Zebras in quarantine just won't listen!!

moe moe2 · Post by **moe moe2** » Thu Mar 27, 2008 10:13 am

what is in your wet mix?

williep · Post by **williep** » Fri Mar 28, 2008 2:02 am

I provide:

1 X-Large or Jumbo egg, or 2 small ones
2 Tsp hulled sunflower seeds
2 Tsp commercial dried eggfood with dried herbs and added vitimans
1 Tsp crushed egg shell
2 Tsp Sprouted seeds

I then add small pieces of veg that I have available usually 1/2 carrot, cabbage, spinach or something and chop it in the mini-blender.

I usually provide fruits separate as it makes the wet mix too wet (if that makes any sense). If I add grapes or something it only lasts about 2-3 days in the fridge otherwise it lasts 4 -5 days.

This is enough to feed about 14-18 finches for about 4 days.

moe moe2 · Post by **moe moe2** » Fri Mar 28, 2008 6:33 am

hey what herb do you use are they fresh or dried because i have a house full of dry herb that i use for my hair andi can spare some for my babies

jamezyboo21 · Post by **jamezyboo21** » Sun Mar 30, 2008 11:53 pm

Wow, those are cool breeding boxes you should get them patent.

williep · Post by **williep** » Mon Mar 31, 2008 1:45 am

Moe moe, the mix I use has dried herbs in them, I'm sure you'll be able to use the dried herbs you have. I'll check exactly what herbs are in the mix and post it tomorrow but I've given my birds fresh rosemary, thyme and oregano and they love it.

williep · Post by **williep** » Mon Apr 07, 2008 4:52 am

So the babies weaned over the weekend. I caught them and placed open bands on them, then separated them to their own flight cage.

The flight is twice the height of my breeding cages to encourage them to exercise.

I had not removed the nest when they fledged as they still sometimes slept in it at night.

I was about to remove the nest to give my pair a rest until I saw 5 new eggs in the nest!!! I couldn’t believe it, this pair just won't quit, I replaced the nest and the hen immediately returned to the nest. I couldn't believe that I could have missed this, but I thought the hen was feeding some of the young in the nest or just starting to show interest in breeding again, but here we sit with 5 more eggs. She started incubating seriously this morning so let’s see what happens.

moe moe2 · Post by **moe moe2** » Mon Apr 07, 2008 8:41 am

I dont know if i should say congrats or not (are you happy )

but i want to know how you do it man

williep · Post by **williep** » Mon Apr 07, 2008 9:31 am

moe moe2, I think this is more a case of being surprised than not being happy. Of course I want them to breed but this is very short notice, usually I like to give my breeding pairs a month or so to recover.

The pair are in excellent health and don't seem tired at all, I only have 2 children (one 3 years and the other 3 months) and I look like death everyday at work so I wonder how they do it.

williep · Post by **williep** » Fri May 16, 2008 4:31 am

Update2:

Their second batch of babies fledged over the weekend and all four are doing great. The weaned babies from the first clutch have already colored and I gave two of them away already to a breeder friend.

This pair boggles me as they fledged 2 clutches in 45 days (from fledging to fledging) and raised 2 clutches within 3 months from the date I acquired them.

I removed the nest and am giving them a rest for a month or two as soon as the second clutch weans.

williep · Post by **williep** » Mon May 19, 2008 6:33 am

Here is a photo of the second clutch with the 4 fledglings.

Post by **Sally** » Mon May 19, 2008 10:52 am

Very nice BC Zebras! You have a good proven pair in the parents. Congrats!

poohbear · Post by **poohbear** » Mon May 19, 2008 1:24 pm

[quote="williep"]
1. I provide quite large breeding cages that are closed on 3 sides (48"x28"x26"high)
2. I provide a balanced diet (according to my best knowledge)
3. I include a lot of eggs and sunflower seeds in my wet mix (I believe the high protein encourages breeding)
4. I rarely disturb my birds, once a day to feed them and once at night to close the breeding room

And THAT people is how to breed finches...If you want pretty cages and entertainment 24/7 don't expect cages full of chicks.

Paul.

williep · Post by **williep** » Tue May 20, 2008 1:55 am

Thanks for the replies guys. I am glad I removed the nest early this time as she was looking to get into it during the day again. She just can't seem to take the hint that she is going to rest whether she likes it or not.

mickp · Post by **mickp** » Tue May 20, 2008 5:16 am

make sure there is no nesting material anywhere within their reach Willie, zebras never seem to do what we would like

FINCHforum

Zebras in quarantine just won't listen!!

Pic added of new clutch