FINCHforum

lovezebs Elana, remember my poor, plucked Zebra rescues? 2 out of 4 eggs have hatched. I'm not sure when but I know it's been since Thursday because that's when my I last checked the nest. I have a firm non-check policy, lol. This is my first clutch ever! And, likely my last because I'm not a breeder. And, as cindy mentioned, they may be related so i don't want to be breeding a bunch of inbred zebs. My plan will be to separate my zebras by sex and have 2 different flights, assuming these I have at least one of each sex in this clutch. So my question is, when will I need to so this? How old (assuming everyone survives) are zebras when they fledge, and when will I be able to separate them? I know sometimes dads can get a little anxious to breed more babies and start picking on their kids and I want to avoid that. Will I be able to tell gender once their feathers come in? Thanks for all your help and please forgive my excited rambling!
Erin

My Christmas babes...

How exciting for you!!!! i will leave the answers to your questions to the experts. Just wanted to say congratulations!

Congratulations!!

erine

Congratulations Erine!

Babies are always exciting, but most especially right before Christmas . Very happy for you sweetie.

If I remember right (double check this on line), Zebras, take approximately two weeks more or less , to fledge.

Once fledged, they take another two or three weeks to be completely weaned (if I remember right ).

So therefore, you still have a while before you have to worry about seperating individuals into different flights.

Once you see all babies out of the nest for two or three days, and the dates coincide with fledging dates, it is safe to assume that they are fledglings. It is then safe, to remove the nest. If there are any eggs in the nest, discard them, because it is not unusual for parents to have started on round two.

After fledglings are completely weaned, (parents refusing to feed them, and you see younglings eating and drinking on their own) it is safe to remove them to another flight, where they can undergo their first molt.

I would keep nests out of the flights.

Good luck, and once again, CONGRATULATIONS !

Congratulations!

So cute!

lovezebs (or anyone else with wisdom) One of my zebras babes flew the nest today. It's sitting in the grit cup looking a little stunned. The other three are still in the nest but I noticed that mom isn't sleeping there at night anymore. These chicks are 17-18 days old. Do I need to put him back in the nest at night? Or be on the lookout for anything in particular? Thanks!

Here is my first little fledgling from my first clutch ever!

No, wait, let's try this one!

erine

Congratulations Erine !

You could try putting him back in the nest if he looks worried. However, with those dates, it sounds like it just might be FLEDGING TIME ! If you put him back and he pops out again, you'll know for sure that he's fledged. Sometimes I'll put these eager beavers back at night time (just to keep them warm while they sleep).

Now just keep an eye to make sure that parents keep feeding the fledglings. I would also place a shallow dish with a bit of water at the bottom of your flight, and hang some spray millet close to the perches or areas where your babies will take up their favourite positions.

P.S. Once chicks are feathered, parents don't spend as much time in the nest with the chicks. It's normal, so no worries

Congrats! They're cute!!

They're out, they're out! One little one has been in and out for the past couple of days and this morning, they were all out. lovezebs, I have taken your advice with regards to placement of food and water. But, I absolutely do not want another clutch and I see dad is starting to add to the nest. Can is take it away at this point? Or is it too early? Eager little beavers, aren't they?
Erin

Zebras will often start the next clutch as soon as the first one fledges (or sometimes even while the babies are still in the nest!). With the babies being fully feathered, and if the room is warm enough, they can stay out of the nest all the time now. I personally would remove the nest either now or within the next couple of days.

Sally Thanks! They are fully feathered and in a warm room. That nest is outta there!