Star finch

[PeterEllis]

Hi I have Just started with some more challenging finches. My star finch pair were doing fine when the cock bird died. I quickly replaced it and a week later I have an egg in the nest. Was waiting for more but nothing for two days now. Could this be because she lost her original partner? the new partner seems very interested in his new mate and she seems to of accepted him.

[Sally]

There is always the possibility that the lone egg was fertilized by the original male. Females can hold sperm in their bodies for about 16 days. Since these two have only been together for about a week, they are still in the process of bonding. I would just wait and see what happens. She may not incubate this egg, or she may start laying more. Any fertile eggs that she lays for about 16 days after that first cock died can be from either of the males. After that period of time, any fertile eggs will be from her new mate.

Welcome to the forum! There's lots of good reading at www.finchinfo.com, where you will find many articles on breeding and especially the Star finch. I used to have Stars, they are one of my favorites. If you put your general location in your profile, it makes it easier to answer locale-specific questions later on.

[PeterEllis]

Thanks Sally, that has been very helpful