Zebra finches are the most commonly kept estrildid finches in Germany. These originally Australian birds are very social and should not be kept in solitude. The keeping of same or different gender couples or groups is recommended. As the birds like to pair up, the number of zebra finches should always be even. When keeping both males and females together, an even gender balance should be maintained.

These very active finches need a lot of room. They are best kept in a spacious aviary or a large cage. The cage should be equipped with bowls and dispensers for food and water as well as perches and ropes of varying strengths.

Constant activity is important for these eager birds. Suitable for this are swings, ladders, climbing frames or playgrounds. Birdbaths are very popular with most zebra finches as well.

Owners of both males and females must remember one thing: Starting a family is everything for a zebra finch. If offspring is desired, nesting boxes or nests are happily accepted. The right nesting materials should not be missing, either. After the male has padded out the nest and it has found the approval of the female, she will lay about 5 eggs within a few days. The chicks will hatch after 10 to 12 days.

The birds should be going through a cycle of nesting and breeding regularly, even if you don’t wish them to breed. In this case, the eggs can be swapped for imitations made of plastic. These will be accepted without problems by the birds; the nest will be abandoned after a few weeks.
In between these breeding periods it is recommended to feed pure grain mixtures (without egg or other additions) and to signficantly reduce the amount of green fodder provided. Nests and nesting materials should be removed to demonstrate to the birds that this ‘drought period’ is not suitable for nesting. Mineral food supplements, such as sepia shells or bird grit are still permissible and important for digestion and beak care.