The fact remains, if you can provide appropriate living conditions to your pet finches, they can outlive their counterparts in the wild. Although, some people may find it cruel to cage birds. In captivity, most bird species have improved lifespan. The prime reason is that wild finches are continuously exposed to stress and hazards from predators and the environment. However, the average life span of most finches in the wild is 4 to 7 years. How Long Do Finches Live In Wild And In Captivity?Īccording to the American Birds Conservancy, European Goldfinches can live till the age of 27 years. Let us now explore how long do finches live in the wild and captivity? By offering suitable living conditions, you can increase your pet bird’s life expectancy. Wow! The life span of any species depends on various factors and conditions. By providing suitable living conditions, good nutrition, and adequate health care, we can amplify their possibilities of survival. However, they live longer in captivity as they don’t encounter similar stress and hazard faced by finches in the wild. So, how long do finches live?įinches have an average lifespan of 4 to 7 years. Any intermittent risk coming from predators, bad weather, and changing ecosystems can impact their lives. Controlling mites, rodents and maintaining high levels of cleanliness is especially important in aviaries where Zebra finches are present.Ī strict worming and parasite control regime is essential to ensure the long-term health of any finch collection.In wild or captivity, finches need proper nutrition, rest, and a stress-free environment to survive. They will defecate in food and water dishes and discard large amounts of seed. Zebra finches tend to have poorer hygiene than other finch species. The young achieve their adult plumage at three months of age and become sexually mature at six months. Young begin to fledge the nest from three weeks of age. Zebra finches will lay between 3-7 eggs which they incubate for approximately two weeks. The male may become territorial when breeding and may chase or harass other birds in the aviary to protect the nest. Zebra finches are make excellent parents and will take turns sitting on the nest and bringing food to the young. They will readily use commercial nesting baskets and nest boxes, or construct their own nests in plants and brush. Zebra finches are prolific and opportunistic breeders, who will produce a significant number of young in the most basic of conditions. Photo credit: David Cook Wildlife Photography Breeding They can be successfully housed in a colony or mixed collection, however their boisterous nature may stress the more placid finch species. The Zebra finch can be aggressive (particularly when breeding) so care should be taken to provide each bird with an adequate amount of space and sufficient places to escape the dominant bird. As with all finch species, a large sparsely populated planted aviary is the ideal habitat. Zebra finches have minimal housing requirements and can be successfully kept in a cage, cabinet or aviary environment. Some birds will consume insects for extra nutrients, but they are not an essential part of the Zebra finch’s diet. Despite this characterization, a varied and nutritious diet must be provided for the bird to attain its optimal breeding performance and lifespan.Ĭommercial soft finch food mixes can be provided for an added nutrient boost, particularly when breeding. They are often referred to as “seed and water” finches by some keepers. Zebra finches are able to thrive on virtually any diet. Leafy green vegetables such as kale, endive and silverbeet (chard) are also a convenient source of nutrition. Green seed heads or sprouted seed increases the nutritional value of seed and is a cheap way to improve your birds health. Seed lacks many essential vitamins and minerals which must be compensated for by introducing other foods. Seed forms the basis of most finch diets. Thanks to their strong breeding performance and low maintenance demands, they are among the most popular finch species kept in captivity. Zebra finches are native to Australia, Indonesia and East Timor where they inhabit grasslands and forests, typically close to a water source.
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