![]() ![]() Zebra Finches may become sexually mature when only 3 months old, but it is best to wait until they are 9-12 months of age before allowing them to breed. Many color phases have been produced by breeders, and among these, differences between the sexes may be difficult to discern behavior is your best guide here. Courting males sing and “bounce” before females, and may offer nesting material as well. Youngsters under 5-6 weeks of age are impossible to sex visually (please see photo of chicks). Adult males sport black bars on the breast and bright orange cheek-patches, both of which are absent in females (please see photo of female with chicks). The sex of normally-colored Zebra Finches is easy to determine. ![]() What’s more, they are wonderful parents and their courtship rituals and care of the young are a joy to observe. Unlike most birds, Zebra Finches that that are always supplied with ample food and nesting sites may breed year-round, producing 6 or more clutches (this is a drain on the hen, however- please see below). rain and mild temperatures) present themselves. They are native to Australia’s hot, dry grasslands and have evolved the ability to reproduce whenever ideal conditions (i.e. Zebra Finches provide an excellent introduction to captive bird breeding. While they will nest even under poor conditions, only when given proper care will breeding pairs remain in top condition and reward you with healthy, robust chicks. However, the ease of breeding these little beauties should not be taken as an excuse to ignore their basic needs. The ever-popular Zebra Finch, Taeniopygia guttata has been kept in captivity for almost 150 years, and is considered by most to be an “easy breeder”. ![]()
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