Mary Allen
Zebra finches are becoming increasingly popular. It is a real pleasure to watch these lively little fellows with their bright colors and their funny horns in their hustle and bustle. These flocks are hardy and easy to breed, but they don’t really seek human proximity. The most trustworthy thing that can be achieved is getting it on hand. So trying to tame them is not child’s play. But it’s definitely worth a try.
The Prerequisites Have to Be Right
Basically, you will only be able to get your finches used to you if they are completely comfortable. Since zebra finches are very agile and love to fly, they are only really happy in a correspondingly large aviary, preferably with an interior space. They will only tolerate you around them if they have a chance to escape. It is also important that you give your birds sufficient employment opportunities. In addition to large and clean accommodation, fresh water and good food are of course important for their well-being.
Bring Time and Even More Patience
Take plenty of time to spend with your zebra finches. Keep offering them their favorite food, usually millet, and don’t make loud noises or erratic movements when you approach them. When they are so used to your presence that they no longer flutter or shout excitedly, you can begin by slowly reaching out your hand first to and then into the aviary and offering them their favorite food on the back of the hand. If one of the particularly brave flight experts takes away the food, you can look forward to a first great sense of achievement.
Nothing Works Without Delicacies
You can also try clicker training with zebra finches, provided you have a lot of time and patience with you. The clicker training comes from behavior therapy. If an animal behaves the way its owner wants, it is immediately rewarded with a click and a treat. The animals create a positive connection between clicks and rewards so that later, just one click confirms the animal’s positive behavior.
Many bird keepers are already experimenting with clicker training. If you want to teach your zebra finches smaller exercises or tricks with the help of clicker training, you must of course be patient. It is important that even the smallest step towards the desired behavior is immediately rewarded with a click and a treat. You may also be able to lure your zebra finch into a separate cage in case you need to take him to the vet. If, despite your best efforts, you still cannot attract your zebra finches to your hand, don’t be sad. It’s much nicer to watch them happily together anyway.
How do I tame zebra finches?
Take plenty of time to spend with your zebra finches. Keep offering them their favorite food, usually millet, and don’t make loud noises or jerky movements when you approach them.
Can you let zebra finches fly free?
Zebra finches are not suitable for “free flight” in the room: They would soil curtain rods, shelves (including the books on them), and cupboards, they could have an accident in the man-made, i.e. completely unnatural environment, and at some point when you get used to free flight , would you …
Can you only keep male zebra finches together?
Keeping zebra finches alone makes little sense. “They only feel comfortable in company,” explains Niemann. It is possible to keep all-male or all-female groups, but the most exciting thing is a mixed group. Zebra finches like to make friends with cockatiels and canaries.
How long do zebra finches live in cages?
Husbandry and care: what do zebra finches need in a cage or aviary? With good care, zebra finches can live up to ten years. With a species-appropriate habitat you contribute a lot to their well-being.
How many zebra finches in a cage?
Zebra finches are sociable. You should always keep at least two animals, preferably several pairs.
How long do zebra finches sleep?
Zebra finches are diurnal and need a sufficiently long light phase (10-12 hours). In the evening it should be darkened accordingly so that the birds can rest.
Can a zebra finch be alone?
Keeping zebra finches alone makes little sense. “They only feel comfortable in company,” explains Niemann. It is possible to keep all-male or all-female groups, but the most exciting thing is a mixed group. Zebra finches like to make friends with cockatiels and canaries.
Are zebra finches hardy?
In our climate, zebra finches are quite hardy if they can go to a frost-free shelter that is protected from wind and weather.
Can zebra finches survive in the wild?
I too find it most beautiful for a bird when it can live in the wild – except that in the case of zebra finches, this is Australia! Only there and in similar habitats on other parts of the world, where the same climatic conditions prevail, can zebra finches really thrive in the long term.
Can zebra finches hear?
Zebra finches hear who is chirping.
Can zebra finches survive in nature?
The zebra finch (Taeniopygia guttata) is an Australian finch that is very well adapted to life in hot and dry areas. In Australia, they occur in large swarms in the outback outside of the breeding season. Reproduction is not tied to specific seasons, but to conditions.