Ask Lafeber

Breeding and Separation

I bought 3 zebra finches from the pet store (It turned out I had a regular male and female, and a mutant black faced male.) After reading many of your answers I learned that I was given a lot of misinformation. I was told they always needed a nest and nesting material to feel safe in their cage. Voila! 2 weeks later, I have 3 baby chicks that I was not planning on. After some research, I have bought flight cages to separate males and females when they are ready. 1) Can I separate the male and female that mated, or since they’re bonded, will they die? 2)Can the adult black faced male be put in with the male chick. 3)Is it true that you can put the babies in another cage when their beaks turn from black to orange?
Thanks, Susan

Hi,

That pair really got down to business in record time! I would guess they were already breeders, or they would not have settled down and bred so soon after going to a new home. If the breeding pair is really bonded, I would not split them up. Just do not give them a nest again. I realize this means their own cage, but it’s not good to split up a pair if they are closely bonded. Chicks can be separated from the parents as soon as they are eating on their own and no longer being fed by the parents. Usually you will notice the parents starting to chase them and not wanting them around anymore. As for putting the adult male with a male chick, you can try and just watch them closely for signs of bullying. It’s always best to have as many food stations as birds.

Thank you for asking Lafeber,

Brenda