FINCHforum

How long before they start getting adult plumage?

I wish I had kept a journal on my breeding pairs, so I would know just how long it took for each stage. They should come out of the nest looking like small Owls, with all the markings, but then the FIC says they should begin their adult molt by 10 weeks of age and complete it by 3 months.

John...I was thinking of you today while watching my owls build nest. I was wondering if you did indeed have an owl chick.

So your little one is an owl!!!!! I have been away from the forum due to an emergency and just noticed your post. I am very happy for you.

cindy wrote:John...I was thinking of you today while watching my owls build nest. I was wondering if you did indeed have an owl chick.

So your little one is an owl!!!!! I have been away from the forum due to an emergency and just noticed your post. I am very happy for you.

Cindy, It does not look like an owl. I am thinking it is a spice finch. I watched it for a while today, the owl mom is protective of it and thinks its hers but it looks like a spice finch to me. No owl markings what so ever. I knew it was too good to be true. But I have a nest full of Star babies. This is the first clutch they are actually raising. Also I noticed I have more gold breast than I remember. So they have been fledging behind my back.

My owls already had their markings before they fledged the nest so it most likely ins't an owl baby. Mine are about 2 and a half months and are going through their aldult plumage now.

John, it looks like you have a good forster mom in the owl female. Spice finches are very nice birds, I had a pair many yrs ago.

I am so pleased you finally got Star babies, bet you are happy as can be with them!

Can never have to many Gold Breasts, they are adorable, sweet little birds!