Breeding zebra finches is not easy.
You must know the perfect timing regarding when they can or can not mate.
You need to be keen and observant on their behaviors so that you know when they are ready.
Here are a few frequently asked questions about breeding zebra finches.
What to observe? The male carries a tune and makes a dance to attract a hen.
He would normally bounce on a perch and then try to jump on top of a hen.
If the hen becomes willing, then the mating season begins.
What age to breed? Zebra finches can have their first mate at the age of 11-12 weeks.
It is also recommended that the birds are 6 - 9 months old before allowing them to breed.
Where to breed? Breeding Zebra Finches can be made in captivity and even under the influence of strange conditions.
But a breeder should be able to provide them a happy and healthy atmosphere.
A large cage is the most feasible place for breeding zebra finches.
As always in regards to finding the best cages for your finches, larger is always better.
Moreover, these cages should not be placed in spaces where there are usually people.
A general practice in breeding is, once nesting has begun, the cage cannot be moved or even jolted.
Also, a cage which is 16x16x20 is enough for your finches and allows them breathable space.
If you intend to make space for a nest, be sure that the finches can still move around.
So take note of the dimensions of the cage.
How many birds to place in a cage? One should only place one pair in a cage no matter how large the cage is.
If there will be more than one pair of finches within the cage, the birds will fight with each other.
But if you can find a flight cage, then multiple breeding can occur.
The cage should be at least 3 feet wide, 4 feet high, and 6 feet elongated.
Also provide more boxes as choices for nesting purposes.
Where to place the nest? Keep the nest built in the highest points of the cage.
Birds feel more secure when placed on higher grounds.
There are times that birds may refuse the nesting ground you made for them.
If that's the case, replace them especially when you see they are not touching their nests for 2-3 months.
Also, vary the places of the nest to suit their taste.
What is a nest made of? Obviously, the nesting material shall be made of clean and nontoxic materials to ensure a safe haven for your birds.
Various materials can be used like dried grass which can be treated or fertilized.
Note the nest should not be made entirely of strings because the bird may get entangled in them and endanger it.
What to give as food? The normal seed food diet shall be maintained.
Cuttle bone, crushed oyster shells, and mineralized great are sure feisty meals.
Make sure that they are not calcium deficient so that the females can lay eggs.
As to the little ones, once they hatch, their mom and dad can feed them.
Is light important to breeding? Yes, light is important.
They need sunlight! In case natural sunlight is not possible you can supply the cage with full spectrum lighting.
During breeding season, 14-16 hours of sunlight is a must.
What happens next? The male will weave a nest and the hen will lay about one egg a day.
Both the mom and dad will incubate the egg and then after 14 days, they will hatch.
That's basically the 101 of breeding zebra finches.
You must know the perfect timing regarding when they can or can not mate.
You need to be keen and observant on their behaviors so that you know when they are ready.
Here are a few frequently asked questions about breeding zebra finches.
What to observe? The male carries a tune and makes a dance to attract a hen.
He would normally bounce on a perch and then try to jump on top of a hen.
If the hen becomes willing, then the mating season begins.
What age to breed? Zebra finches can have their first mate at the age of 11-12 weeks.
It is also recommended that the birds are 6 - 9 months old before allowing them to breed.
Where to breed? Breeding Zebra Finches can be made in captivity and even under the influence of strange conditions.
But a breeder should be able to provide them a happy and healthy atmosphere.
A large cage is the most feasible place for breeding zebra finches.
As always in regards to finding the best cages for your finches, larger is always better.
Moreover, these cages should not be placed in spaces where there are usually people.
A general practice in breeding is, once nesting has begun, the cage cannot be moved or even jolted.
Also, a cage which is 16x16x20 is enough for your finches and allows them breathable space.
If you intend to make space for a nest, be sure that the finches can still move around.
So take note of the dimensions of the cage.
How many birds to place in a cage? One should only place one pair in a cage no matter how large the cage is.
If there will be more than one pair of finches within the cage, the birds will fight with each other.
But if you can find a flight cage, then multiple breeding can occur.
The cage should be at least 3 feet wide, 4 feet high, and 6 feet elongated.
Also provide more boxes as choices for nesting purposes.
Where to place the nest? Keep the nest built in the highest points of the cage.
Birds feel more secure when placed on higher grounds.
There are times that birds may refuse the nesting ground you made for them.
If that's the case, replace them especially when you see they are not touching their nests for 2-3 months.
Also, vary the places of the nest to suit their taste.
What is a nest made of? Obviously, the nesting material shall be made of clean and nontoxic materials to ensure a safe haven for your birds.
Various materials can be used like dried grass which can be treated or fertilized.
Note the nest should not be made entirely of strings because the bird may get entangled in them and endanger it.
What to give as food? The normal seed food diet shall be maintained.
Cuttle bone, crushed oyster shells, and mineralized great are sure feisty meals.
Make sure that they are not calcium deficient so that the females can lay eggs.
As to the little ones, once they hatch, their mom and dad can feed them.
Is light important to breeding? Yes, light is important.
They need sunlight! In case natural sunlight is not possible you can supply the cage with full spectrum lighting.
During breeding season, 14-16 hours of sunlight is a must.
What happens next? The male will weave a nest and the hen will lay about one egg a day.
Both the mom and dad will incubate the egg and then after 14 days, they will hatch.
That's basically the 101 of breeding zebra finches.