Now the zebra finch have me stumped.

Hey everyone. I've got a pair of non-related zebra finch, the female is 8 weeks old and the male is 3 months old. I would eventually like to breed them, but not for quite awhile as they are much too young right now. I'd first like to know as much as possible about their breeding behavior. Do they have a breeding season? Do both parents take care of the eggs/babies? What food can I feed them to condition them? What is a good age to start breeding? What nest type do they prefer?
Also, my female jumps on the males back every once in awhile, is she just playing? Any answeres will be appreciated, thanks in advance!
-Mandi

 

both parents take care of the babies.

It sounds to me like they have started to breed without you. (That is how mine acted and now i have two eggs. One more for sure coming tomorrow.)

Do a google search on zebra finches and you will get lots of information.

http://www.google.com/

 

There is a post on zebra finches a little ways down of the forum that might also be f some help it is mainly about breeding.

 

Hi at 8weeks old the female should be in a cage of her own as egg laying this young can be fatal.Both parents sit on the eggs and raise the chicks.

But again you should not breed these birds yet they are to young you should wait until they are both 6-12months old before allowing them to breed.

Remove anything from the cage that resembles a nesting box if you have the cup feeders and drinkers change these to the tubular ones as they will nest in the food dishes aswell.

Mike