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How to be Successful at Breeding Zebra Finches
It is not uncommon for bird enthusiasts to decide to begin breeding finches just for the pure enjoyment of it. Finches are hardy birds that are extremely easy to care for and they have exceptionally charming personalities. Out of all the varieties, breeding Zebra Finches is the easiest, followed by Society Finches. These are both types of birds that are even willing to rear the young from other rare species like the Australian Grass Finch. Determining Sex
Depending on the type of finch, determining the sex may be obvious based on appearance or song while in others, it may be a bit more challenging. Fortunately, breeding Zebra Finches is relatively simple because there are distinct difference between the males and females.
Although Zebra Finches are available in several mutations, a few distinguishing features of both sexes remains the same. Males have orange cheek patches, a black bar across their breast, stripes on their throat and their flanks are chestnut-colored with white spots. On the other hand, females are predominantly gray in these areas, have a black tear under their eyes and lighter beaks.
Juvenile Zebra Finches all pretty much look like the females only they are born with a black beak. Adult colors are typically prevalent around three months old.
Nesting
Breeding finches will require the proper environment to be successful. You should know that their breeding season begins in early spring and while some may be content as a couple in a breeding box, others prefer an aviary with other birds around. Unlike other varieties, breeding Zebra Finches is a little easier because they are happy in any environment.
Both male and female Zebra Finches share parenting responsibilities but it is the male who will do the most weaving. You should supply them with appropriate nesting materials such as feathers, grasses or commercially prepared materials but once the female lays her eggs, remove any excess debris. Sometimes, the male will continue adding onto the nest if the materials are available and he might even cover the eggs which is never good.
Clutch Information
Breeding finches, especially, this variety is extra special because the female will lay one egg generally every other day until she reaches four or five so if you miss seeing one laid, there is always a chance to catch the next show. After the clutch is complete, the hen will primarily incubate the nest however, the male will provide her with breaks for food and exercise where he will happily take over with the responsibility. Approximately 12 to 18 days later, the eggs will begin to hatch.
Parenting
If you play on breeding finches, you should know that the parents will have special needs. They require foods that are very high in protein while they have chicks in the nest and they need access to calcium at all times. The easiest way to ensure their calcium intake is by providing them with a cuttlebone.
At around 18 days old, the feathered chicks will begin leaving the nest and by the time they are a month old, they are capable of eating on their own. At this time they can be safely removed from their nest.
Breeding Zebra Finches is rewarding and relatively simple. These birds are easy to care for and since they make such outstanding pets, you will never have difficulty selling them!
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