How To Raise And Take Care Of Zebra Birds

The name of the bird:

It is called the zebra bird, and its scientific name is (Poephla guttata).

Weight :

The average weight of a zebra bird is 12 grams.

Length :

The average length of the zebra bird ranges between 10-11 cm.

Characteristics of the bird :

The males of the zebra bird are distinguished by gray heads and backs, black and white striped tails, and orange spots on the cheeks, while the females are distinguished by a gray color only for their entire body, and the beaks of the zebra birds also differ according to gender, as the males have a red beak, while The females’ beaks are orange.

Average age:

The average lifespan of a zebra bird ranges between 5-7 years if raised at home, while the lifespan of a zebra bird in the wild ranges between 2-3 years.

The most important aspects related to the breeding of zebra birds

Zebra food

Feeding zebra birds is one of the most important factors for the success of their breeding and preservation:

The most important foods for zebra birds: apples are one of the favorite food of zebra birds , but in moderate quantities, bananas, beetroots, peppers, berries, broccoli, cabbage, carrots, papaya, pears, melons, mangoes, strawberries, sweet potatoes, tomatoes, celery, and raspberries , and peach.

Foods that are not suitable for zebra birds: The bird should not be fed acorns, avocados, beans, chocolate, caffeine, lettuce, onions, nettles, garlic, sweet peas, potatoes, and mushrooms.

Zebra dwelling

The following is the most important information about the bird’s dwelling:

Keep the zebra finch inside a large wire cage with a plastic base, or outdoors in a purpose-built cage.

The cage should have some horizontal bars placed at different heights; Because they love to jump from one to the other, which is why many round cages are not suitable.

The width of the bars should not be more than 12 mm to prevent the escape of zebra birds.

The cage should allow space for the birds to fly properly, and zebras in the cage should be allowed out of their cage daily, making sure that all doors and windows are closed when doing so.

The cage should be covered with a cloth at night; This encourages birds to fall asleep, and the cage should be away from direct sunlight.

Zebra cage cleaning

Here is some information about cleaning a zebra cage:

The plastic contents of the cages should be cleaned with hot water.

The outside of the cage should be wiped clean with a damp cloth.

The dishes must be dried well before adding fresh food, because moisture may cause the seeds to rot, which in turn may make the zebra bird sick, so it is recommended to leave the bowls for half an hour to dry.

Use a bird-friendly cleanser, as hot water alone is not sufficient, and this extra touch removes bacteria to prevent disease outbreaks.

Any scales, food or feathers should be cleared from the cage during the week.

Dishes and other plastic items can be put in the dishwasher, as it is a safe alternative to detergent.

It is recommended to purchase a large set of bowls and trays, so that the birds are not left without food while the other set is washed and dried.

The bottom tray should be cleaned, and lined with fresh paper or coarse sawdust.

Zebra breeding

The following is the most important information about the reproduction of zebra birds:

Birds must be at least one year old in order to breed.

Birds must be free of physical deformities before breeding, so they must be examined by a veterinarian.

The female zebra bird lays up to eight eggs, and begins incubating the eggs after the last egg is laid.

The eggs hatch within 12-15 days of the bird sitting on them.

Health problems in zebra birds

There are many of the most common problems that affect the zebra bird, which are:

facial scabs, a condition caused by mites, that appear as white, scaly areas around the beak, eyes, as well as the legs; Which calls for a vet call.

Zebras are susceptible to air sac mite infestations, particularly when overexerted, and this is a serious medical condition that requires immediate veterinary attention.

Zebra birds can suffer from enlarged nails and beak.

Tips for dealing with zebra birds

There are many ways to deal with zebra birds, including:

Zebra is friendly; However, if not hand tamed, it rarely becomes tame enough to sit on a finger, so frequent schooling is recommended.

When carrying a zebra bird, it is recommended that the palm of the hand cover its back and wings while the middle and index finger surround the neck of the bird.

They should be provided with plenty of toys to keep them mentally and physically stimulated, as they love to climb.

They should be allowed out of their cage at least once a day.

The other toes should be used to support his body and feet, and it is advised to deal with him gently, as the zebra will bite if he feels stressed or threatened.

Common mistakes when raising zebra birds

There are many wrong practices that people commit with zebra birds, which are:

Believing that buying a small cage is suitable for small birds; This is one of the biggest mistakes that bird owners make when buying a cage, as zebra birds need space to fly, climb and play inside the cage.

Do not visit the vet unless the zebra bird exhibits strange behavior or appears ill, as the zebra bird is skilled at hiding diseases, and it must be taken to the vet at least once a year for an examination to ensure its health.