Babies taken out and into new cage at age 27 days.

HepburnShoeMee · Post by **HepburnShoeMee** » Wed Feb 27, 2008 9:29 pm

Today I did take the babies out of the cage. Parents were really starting to get quite aggressive and started plucking feathers. Zebra babies were eating and drinking on their own, so it went well. They were not scared of my hand when it came time to transfer them into the new cage which was quite a surprise - one chick even jumped on my finger.

My concern is now - they are going nuts. I had to separate the cages and put them in different rooms. They are just frantic and I'm assuming that its because they are looking for each other. I do believe that I will be the crazy ol' bird lady soon if they don't settle down. I am sure they can hear each other in the rooms so they are peeping back and forth. Good thing my husband is out of town for a few days - ha.

This picture was taken during the transfer. What a delicate little thing.
At what age will the beaks start to turn colors and sex be noticeable? Poor guys I can't even give them names - I don't know what sex they are. Ha.

Thanks to everyone for helping me thru this first batch. What a great experience.

Christine

L in Ontario · Post by **L in Ontario** » Wed Feb 27, 2008 9:45 pm

He sure looks safe and secure in there! As long as you keep an eye on them to make sure they keep eating/drinking and have dishes on the floor of the new cage for them, things should be fine.

Best wishes for the babies!

FeatherHarp · Post by **FeatherHarp** » Thu Feb 28, 2008 8:13 am

He looks so sweet in your hand....how fun to have little babies even though they are noisy...hehe!

Here is part of some info I copied from this link: Finch Info. Center (Species)

Zebra Finch 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

Post by **Sally** » Thu Feb 28, 2008 8:56 pm

It isn't too long before they will start to get their markings, and their beaks will change color. I just went thru this with Zebras, and for the life of me, I can't remember just how long it took, but was soon after they were weaned. Within a couple of weeks, you should be able to tell the sex of all of them. It is a good thing you went ahead and separated them--the parents, especially the male, will pluck them bald if they get aggressive like that.

HepburnShoeMee · Post by **HepburnShoeMee** » Thu Feb 28, 2008 9:37 pm

Yes they seem to be doing really well. I am quite happy. I was very confused though since I separated them in two different cages, I couldn't have the cages beside each other without them freaking out.

But today I put a piece of paper between the two and they are quite happy and content. They can still hear each other - but they are not panicking like they did at all. Anxious to see their markings and color come thru - thanks everyone.

Fancie Flight · Post by **Fancie Flight** » Sat Mar 01, 2008 5:04 am

aww he/ she is adorable, lol gotta love those babies.