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Birds--General/zebra finches

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Expert: - 8/23/2006


Question
Chrys,  I have zebra finches that had there first babies.  They have come out of the nest fine and have started to eat on their own.  I am not sure when I can remove them from their parents.  The father of the babies is chasing a couple of the little ones around the cage is this normal?  I would appreciate any advice on this matter.  Thanks

Answer
Hi, Sharon.  Thanks for posting.

You can separate the babies from their parents as soon as the youngsters are eating and drinking on their own.  I'd say the father is likely chasing some of them around because he wants them out of the cage before the next clutch hatches (mom is most likely already sitting on more eggs).  Also could be that the cage isn't large enough for the parents and all the babies.  Because of their high metabolism, finches need plenty of room to fly/exercise.

In case you aren't aware, zebra finches are very prolific, and if you aren't careful, you'll be overrun with them if you allow them to breed on their own.  You need to control their breeding if you don't want this to happen.  

Chrys  

Birds--General

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Chrys Meatyard

Expertise

I`ve been raising/breeding/handfeeding/selling parrots for over 20 years (parakeets/budgies, cockatiels, 6 subspecies of conures, parrotlets, amazons, lovebirds, etc.). I've been published in "Budgies" and "Cockatiels" offered by Bow Tie Productions, and have written avian articles for publication in England. I can provide advice in raising healthy birds, handfeeding/weaning babies, some health problems (although I'm NOT an avian veterinarian), nail/beak/wing clipping, general husbandry, etc. I also have experience with racing/showing homing pigeons. I cannot diagnose specific illness over this website. If you suspect your bird is ill or if you have an emergency, contact an avian veterinarian or emergency pet clinic ASAP.

Experience

Experience: Over 20 years raising parrots and over 13 years raising pigeons. Organizations: Currently, American Racing Pigeon Union and American Federation of Aviculture. Prior member Miami Valley Bird Club, Southern Ohio Pigeon Association, National Cockatiel Society, Miami Valley Sportsman's Club, others. Publications: Monthly newsletters of bird clubs.

Publications
I've been published in "Budgies" and "Cockatiels" offered by Bow Tie Productions, and have written avian articles for publication in England.

Education/Credentials
American Federation of Aviculture, completed Level I course, Fundamentals of Aviculture. Keeping/breeding parrots and other birds for over 20 years.

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