How Early Can You Rehome Baby Finches?

FeatherHarp · Post by **FeatherHarp** » Sun Feb 08, 2009 5:07 pm

When would it be alright to rehome my baby Owl finch? He is not quite weaned yet...but getting there!

I ask because a friend is interested in buying him for her aviary where she already has some Owl finches. I know she is responsible and would take good care of him. She has some BCCB's and Society finches as well.

I don't want to let him go too early so any advice would be much appreciated since I am so new at this breeding thing!

L in Ontario · Post by **L in Ontario** » Sun Feb 08, 2009 5:24 pm

Typically babies are not sold until after being completely weaned. I wouldn't put him into a strange location before that as I think it could prove too stressful - him not knowing where his next meal is coming from... I would say by the age of 2 months IF he is not moulting. It's great that you have a home ready for him already!

dfcauley · Post by **dfcauley** » Sun Feb 08, 2009 5:37 pm

In my experience from the babies I have had, the owls have been the slowest to wean. I have one little one that has been out of the nest for three weeks and has just now stopped begging. It is eating well, but is also molting. I see downy soft feathers all over it. I would not think of rehoming it for at least two more weeks. So be careful to give it plenty of time.

Rayray · Post by **Rayray** » Mon Feb 09, 2009 3:17 am

like Donna and Liz said .... not to early

ray

mickp · Post by **mickp** » Mon Feb 09, 2009 4:11 am

have to agree with what has been said already.
none of my birds are sold until they are 12 months old, luckily I have the space to do this.it makes me feel better knowing that any bird sold is healthy and mature enough to cope where ever it ends up

FeatherHarp · Post by **FeatherHarp** » Mon Feb 09, 2009 9:18 am

Thanks for the advice...I knew not to let him go until he is weaned (and he is taking his sweet time...it's been over two weeks now and he is still begging). It is good to know Owls are slow to wean as I was wondering about that.

I don't see him molting yet but I will wait about a month and see how he is doing at that point. That way I get to enjoy him longer.

The parents seem to really want to nest again. Even though I have removed it the female has dropped a couple more eggs.

Another question: Once the baby is weaned....and I put the nest back in for the parents...would it be advisable to put baby Owl into a separate cage?

I was hoping I would have 2 baby owls so they could keep each other company but oh well.

L in Ontario · Post by **L in Ontario** » Mon Feb 09, 2009 9:23 am

No need to rush the baby owl away from the parents after being weaned. The parents will let you know when it's time for him to go. They will start getting agressive towards him - chasing him all over the cage. I've had that happen with my gouldians once the parents were ready to go at it again. For me, the babies were a little over 1 week after being fully weaned.

williep · Post by **williep** » Mon Feb 09, 2009 3:26 pm

Feather, I agree with everyone here. If there's one thing I've learned it's not to separate young birds too early, what difference is a couple of weeks going to make if the parents aren't aggressive towards him/her?

williep · Post by **williep** » Mon Feb 09, 2009 3:31 pm

Feather, I agree with everyone here. If there's one thing I've learned it's not to separate young birds too early, what difference is a couple of weeks going to make if the parents aren't aggressive towards him/her?