Baby finch independence timeline

[grocerboy]

Hi, what would be the average amount of time since hatching for a little one to be able to feed and drink by itself? How long is too long? Ours is about four weeks of age. Thanks...John

[Sally]

Welcome to the forum, John! There's lots of good reading at the Finch Information Center, linked at left, and the members are always ready to help. If you put your general location in your profile, it helps when answering locale-specific questions.

What species do you have? Weaning time depends on the species, but the average is 2-3 weeks after fledging. You will want to make sure the baby is eating AND drinking on its own before it is separated from its parents.

[grocerboy]

These are Zebra finches. JHB

[grocerboy]

One follow up on this, she had to removed from the cage because the two males were pecking at her. We're trying to catch momma and reunite them. JHB

[Sally]

Four weeks is just about weaning time for Zebras, according to the Finch Information Center. However, don't be in too big a rush, as each baby is different. Some of them take a little longer to wean. If it can stay with the parents for a while longer, that is all the better.

You said something about two males. Do you have a trio of two males and one hen? Zebras can be bad about plucking and being territorial, so three is usually not a good combination with them.