FINCHforum

I was just wondering when do zebra finches go through their first molt? And more importantly what exactly does this mean (probably a really stupid question)
Does the young zebra finch lose its feathers and regain adult ones and molt like an adult does?
Also can you tell whether a zebra finch is male or female before its first molt? Little Twiggy is 2months old in a couple of days and her/his beak is slowly going orange with just a bit more black to go, Twiggs is showing no signs of attemptin to sing or any male colours so are assuming its a girl but i'm often wrong.

This is the first zebra finch we've bred so i'm not really sure what to expect and what should be happening in regards to molting etc

thanks in advance =)

Zebs don't go through a yearly molt like Gouldians. Zebs slowly lose and replace feathers throughout the year, so they don't really go through a molt per say. Unless your zeb baby is white or pied, you can start to tell pretty quickly which are the males. They will get orange cheeks. Also, when they mature, their beaks will be red or very dark orange, the hens will have a lighter orange beak.

In all honesty, I've never really "seen" our guys molt. The introduction of adult plumage is so gradual that it's difficult to take note of. Once those cheek patches, breast bars and polka dots start to come in, it happens pretty quick. And in most cases there really isn't a scraggly appearance in the interim.

Sorry but I can't remember what mutation your little Twiggy is. If one of the lighter mutations than male markings may not be overly evident. But if darker, than chances are you have a little girl. Especially if there hasn't been any evidence of that cool scratchy little song that the boys try and belt out. We have several around Twiggy's age and right now the bird room is filled with the adolescent squeaking of young males. Absolutely hysterical.

I think i read somewhere the process starts at roughly 3 months old, but just book knowledge,

Yes, that is right. Its at 2.5-3 months they molt. They loose feathers gradually all over and replacement of feathers take 6 weeks. Thats why it seems long and for most not noticeable.

Thanks guys. Twiggy is a normal zebra finch, though she's a lot darker than the adult ones, i'm assuming she'll be lighter in colour once she molts? I'm guessing she's a girl, no attempted singing from her. Thanks for help

What is the last feathers to molt in?
My zebra chicks are part way thru their molt, and I'm watching for when their molt ends, so I can move them in with the adults.
I am keeping them separated for feeding. Because they are molting, I give them ALL the egg they can eat, which I do not do for the other birds.

Are you wanted to mate them? Its usually a good idea to let them get to at least 6 (some will say 9) months before you try to breed them.

Otherwise, just be prepared for any female chick to be attracting attention from any unpairedn male... pretty much instantly.