The zebra finch

Chapter 42 The zebra finch Ruedi G. Nager, Ruedi G. NagerSearch for more papers by this authorMichael J.A. Wilkinson, Michael J.A. WilkinsonSearch for more papers by this authorGraham Law, Graham LawSearch for more papers by this author Ruedi G. Nager, Ruedi G. NagerSearch for more papers by this authorMichael J.A. Wilkinson, Michael J.A. WilkinsonSearch for more papers by this authorGraham Law, Graham LawSearch for more papers by this author Book Editor(s):Huw Golledge, Huw Golledge Universities Federation Animal Welfare, UKSearch for more papers by this authorClaire Richardson, Claire Richardson Universities Federation Animal Welfare, UKSearch for more papers by this author First published: 14 March 2024 https://doi.org/10.1002/9781119555278.ch42 AboutPDFPDF ToolsRequest permissionExport citationAdd to favoritesTrack citation ShareShareShare a linkShare onEmailFacebookTwitterLinkedInRedditWechat Summary The zebra finch is a small passerine from the family Estrildidae, a group that is found in the Old World tropics and Australasia. The zebra finch is abundant and widespread in the wild. Zebra finches are adapted for feeding on a large variety of semi-ripe and ripe grass seeds that are abundant where they live, and they also take dry seeds. The welfare of animals is typically assessed across three aspects: functionality, affective state and naturalness. Many research laboratories maintain their own breeding stocks derived from larger stocks of aviculturists. Species-appropriate husbandry requires a careful selection of environmental conditions that promote desired species-specific behaviours and physiology and prevents abnormal behaviours. Zebra finches are social birds during both the breeding and the non-breeding season. Injections in small passerines like the zebra finch are difficult and hazardous. References Adkins-Regan , E. ( 2002 ). Development of sexual partner preference in the zebra finch: a socially monogamous, pair-bonding animal . Archives of Sexual Behavior , 31 , 27 – 33 . 10.1023/A:1014023000117 PubMedWeb of Science®Google Scholar Arnold , K.E. , Blount , J.D. , Metcalfe , N.B. et al . ( 2007 ). Sex-specific differences in compensation for poor neonatal nutrition in the zebra finch Taeniopygia guttata . 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