Conference 7.286::pet_birds

591.0. "new to birds (have 2 zebra finches)" by LUNER::DEPLANTE () Thu Aug 22 1991 15:22

    
    
     	I am new to this file and am floundering a bit....  My husband just
    	bought me 2 male (i think) zebra finches.  They are the most
    	perfect little creatures and i'm already quite fond of them.
    
    	Some questions:
    
    		. are males identified by the cheek patch ( a book i got
   		  doesn't come right out and say it)
    
    	        . is it unusual that after 2 days in a new place that they
    		  will climb up on you hand so you can get them back in the
    	          cage?  That was after about an hr. crawling around on the
    		  floor making a total fool of myself.
    
    	        . Where could i get info on building a natural cage...this
    		  one is simply too small and too commercial...funds are 
    		  limited but willingness isn't!
    
    		. how can you tell if you have a quality bird (active, eyes
    		  bright, colors defined, bright red beaks and curious..so
    		  i know they're healthy.  I just don't know if they have
    		  good breeding...they're white bellied, black neck zebra 
    	          stipes, rust colored cheek patches, orangish legs/feet
    		  only one has the white spots on rust whatever beneath it's
   		 wings.
    
    		any advise would be most welcome...  Lora