Any zebra finch owners? *UPDATE*

[duckncover]

I just got a pair of Zebra Finches from Petco a little while ago.

I got a male and a female and I wanted to know when I could expect some babies. I put a basket finch nest in and some nesting material.

I have a bunch of people in my school that want finches so I was hoping they'll breed soon.

I have them in my button quail hutch with a bunch of perches.

Any advice is appreciated!!

 

[monarc23]

when igot my first pair as a kid t hey actually started breeding the next day I got them home. I think as long as they are mature (which yours look it) and arent stressed give them a bit and you should start getting eggies!

 

[jhm47]

I've raised them for years. Yours will do well with their nest, and if you want to increase their fertility, give them hard-boiled egg with the shell on. Don't give them huge pieces, or it will just go to waste, but 1 / 10 of an egg will be fine. They will eat the shell, and the white is one of their favorites. Also, sprout some finch food in a damp paper towel. They may not eat this right away, but they will learn quickly, and this is an excellent food for them.

I have two different lines of black cheek zebra's at this time, and they are reproducing like crazy.

 

[citalk2much]

I have a few zebra finches I also have cordon blues, gold breasted, orange cheek I just love my little birds. Zebra finches don't take a lot to get them breeding. The advice you have been given is great so I am not going to repeat it LOL. Best of luck

 

[blasto]

Just what Old, Fat, Gray-Haired EMT Guy said (love that siggy

). Nothing gets them in the mood like a little egg food and sprouted seed. Once they do start laying and raising, be sure to remove the nest and give them a break once in a while. I*ve had pairs that will lay another clutch before their last have fledged and they will just keep at it until they drop. Mind you, even if you remove the nest they may still try to raise a clutch in their food dish or even in the corner of the cage--they are breeding machines!

Enjoy your sweet little birds, and good luck!

 

[theOEGBman]

My grandma has a pair she's had for about two years. The female sets all the time but they never have a fertile clutch, so someones parts arent working right.

 

[duckncover]

I think the female may be pregnant with eggs. She is all fluffed out and her butt is wet with poo.

She is eating drinking and is very alert so what do you guys think it is?

 

[monarc23]

Quote:
that actually doesnt sound good to me but hopefully that is just the case...but my hen just always hoppped in her nest layed an egg and that was it.

 

[spotsplus]

fluffed and wet bottom is not good. Could be stress. Make sure she has a warm place to be and keep an eye on her. If you see her just sitting on the bottom of the cage remove her and put her under a heat lamp.

I bred them for years and love the little noises they make. They breed fairly easily.

Good luck!
Tammie

 

[artsyrobin]

do you give her a calcium supplement - i grind eggshells for mine, i have one that has a tendency to get eggbound, it prevents that- in an emergency you can dissolve a half a tums in water for her to drink...