Breeding Zebra Finches

Originating from Australia, the zebra finch is often associated in the bird keeping world as an introductory finch. Widely available at most pet stores, they are generally inexpensive, easy to care for and a bright addition to anyone's collection. Brilliant for beginners, such is their charm that it often lends owners to continuing caring for this species long after they have moved onto more difficult and high maintenance species. A generally happy and alert finch, they can't help make you smile, especially as the males bounce, chirrup and flash their spotted flanks in a bid to seduce their female friends. And as a beginners finch, they are also relatively easy to breed.

I have often found that pairs of these birds practically fall over themselves in a bid to procreate. With no nest basket females may start to lay eggs in food dishes, grit containers or even on the floor of the cage, in a frantic bid to raise a family. That being said, there are always individuals who show absolutely no interest, but on the most part many pairs will begin to lay eggs only four or five days after being introduced and set up in their home.

As with their basic care, not much needs to be done additionally. Supply plenty of cuttlefish to aide hens in producing strong eggs, and a slight increase of green foods may be introduced. This helps to bring birds to breeding condition, making sure they have healthy reserves in which to bring up a family. In addition, several brands of soft foods can be bought which will also help maintain a good health level and are essential for the growth of young, hungry chicks.

Both parents will assume the role of building the nest using the materials you provide. Happy to build their own nest, it is a good idea to provide a nestbox, either wicker of wooden, for them to use as a base. Supply some coconut fibre or hay to begin with, allowing them to build the basis. After a few days provide a few feathers and you will find that they line the nest so as to protect the eggs and young from scratches.

Hens will normally produce a clutch of between four and six eggs which hatch only 14 days later. Under good conditions most chicks will start fledging at 16-18 days old with large broods leaving the nest slightly later. It is important that the nest not be disturbed, during the incubation stage in particular. Whilst many parents are tolerant to a few inquisitive looks inside the nest, it is paramount not to scare them away and let the eggs chill. Some birds will leave the nest at the slightest noise, where as others, one cock in particular that I owned, would allow me to put my fingers under his breast to feel for eggs. However, this is not to be encouraged unless great understanding of the individual birds it known.

Whilst the chicks are growing they should be monitored with daily checkups. Do not remove the young; simply glance into the nest using a torch if necessary, to make sure that they are all alive and growing. The sheer speed at which they grow will mean that feathers will begin to show at only eight to ten days at which time colours will start to be established. If at any stage a chick dies, carefully remove it from the nest to maintain clean surroundings for the others. Provide green foods and the branded soft food diet continuously through their period as it will form the majority of the chicks diet.

Once the chicks fledge they will continue to be fed by the parents and will remain dependant for several weeks. Some breeders take them away as soon as ten days, but if possible they should be allowed to remain with their parents for an extended time period. The adult pair will often begin a new clutch quickly after the chicks leave the nest, and it will soon be obvious when their young are no longer dependant as both adults will begin to chase them away from the nest.A very enjoyable pastime, breeding zebra finches is often simple. As the young fledge the nest it can be highly rewarding as they take their first wobbly flight into the world. You never get over the feeling of pride and joy, even when hundreds of clutches have come before. It only starts with one pair, one egg and before long most bird owners are completely overtaken by obsession!