References are often made to 'English', 'German' or 'American' zebra finches. This is not really a reference to their country of origin (although this was the case originally) or a separate species, but merely a reference to their size and shape. In Europe, zebra finches are bred for competition in shows. These shows have standards that required that the birds display a certain shape and size. Through selective breeding, the size of the zebra finch has been increased dramatically and the shape has been altered as well. The birds display a more robust and rounded appearance often referred to as 'cobby' which means that the animal has 'great substance'. They are still referred to as English or German zebras because these are the countries from where they were once exported to the world. The term American zebra really refers to a zebra that is closer to the wild-type Zebra in terms of size and shape because US breeders did not attempt to alter the physical characteristics through selective breeding. The difference between the names 'German' and 'English' in the USA stem back to the size of the original imported stock. At that time, the birds imported from Germany were larger than those previously imported from England. The situation today has stock mixed up, though there still appears to be a few differences in the birds (gallery).
In the UK, zebra finches are generally exhibited in pairs - cock and hen - of the same mutation. In many other parts of the world single birds can be shown.
There is a standard show cage for zebra finches. These are commercially available, or can be made by the skilled handyman to the defined specifications.
In order to exhibit your birds it's advisable to join the local Cage Bird Society
(CBS) and the Zebra Finch Society (ZFS). Local CBSs often have members' shows as well as an Open Show. You can then obtain experience at both these levels before attempting the specialist Zebra Finch shows organised by the ZFS and the Area Zebra Finch Societies.
New members of the Zebra Finch Society receive a Starter Pack which gives all the above
information and more, in greater detail. The Society is dedicated
exclusively to the zebra finch. Details can be found in this Web site here.
Sketch of a Zebra finch depicting exhibition points considered by judges:
