Ask Lafeber

Zebra finch chick

I recently separated my 4 week-old zebra finch chick from its parents because they were chasing him around the cage as if they didn’t want him there. I also noticed him eat on his own and drink water, so I moved him into another cage next to his parents’ cage. Now I am worried that I may have separated him too early because he seems quieter, less active, and is perching, but not doing much else. Did I separate him too early? Should I return him to his parents’ cage?

Hi Helen,

As long as he is eating on his own, he can be away from the parents. It is natural for them to chase him. In the wild they would chase him away once he is weaned. So in captivity, they need to be removed from the parent’s cage as soon as they can eat on their own. As for the pair, you should always remove the nest as soon as the chicks leave it, or the pair will nest again too soon. Rest them for a few months before letting them nest again.

Thank you for asking Lafeber,

Brenda