Zebra finches are extremely social by nature and should always be kept in pairs or groups unless they have been hand-reared as pet birds. They are generally friendly with other birds and each other, but some individuals can be bossy. Zebras are prolific breeders.
Zebra finches do not become hand tame, though they do come to enjoy interaction with their owners over time. Many respond to talking or whistling, and they usually greet their owners with happy songs and beeps, especially at feeding time. The zebra finches’ song is a peculiar metallic trumpeting sound, and these birds love to perform it.
Zebra finches need finch seed as a base diet supplemented with chopped hard-boiled egg, greens and spray millet. Grit is unnecessary, but cuttlebone should always be available. A well cared for zebra finch can be expected to live 7 to 10 years or more.