Lizzieryland 3 Report post Posted February 13, 2013 Hello and thank you for letting me join the forum. I had a pair of Zebras when I was younger and absolutely adored them. After two years we had to give them to my Aunt as our Border Collie was wearing the carpet down around the cage trying to herd them. They are still thriving and are now 16 years old!! My partner and I are now looking for a pair to join our family and I thought the Zebra Finch Forum was just the place to go to. I'd rather buy from a reputable breeder than a pet store. I'll post a want ad and am looking forward to the conversations an advice give on the forum. My first question: I live in a single story flat and was wondering if others let their birds fly around outside the cage? Do they return to their cages on their own if they are let out to fly? Thank you Lizzieryland Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Emmy 528 Report post Posted February 13, 2013 First I'll say welcome to the forum and you will get lots of advice from the members here they are a great bunch with lots of knowledge about Zebra finches and are always on hand to give help and advice. I know some of the members on the forum have said they let their Zebra Finches out the cage to fly around in the house but in my opinion that isnt the normal situation. If a bird has had to be hand raised, or perhaps if it has been handled constantly from when it was a chick then it may respond to being let out. From past experience though usually when a Zebra finch gets out from its cage or aviary they are very difficult to catch. When I have 'escapees' (lol) in my house (all mine are kept in the house) i have to use a child's fishing net to catch them believe me they are QUICK to get off the mark. Hope you're able get the Zebra finches soon. Those others lived to a great age my oldest ones were 12 years when they died. Emmy ps If you do let them out make sure all your doors and windows are closed they'll get throught the tiniest of spaces LOL Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
casamber 60 Report post Posted February 13, 2013 Hi and welcome to the forum I agree with Emmy. They are very hard to catch and they get quite stressed by being chased with a net. 16 years old! Whatever you are feeding them, i want some! Kerry Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
mark1e 67 Report post Posted February 13, 2013 Hello Lizzieryland and welcome to the forum, mark Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
paulm 119 Report post Posted February 13, 2013 Hello and welcome to the forum. Paul. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
birdfan13 34 Report post Posted February 13, 2013 Welcome to the forum. I have recently joined and have had some great advice regarding my zebra finches. I have three a normal male and grey female. They have had a chick Fidget who is nearly six weeks old now. They are let out in the evening and are quite tame , they fly in and out of the cage as they please during this time. Although Jill (grey female) loves attacking my fluffy rug ! Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Emmy 528 Report post Posted February 13, 2013 Kerry you said They are very hard to catch and they get quite stressed by being chased with a net. If I had been able to get a video taken with me chasing the birds with the net I think it would have won me £250 on 'You've been framed' you said the birds get stressed! I agree but not half as much as the person chasing them Emmy Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
casamber 60 Report post Posted February 13, 2013 Haha i know the feeling Emmy. I had a bird escape in my shed and it took me 3 weeks to finally catch her again! I must have looked a right idiot chasing her around everyday before giving up lol Kerry Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Lizzieryland 3 Report post Posted February 16, 2013 Thanks everyone for the warm welcome! We'll be picking up two new Zebs next weekend from forum member casamber! Pics to follow! 1 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
