Breeding

The following is a short guide to breeding zebra finches.

1. Select a suitable couple in good condition and place them in the same cage (without going into detail, I will say that it is very important that the two birds be of opposite gender and placed in the same cage!)
2. If the birds are in good condition they will usually start to build a nest immediately, and within a few days the first eggs will be laid.
3. Check the nest every day in order to follow the progress. Be sure to let the birds know you are coming. If you frighten them, they may accidentally destroy the eggs in the confusion. If the birds are unwilling to leave the nest, don't chase them off unless you are worried something might be wrong.
4. Around the time when the third egg is laid, the birds will start sitting on the eggs.
5. After approximately 2 weeks, the eggs will start to hatch.
6. At this time you should start to feed a rearing food (nestling food). This can be bought in a pet shop, or you can make your own. You should continue to feed the regular seed mixture as well.
7. When the birds are around 8 or 9 days old, they should be fitted with a closed coded ring for later identification.
8. When the birds are about 2½ weeks old you should generally stop nest checking in order to avoid the young birds leaving the nest early. However, if you suspect something is wrong, you will have to check anyway. In that case, great care must be taken not to frighten the birds.
9. When the birds are around 3 weeks old, they will leave the nest for the first time.
10. Around 1 week later (at 4 weeks) the birds will start feeding on their own.
11. At this time, the nest should be removed unless you want another clutch. Generally, a pair of zebra finches should not be allowed to rear more than 2 - 3 clutches per year.
12. Around 1 - 2 weeks later (at 5 - 6 weeks) the birds are self-sufficient and can be removed from the parents' cage. If you leave them with the parents, they may interrupt the next clutch. Additionally, the parents' may chase the young birds around and pluck their feathers.
13. At this time, distinguishing features should be emerging, enabling you to distinguish males and females. Beaks should have started to change from black to a lighter colour (will eventually turn orange or red).

Common questions about breeding

What time of year should Zebra Finches breed?

What is the breeding season?

At what age are Zebra Finches old enough to breed?

Are Zebra Finches monogamous?

Should I provide nests for my birds?

I have too many birds now, what do I do with them?

How long does it take for eggs to hatch?

Why won't my birds breed?

Common questions about eggs

How many eggs are in a clutch

My bird keeps laying (unwanted) eggs

What to do with a lot of eggs

How can I tell if the eggs are fertile?

How long does it take for eggs to hatch?

My birds keep eating their own eggs

Common questions about nests

Is it normal for the birds to sleep in the nest box?

Should I provide nests for my birds?

The birds won't stay on the nest

My birds won't build in the nest

When will the chicks leave the nest?

The above information is provided without any guarantees. Always consult a veterinarian before following any advice that might affect the health of your birds.

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