One thing that clearly separates finches, especially the zebra finch, from other birds is that inside any cage or aviary, they are constantly active, fluttering, and moving from one perch to the other.  It’s like a finch trademark.  In fact, in a bird show, one requirement for judging good finches is that the bird must be constantly going back and forth between two provided perches.  Hyperactivity in finches is normal and a sign of good health.  It’s their exercise.  Provide your finches with exercise with these simple pointers. 

• Make sure there are at least two perches in the cage, with unequal sizes.  This will provide exercise for the feet and will prevent feet deformity for your finches.
• Place them in a bigger cage, better yet, an aviary.   A big aviary simulates the wild and most finches will not know the difference. 
• Provide bath water everyday.  You should see how finches take a bath!  Then you’d know what I mean.
• Unclutter the cage.  Remove unnecessary food dishes to give the birds more space. If possible, place the cuttlebone outside. 
• Do not overcrowd the cage.  As much as possible, put pairs in different cages. Also, move the youngs to another cage once they are able to tend to themselves.