Are my zebras old enough to move to their new cage?

[hailee]

I have 5 four week old zebra finches and their parents that I am going to move to a much larger cage but I wanted to wait long enough before I move them so that it won't be too stressful. I am going to move all 7 to the new cage, I have seen the babies eat on their own, but they still call for food about two or three times a day, would it be ok to move them now? I don't want them to feel cramped in the cage since there are 5 more than before. The new cage will be in the same spot. Would it be ok for me to move them today?

[nelloyello11]

Is there fighting or bickering going on between them already? From my experience, I suggest waiting another week or so if you can. I moved my first clutch at 5.5 weeks. I had seen all three eating a drinking on their own, and pretty much no begging anymore. I put the parents in one cage a d the babies in another. Very soon after, I lost the only male from the clutch. I think the move was just too stressful and his body couldn't handle it well.

Obviously, if there is fighting going on amongst them because of the close quarters, that is stressful for them as well. But if not, I say give it a little longer to let them get even stronger before moving them.

[nelloyello11]

Also, when you do move them, make sure there are food and water dishes in easily accessible and visible places so everyone can find them.

[hailee]

There is no fighting going on at all, I have read that zebras can be aggressive, but I haven't seen any fighting whatsoever, they are always beeping and meeping and singing, maybe it's just because they are my zebras, but I feel like my parents are the perfect parents, both the mom and dad still feed the chicks and take turns even though it is at 4 weeks now, and believe the dad usually takes over the feeding alone at that point, and they all roost in a line - dad, mom, and the five - so cute!!! I love the little family so much and want them to remain comfortable and happy.

[hailee]

But I do think I will wait then until they stop calling for food before I move them, thank you for the help!

[ac12]

5 weeks is 2 week after fledging.
Since there isn't any aggression going on, I would give it another week before you move them. Ideally wait for the chicks to stop being fed by the parents. Then you KNOW they are weaned.

[cindy]

I agree, if they are calling for food that often then they still need mom and dad. Do not move them until the begging completely stops. Some chicks will take longer to wean off in a group.

Do not move them separately as they wean but as a group, they will find comfort in being together. Some parents will not mind if the youngs stay with them past weaning. Others are less accepting and when they are weaned the parents are apt to chase and want their home back!

Each pair is different.