Any tips about Zebra Finches?

Question

My family and I recently bought a couple of zebra finches and although we have experience with budgies, lovebirds and cockatiels I'd like some advice about these little birds.

1) The male seems fine, he chirps and sings all day long, but the female just makes these little high-pitch honking/tooting sounds - she does not stop!!!  
She's eating and drinking normally, she gets along fine with the male (grooming each other, feeding together and sleeping side by side) but it just sounds like she's stressed.  What does this honking mean and how can we help?

2) We were considering freeing them after a week or so, but a friend of ours said that they might be weak of wing and not used to being independent.  I have to say that the female doesn't seem so weak of wing seeing as she escaped her cage and flew around the petshop (which is quite large) for a while before being caught.  
In any case we aren't so sure whether freeing them is a good idea, so I'd love some professional advice.

Thank you!

Goldy · Accepted Answer

These is quite normal actions of your birds , it could be that the hen is ready for laying, and needs a nest basket or box.

Freeing them could prove fatal as cage birds have no idea of the perils that could befall them, they would not know where to seek food or shelter as a wild bird would, not only that they will not be aware of predators, such as birds of prey and animals and could become a meal for any of them.

It would be safer for the birds if you returned them to the store or to a rescue centre or even someone willing to look after them 

But please do not release then into the wild, they will not be free longer than perhaps a day or two,they could starve to death or make something a meal.

Avian Care Consultant and breeder

Any tips about Zebra Finches?

1 Answer