Proper animal husbandry is an essential requirement for studying vocal learning in zebra finches as young chicks cannot be purchased commercially and therefore must be bred in the laboratory. Thus, there is a need for investigators to adopt good practices, as outlined here, for the successful rearing and breeding of zebra finches. 2009 Fee and Scharff 2010), and husbandry practices are important for the normal development of this trait. Learned song is culturally transmitted from adults to juveniles ( Feher et al. With appropriate care, they have an average lifespan of ~4 yr and can live up to 8 yr or even longer ( Austad 2011). They provide biparental care, with breeding possible at an age of 4 mo ( Austad 2011) and have a breeding frequency of three to four clutches per year. In the wild, zebra finches typically live in large colonial flocks, yet form longterm pair bonds ( Silcox and Evans 1982), with a moderate rate of generation of extrapaternity offspring ( Birkhead et al. It is commonly used in the laboratory, particularly for studies of vocal learning and the associated neural and genetic mechanisms of such learning. It is a small bird-wild adult females weighing on average 12.5 g, whereas males are lighter, averaging 12.2 g ( Zann 1996). The zebra finch Taeniopygia guttata castanotis is a songbird species native to mainland Australia. ![]() 2011), but cages that are long are preferred over those that are tall ( Bateson and Feenders 2010). Committee for the Update of the Guide for the Care and Use of Laboratory Animals. Minimum cage sizes have not been established for this species ( National Research Council. ( F) Three zebra finch hatchlings on hatch day one and a single unhatched egg. ( E) Clutch of six eggs in a nest composed of coconut fiber. Note the absence of the orange cheek patch typical of adult males. ( D) Juvenile zebra finch exhibiting chestnut markings on the flank (thick arrow) and black stripes on the throat (thin arrows) that are diagnostic of young males. ( B) Single housing unit from A showing a paper-lined floor, water bottles, food dispensers, cuttle bone and a nest box. ( A) A six-plex cage that is designed to house six pairs of breeding birds central cage dividers are removable to allow housing of five to six individuals. ![]() If you think you may have a medical emergency, call your physician or 911 immediately.Care and breeding of the zebra finch Taeniopygia guttata. By using this Site you agree to the following Terms and Conditions. We offer this Site AS IS and without any warranties. Never disregard the medical advice of your physician or health professional, or delay in seeking such advice, because of something you read on this Site. We disclaim all responsibility for the professional qualifications and licensing of, and services provided by, any physician or other health providers posting on or otherwise referred to on this Site and/or any Third Party Site. MedHelp is not a medical or healthcare provider and your use of this Site does not create a doctor / patient relationship. ![]() It is not intended to be and should not be interpreted as medical advice or a diagnosis of any health or fitness problem, condition or disease or a recommendation for a specific test, doctor, care provider, procedure, treatment plan, product, or course of action. The Content on this Site is presented in a summary fashion, and is intended to be used for educational and entertainment purposes only.
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