have multiple pairs you will quickly have more birds than you will know what to do with! I have learned this as I have my own colony which sense they all breed together at the same time I get about 15-30 new birds a month. This has required me to need to sell. In Italy a single Zebra finch is worth about 3-8€ depending on color and quality. So I don't make all that much. I have actually needed to buy stock cages to hold these birds and sometimes I will sell them in bulk to pet stores who are looking for a supplier. (In the photo below you can see one of my stock cages)
However in America I know that Petco and PetSmart sell them for 45$-60$ each!!! Which is pretty crazy to me!
So if you have the room the money and the time. I find that making an aviary and breeding your own birds can be a very fun and rewarding experience and you can make tons of money from breeding and selling your own birds. If you are to sell them for 30$ each and you have three pairs that are reproducing about 4 chicks very months you would make around 120$ from every clutch. Or if you pair some of the new chicks to give you more breeding pairs you can get about 500$ every few months.
(In the photo below you can see this aviary setup that allows for the birds to breed in a flock)
View attachment 3611498
