zebra finch care and diet

[Vera]

i am thinking about adopting 2 young zebra finch males.
i want to buy them a cage of W87cmxD45cmxH74cm. is this ok for two?
want to give them a nesting place and nesting material, a bathing house, a swing, some nice perches, maybe also a ropeperch (don't know if it is safe?)?
but what diet do they need?
i am from the netherlands and a normal finch diet seems to be seeds and eggfood.
are there any good pellets for them? are pellets healthy for them and do they eat it?
do they like veggies?

 

[expressmailtome]

Bump.

 

[LiveLolBrd]

That would be a fine cage size as long as the bar spacing in correct for finches. If you are getting two males than there is zero need to give them a nesting place. They won't use it and it will be a waste of space. A rope perch is safe.
A swing and some toys would also be good. Yes, there are some good pellets for finches. The zupreem pellets that are the small size are good. It says budgie but it will work for finches. Also, harrisons super small would be great!
Yes, they love veggies and they should make up at least 50% of their diet.
Hope this helps!

 

[Emma&pico]

@fashionfobie

 

[fashionfobie]

The cage dimensions you are suggesting should work for two males.

Nesting material and a nest site can be offered but it will depend on how your boys get along. My two males enjoy building their nest, rejecting it and rebuilding it. They also both rest in the nest. They nearly never rested in there when they were younger birds, but in their old age they seem to enjoy the feeling of safety. Please note that this will depend on your birds. It may cause males to fight, so if nesting is a source of conflict for your birds, remove the nest. Offering nests with male only enclosures give them some enrichment activities. If you had females I would suggest against any nest because it can cause issues with chronic egg laying.

Zebra finches are obligated grain eaters. You can offer them some pellet, but this should only compromise a small % of their offering. A quality seed mix formulated for finches is ideal.

Veggies should NOT comprise 50% of the diet. You can provide fresh veggies daily. They prefer greens but can also get some finely diced carrot and the like.

They are curious birds and if given the chance will rip up suitable enrichment toys and peck at things they find interesting. Their enclosure can include a mixer of toys, swings, perches etc. I suggest not over crowding. I would concentrate toys into one area leave the central cafe fairly open and free from clutter. I strong suggest at least one plateforme perch.

I hope these suggestions help.