He usually does most of the actual nest-building, and the female incubates the eggs. The male may follow the female about with bits of grass, apparently to “show off’ his nesting prowess. A covered wicker nest box will be readily accepted, although some pairs prefer to construct their own domed nest. The cage should be located in a quiet location, and stocked with ample supplies of commercial nesting material or dried grass (do not use string). You can breed Zebra Finches communally in an outdoor aviary, but do not keep more than a single nesting pair in an indoor cage. An aviary style or “flight cage” is ideal. Therefore, your cage must be large enough for up to 8 birds. Bear in mind that once the hatchlings leave the nest, they will be fed by their parents for an additional 2-4 weeks. This is especially true for a breeding pair. People tend to keep finches in small cages, but they really should be given as much room as possible. While Zebra Finches may reproduce and rear young when provided with a seed-only diet, breeders are best given fresh sprouts, small live or canned insects and egg food in addition to a high-quality basic seed mix.Ĭuttlebone should always be available, especially when eggs are being produced, as the female’s calcium needs will soar. Zebra Finches may become sexually mature when only 3 months old, but it is best to wait until they are 9-12 months of age before allowing them to breed. Many color phases have been produced by breeders, and among these, differences between the sexes may be difficult to discern behavior is your best guide here. Courting males sing and “bounce” before females, and may offer nesting material as well. Youngsters under 5-6 weeks of age are impossible to sex visually (please see photo of chicks). Adult males sport black bars on the breast and bright orange cheek-patches, both of which are absent in females (please see photo of female with chicks). The sex of normally-colored Zebra Finches is easy to determine. What’s more, they are wonderful parents and their courtship rituals and care of the young are a joy to observe. Unlike most birds, Zebra Finches that that are always supplied with ample food and nesting sites may breed year-round, producing 6 or more clutches (this is a drain on the hen, however- please see below). rain and mild temperatures) present themselves. They are native to Australia’s hot, dry grasslands and have evolved the ability to reproduce whenever ideal conditions (i.e. Zebra Finches provide an excellent introduction to captive bird breeding. While they will nest even under poor conditions, only when given proper care will breeding pairs remain in top condition and reward you with healthy, robust chicks. However, the ease of breeding these little beauties should not be taken as an excuse to ignore their basic needs. The ever-popular Zebra Finch, Taeniopygia guttata has been kept in captivity for almost 150 years, and is considered by most to be an “easy breeder”.
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