Zebra Finch

Description: Finches are a smaller bird that come in a variety of different colors and patterns. Zebra finches are native across Australia and Indonesia. Alternatively, Society finches, also called Bengali finches, are native across Asia. Finches in general are quite active, independent little birds who will happily spend their days chirping with their friends, playing with toys, and making nests out of whatever they can get their beaks on. For more information about finches, check out our Finch Care Guide!

Species: Finch

Normal Pet Size at Maturity: Finches grow up to 5" (13 cm) from head to end of tail.

Average Lifespan: Finches live for approximately 5yrs

Basic Diet: For detailed feeding information, check out the

What Do Pet Birds Eat? article in our learning page! A pellet-seed blend will be the primary source of food and nutrition in your birds diet. Offer leafy greens, fruits, and grains every other day. Offer honey sticks or millet spray once or twice a month. Never feed your bird chocolate, sugar, fried foods, avocado, or human junk food. These foods can make your bird very sick.

Habitat Necessities: for full details, see the setting up a Finch Habitat section of our care guide!

• Minimum size: 12" x 12" x 15". Recommended 18x18x24" or larger if you have room
  
• Keep away from: kitchens and non-stick cookware, strong odors and smoke, drafts, windows, and direct sunlight
  
• Cover the enclosure at night to help your bird feel safe
  
• Include at least three toys and rotate them regularly, use puzzles, chewable toys, and foraging items to support mental health
  
• Layer the bottom of the habitat with an appropriate liner and replace as needed
  
• Add a birdbath for splashing or gently mist your bird with warm water 2-3 times a week
  
• Encourage natural foraging by placing a hay ball in the cage and include a cuttlebone

Does this Pet Need a Roommate? it is recommended you have at minimum two finches.

Minimum Enclosure Size: 12" x 12" x 15"

Safety Tips for You and Your Pet: It is recommended to closely monitor any new pet for 30 days in their own enclosure to observe signs of illness, prevent the spread of potential diseases, and to limit stress while your pet acclimates to their new home. All new pets should be seen by a veterinarian within 14 days of purchase to establish care and discuss a health and wellness plan. All animals can potentially carry viral, bacterial, fungal, and parasitic diseases contagious to humans. Thoroughly wash your hands with warm,soapy water before and after contact with any pet or its habitat. Adults should assist children with hand washing after contact with a pet or its enclosure. Use caution when handling pets, and remember they may bite or scratch, especially when stressed.

Vet Assured: Pets purchased at PetSmart are part of our exclusive Vet Assured program, designed by PetSmart veterinarians to help improve the health and well-being of our pets. Our vendors meet a high standard in caring for pets and screening them for common illnesses, including Zoonotic diseases. This program also includes specific standards for in-store pet care.

When to Contact a Veterinarian: In addition to regularly scheduled appointments, contact your avian veterinarian if you notice the following signs:

• long periods sitting at the bottom of the enclosure
  
• decreased appetite or weight loss
  
• less activity and grooming
  
• feathers fluffed for long periods of time
  
• sneezing; discharge from eyes, nose or mouth
  
• runny droppings for more than two days
  
• constantly plucking feathers or feathers are falling out
  
• beak over grown⁄ not closing normally

Go to "find a vet" on
AAV.org for help finding an avian veterinarian in your area.

The PetSmart Promise: If your pet becomes ill during the initial 14-day period, or if you're not satisfied for any reason, PetSmart will gladly replace the pet or refund the purchase price.