Zebra questions

[finch_values]

Hi, everyone!

I'm interested in getting a pair of zebra finches. I've done a lot of research, but I still have a few questions.

1. Judging by your own birds, which are more likely to bond: same sex pairs or male/female pairs?

2. I know zebras can get stressed if not allowed to breed, i.e no nestling material provided. Is there any way to keep them distracted from breeding?

3. Are water-diluted essential oils dangerous if sprayed near finches? I mainly use it to repel insects.

Thank you so much.

[dpedersen]

1.) If you only have one pair, it can be either same sex or a m/f pair. They will most likely bond (They have their own personality, so there are exceptions). If you don't want a ton of chicks all the time, I would suggest a same sex pair. I started with two males and they bonded beautifully (they would preen and they even slept in a basket nest together.

2.) I have heard that too, but I'm not sure if it applies when there are no members of the opposite sex present- not in my experience but others might have a different experience. If you have a true pair there is no way to really distract them from breeding (zebras are the most enthusiastic breeders!) People do things like not provide nesting material or a nest for opposite sex pairs, but that isn't a guarantee they won't try- zebras will lay eggs on the bottom of a cage if they want to or in the food dish. You can toss the eggs and replace them with dummy eggs until they get tired of sitting on them and the cycle repeats itself.

3.) I wouldn't spray any fragrances near finches. Some might be safe, but I wouldn't want to risk causing them respiratory problems or getting it in their eyes or something- but I imagine it depends what is in the oil. Someone else might be able to say more on that.

Good luck with your future zebras. They're so much fun to have around and they are addicting. I started with one pair of males and now I have a bunch. I hope this is helpful and that some more people come along to answer your questions. It has been my experience that people in this forum are the most helpful!

[lovemyfinch]

All questions were answered, leaving me to say Welcome to the forum.

[ac12]

#1 - Do you want chicks or not?
If you want chicks then get a M/F pair, if you do NOT want chicks get either a M/M or F/F pair.

Give them a choice, and the urge to breed will cause them to form M/F pairs.

I keep my non-breeding birds separated by sex, in separate male and female community cages. They will form buddy pairs and bond.
One thing to watch for in these same sex pairs. The dominant of the 2 will sometimes pluck the other bird, and sometimes pluck it a LOT. I don't understand it, but I think there is some kind of submissivness where the non-dominant bird will allow itself to be plucked by the dominant bird.

#2 - Do NOT put ANYTHING in the cage that might trigger a breeding behavior; no nests, no nesting material, etc. Limit the amount of egg you feed them, as I think a lot of egg might trigger them into breeding mode also.
And VERY important, keep the males and female out of visual contact with each other. The males can go nuts when the see a hen and want to mate with her.
Distractions would be
- a bath
- swings
- space to fly (long cage)
- food (nothing high in protein, I limit the amount of egg I feed my non-breeding or non-molting birds)

#3 - I would NOT use ANY sprays/scents etc of ANY KIND around or in the same house with the birds. As was mentioned, we don't know what in these things might be toxic to their small lungs that we won't even notice. Miners used to take canarys into the mines, and when the bird died there was toxic gases in the mine. I make my wife use her nail polish remover OUTSIDE the house or in the bath with the exhaust fan running. A central heating/air conditioning system will move any toxic gas all over the house, so being in a part of the house is not adequate.
Better safe than sorry. And the more $ you have invested in your birds, the less you want to take a chance.

[Ameza]

1. The bonding between birds differ from each personality. Both kind of pairs can get very well along or fight all the time. I find that there is a more dominant game going on with the same sex but still my males get along very well, though there has been some plucking. My female/male pair bonded very well, but like I said it all comes down to the personality of the birds

As the others said before me you have to ask yourself if you would like birds that you could allow to breed from time to time or no chicks at all. Letting them breed is really wonderful to watch, and it's a good idea to check if any of your neighbour petshops would be willing to buy chicks from you, so you won't sit up with a lot of birds you didn't plan for.

2. Most people can control this behaviour of their finches if they tend to them properly. Having a true pair that you wish not to breed must have all laid eggs removed as they come, not give them a nest and make sure there is no nesting material or other things they could make a nest of. I don't think it stresses them more out but this is in their nature, to breed. If you don't want them to breed ever I don't really see the point in having a male/female when you can have birds of the same sex

My birds enjoy swing, baths, different kind of foods, if they are same sex they can even have a nest and sleep in there etc.

Mostly just saying what the others already told you but what the hell ;)

[finch_values]

Ah, thank you all.

I’ve pretty much decided to get two males now. I’m not experienced enough for breeding and don’t want to cause any unnecessary stress.

Thanks again.

[finchluver10]

Personally people who have never bred finches start with zebras or societies. These two species dont normally require any special needs. Just fresh eggfood seed greens and fresh water and they do the rest. If you are interested in breeding then I recommend getting the experience early by starting with a pair of zebras.