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Age for breeding

Posted: Tue Sep 30, 2014 12:45 am
by CHIRP
I have my babies now for 6-7 months, I am new to this and never was told by the breeder to NOT put breeding boxes in, instead I was told "they breed straight away put in boxes, "

So, I am now on my 3rd attempt so what are my chances, I assume they are now 6-7 months, I have had them 4 and a half months.

Thanks.

Re: Age for breeding

Posted: Tue Sep 30, 2014 5:17 am
by Rox
Hiya,

Everyone has different opinions about this and a lot does have to do with the species of bird you. I would say the bird should be at least 9 months old before you will have any success. You can also risk loosing your hen to egg binding if the bird is too young.

This is off of the FinchInfo site for Zebra Finches

http://www.finchinfo.com/birds/finches/ ... _finch.php

Life Cycle

Clutch size: 4-6 eggs
Incubation date: After the third or fourth egg is laid
Hatch date: After 12-14 days of incubation
Fledge date: At 18-22 days of age
Wean date: Around 30 days of age
Begin molt: 5-8 weeks of age
Complete molt: 2-3 months of age
Sexual maturity: Although Zebra Finches may become sexually mature around 3 months of age, many breeders recommend waiting until the birds are at least 6-9 months of age before breeding them

Re: Age for breeding

Posted: Tue Sep 30, 2014 8:47 am
by CHIRP
Thank you kindly 4 your help and assistance, I appreciate your help A LOT! OK, my female is Ramboess, she very strong- full Calcium and the correct foods SO I think I am ok in that department ( AGAIN thanks to ALL here who helped with that also).

OK, so maybe this time it wont be successful also, but next time for sure.

Re: Age for breeding

Posted: Tue Sep 30, 2014 1:30 pm
by MariusStegmann
CHIRP Zebras will breed as soon as they get their adult colours. If your eggs don't hatch, perhaps your cock bird is firing blanks. Zebras are prolific and breed under all circumstances. An researcher in Australia, caught some wild ones, put it in a cage in the back of his pickup. When he came back to the city, he found that the zebras were breeding.

Re: Age for breeding

Posted: Tue Sep 30, 2014 1:46 pm
by CHIRP
Hey Marius I don't like your tone of voice :x , how dare you say my male is firing blanks, shame man, the poor chappie is only a few months old, firing blanks, how dare you :lol: :lol: :lol: :lol: :lol: :lol: :lol: :lol: Blanks...... noooooooooooooo :shock:

I will wait and see maybe he needs to be 8-9 months as Rox says, I like that idea, not so much the blanks one :D So far Rox is winning the feelings this side 8)

Ha ha, no harm done, just a little fun, yes I understand your point, BUT I HOPE YOU ARE WRONG =D>

Re: Age for breeding

Posted: Wed Oct 01, 2014 1:51 am
by Rox
Hahaha, let's see how it goes. Holding thumbs your boy just needs practice! :wink:

Re: Age for breeding

Posted: Thu Oct 02, 2014 5:06 am
by MariusStegmann
The age thing does not relate to the male. It is female that people are concerned about. Ie too young to pass an egg. Mating does adversely affect the male.
I have had over 50 zebra's that bred without problems just after getting their adult plumage.