Splitting up the family?

equus2 · Post by **equus2** » Mon Sep 01, 2008 11:10 am

Mom and Dad Zebs have started another clutch, and their kids are about 6-7 weeks old. The babies are eating seed and fairest finches eggfood recipe. Mom and dad are also feeding them, but pushing them around a bit (off the perches, away from the nest, etc.)

Shall I separate them?

Thanks!!

L in Ontario · Post by **L in Ontario** » Mon Sep 01, 2008 1:28 pm

Eating on their own comes first for fledgling birds. It's the drinking that you MUST make sure they do on their own. Only after you see them eat AND drink consistantly on their own can you consider them weaned and then separate them.

If the parents are not showing aggression towards the youngsters, I'd say they are okay for a little while longer.

Keep us posted.

jamezyboo21 · Post by **jamezyboo21** » Mon Sep 01, 2008 2:40 pm

Definently, Iwould wait till you have seen them eat and drink on there own for a few days. And, yeah if the parents are okay with them still being in the same cage i would leave them till there at least 6-8 weeks old and fully weaned. Make sureto seperate the male and females though before they start to breed with each other.

williep · Post by **williep** » Wed Sep 03, 2008 7:13 am

equus2, looks like you have some good advice regarding the weaning process. Keep in mind that zebras love to start a new clutch when still feeding a previous clutch. I always remove my nest day 3 after the last baby has fledged. This enables the parents to concentrate on feeding and raising the babies and gives them some time off from the extra stress associated with breeding. Once you remove them (based on Liz's post) you can replace the nest and they will get into breeding again, they are Zebs after all!