Breeding zebras may be related...

[Wombat kisses]

I bought my zebra pair from a breeder. I wanted 2 so that they could have a companion, I didn't intend to let them breed, didn't care about their gender, just told him I wanted the first 2 he caught, which happened to be a male and a female. After having them a month I decided to buy a nest just to keep them comfortable. I knew they might start breeding then, which I decided I was okay with. There have since been a few clutches but no viable eggs.

Until perusing finch forum, I hadn't entertained the thought that my pair could be related or that this could result in complications if they were to breed. Yikes.

The breeder had at least 20 zebras in his aviary. Certainly they couldn't all be closely related, but I have no way of knowing.

If they are, what does this mean in terms of breeding? Is it like any other species of mammal, in that there is a risk of birth defects? Could this be one reason they've not produced any fertile eggs?

Finally, are the types of birth defects that could result from such a pairing severe enough (deformities or major health issues) and common enough that I ought to rehome one of them to prevent their procreating?

[Sally]

If the breeder does colony breeding, where a number of birds are all kept together, there is no way to guarantee that subsequent babies aren't related. Inbreeding is not desirable, but don't let it panic you. One generation rarely results in any problems or birth defects, it is when the inbreeding continues that problems can develop. In fact, many experienced breeders have practiced line breeding for years. It requires keeping perfect breeding records, and outcrossing to unrelated lines, but when done responsibly, line breeding can be done to enhance qualities. Line breeding is usually done by mating father/daughter or mother/son, not brother/sister. I once had a brother/sister pair of Owls raise their one baby, and he was just fine. (This was totally unintentional, not done on purpose!)

The only hesitation I would have is that you have no idea if your two birds are related, and if they are, if their parents were related. Could you check with the breeder? If your pair could be brother/sister, you might want to rehome one and get another mate from a totally different source. That way, you wouldn't have to worry about it at all.

As far as infertile clutches, that could also be because the birds are young and haven't figured out what they are doing yet.

[Wombat kisses]

Thanks Sally! I would contact the breeder, except he got very inappropriate with me when I was trying to leave. Creepy Von Creeperstein

I appreciate you for sharing your wisdom with me again! You have very vast knowlege and very good advice.

[lovezebs]

Wombat kisses

If you didn't want to breed in the first place, then I would remove the nest. Zebras, don't need a nest to sleep in.

[Sally]

Wombat kisses Oh, you have to be careful sometimes! Years ago, I foolishly was going to an apartment complex to pick up some birds advertised on craigslist. I was alone, and I was really wondering if I should go there. When I arrived, it was a beautiful weekend day, the complex was teeming with people all around, and the guy left the door open the whole time I was there. He was a total gentleman, but I realized that I probably should not go alone to a stranger's home, especially when it is a craigslist ad. I started asking people to meet me in public parking lots or similar safe places.

[Wombat kisses]

You are so right, Sally! Your instincts are good, and I'm very glad that your Craigslist stranger turned out to be a gentleman. I got out safely thank god, but it's not the first time I've gotten in trouble for being too trusting. I will remember what you told me and take those precautions in the future!