Ask Lafeber

Introducing a new Zebra Finch

Hello: I have a female Zebra finch. I also had another little bird in a separate cage.

Now my female Zebra Finch, Skittles, has an alone and has been for over a year.

I am wishing her to have company and struggling with getting a male or female Zebra and which she would better adapt too and be willing to share her cage.

I do have another cage to start the new bird out in where they can first get to know one another.

Im not keen on breeding as (2) is plenty for me to take care of.

If a male choice is your advice for a more happy cohabitation and they do have eggs, is it humane to just remove them from the cage?

Any advice would be greatly appreciated:)

Thanks so much and have a blessed day, Dottie

Hi Dottie,

If you add a new bird, of course start out with it in a separate cage. Let them be side by side to see if they show interest in each other. If they start sitting as close as they can, then you can put them together to see how they get along. You should have an extra food and water dish in the cage. Zebra finches will usually get along, but not always, so watch them carefully when they are first together in the same cage. As for male or female, either can work. No matter what, Zebra hens usually lay eggs at some point. There are some things you can do to discourage egg laying. Never give them a nest or anything they can sit in. If she starts to sit on a food cup, replace it with smaller cups. And limit their light to 8-10 hours by covering the cage early each evening. If she does start laying eggs, try moving the cage to another place in the room to disrupt her routine. There are probably too many zebra finches in captivity so it is absolutely OK to throw eggs away and not provide a nest for them.

Thank you for asking Lafeber,

Brenda