Editing Australian zebra finch (section)

== Aviculture ==

=== Living space ===
Zebra finches can be kept in [[Aviary|aviaries]] and [[Birdcage|cages]].<ref name=":3">{{Cite web |last= |date=2019-02-27 |title=Zebra Finches |url=https://www.corydonanimalhospital.ca/zebra-finches/ |access-date=2023-12-05 |website=Corydon Animal Hospital |language=en-CA}}</ref> They are easy to keep and are suitable even for beginners. The minimum cage dimensions for a pair are around {{convert|70|x|40|x|50|cm|in|abbr=on}}, with enough horizontal space for flight. The metal bars of the cage should be placed no more than ~{{Convert|1|cm|in}} apart.<ref name=":2">{{Cite web |title=Zebra finch care {{!}} Animal Humane Society |url=https://www.animalhumanesociety.org/resource/zebra-finch-care |access-date=2023-12-04 |website=www.animalhumanesociety.org |language=en}}</ref> An external aviary should have an indoor space for shelter, where the birds can sleep, rest and hide from bad weather. Because of their social nature they shouldn't be kept alone and should at least be kept in pairs to have company. In addition to providing access to clean, fresh [[drinking water]], zebra finches should have access to a shallow water [[Bird bath|dish]] for bathing.<ref name=":3" /><ref name=":2" />

=== Feeding ===
The zebra finch diet consists of a seed mixture for small birds.<ref name=":3" /><ref name=":2" /> They like different kinds of [[millet]] and [[Ear (botany)|ears]] of common [[cereal]]s and [[Poaceae|grasses]] that they can [[husk]] themselves. Another important part of their diet are [[fruit]]s and [[vegetable]]s, such as [[apple]]s, [[cucumber]]s, grated [[carrot]]s, [[banana]]s, [[grape]]s and [[salad]], [[spinach]] and other [[Leaf vegetable|greens]].<ref name=":3" /> [[Avocado]] shouldn't be given due to its [[Persin|toxicity]] to birds.<ref name=":3" /> An important source of [[Mineral (nutrient)|minerals]] is crushed [[chicken]] egg shells or [[Cuttlebone|cuttlefish bone]].<ref name=":3" /><ref name=":2" /> Egg food is also recommended.<ref name=":3" /><ref>{{Cite web |title=Zebra Finch - Taeniopygia guttata or Poephila guttata |url=http://www.finchinfo.com/birds/finches/species/zebra_finch.php |access-date=2023-12-04 |website=www.finchinfo.com}}</ref>

=== Nesting ===
For nesting, it is recommended to provide the birds with a [[Nest box|nesting box]] with the dimensions {{convert|15|x|15|x|15|cm|in|abbr=on}} and material for building the nest, such as [[hay]] and [[cotton]]. If a nest is provided, breeding will typically begin ~1 week after pairing.<ref>{{Cite journal |last1=Olson |first1=Christopher R. |last2=Wirthlin |first2=Morgan |last3=Lovell |first3=Peter V. |last4=Mello |first4=Claudio V. |date=2014-10-23 |title=Proper Care, Husbandry, and Breeding Guidelines for the Zebra Finch, Taeniopygia guttata |journal=Cold Spring Harbor Protocols |volume=2014 |issue=12 |pages=1243–1248 |doi=10.1101/pdb.prot084780 |issn=1940-3402 |pmc=4574870 |pmid=25342067}}</ref> The female usually lays 5 eggs<ref name="Zann335" /> that are then incubated for 14 - 16 days.<ref name="Hauber2014" /> Young zebra finches fledge about 17 to 18 days after hatching.<ref name="hbwc" /> They feed themselves by around 35 days after hatching, although they are still socially dependent on their parents during this time; the young become socially independent between 36 and 50 days after hatching. They also develop sexually dimorphic plumage during this period.<ref name="ZannRunciman2008" /> These finches are quick to attain sexual maturity, with most first attempting to form pair bonds and breed when they get close to 80 days in age.<ref name="Zann84–85" />

=== Health and lifespan in captivity ===
Zebra finches can have knemicoptes [[mite]]s, air sac mites, [[Aspergillosis#Animals|aspergillosis]], [[coccidiosis]] and [[Hematophagy|blood-sucking]] mites.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Myers |first=Jeannie |title=What to Know About the Zebra Finch |url=https://www.webmd.com/pets/what-to-know-zebra-finch |access-date=2023-12-04 |website=WebMD |language=en}}</ref>

They normally live for 5 to 9 years but may live as long as 12 years or more.<ref name="awd" /><ref name=":1" /> This depends on the quality of care, [[Stress (biology)|stress]], and other factors.