FINCHforum

Hi there, I just got the cutest Bengali Zebra finches. I know they are a couple.

I am used to breeding budgies but finches are different, how can I tell when the female is ready. Are the females like budgies with their ceres?
Also how can I tell how old they are?

Any tips will help.

Thanks

***isibee***

Zebras will breed at the drop of a hat!
Unless they still have their juvenille plumage, it would be hard to tell their age. Some species will be in breeding condition when their beaks turn a different color, or when they are in breeding plumage. Not with Zebras though. Zebras are like little Gremlins, who are just waiting to breed non-stop.

one thing I noticed when I had zebras was that their beak color got brighter when they were in breeding condition

Wait till hen on perch....does she look healthy???

28 days later are there lots of little 'look-a-likes' on the perch next to her???

Yes....she was in breeding condition.

Paul.

ok let s say they did mate, how long after the mating game I could see some eggs...what kind of nest is better?

How long before they are hatched and weaned?
Do they need egg food just like budgies?

thanks

The FIC, linked at left, can answer all your questions. Be sure to read the species info on Zebras, there is a chart there that gives a timeline for breeding.