Zebra Finches

M25

Hi Everyone,

I have a two zebra finches a male & a hen. I'm breeding them at the moment. It is my first time breeding these & i'm concerned about the male. He is building the nest which I know is common. But he is lying down on his belly & his tail is low, is this normal? Hes like hes lying flat on the ground or he looks to be in the mating position of the Hen. The Hen is just eating she hasnt gone near the nest yet. I'm a bit worried about him not sure if hes okay? I do have the genders correct for that I'm very sure. The Hen has a bit of an orange beak while the male has a very red one with bright orange cheeks.

Could anyone help me please? Would really appreciate some advice.

micheleabc

Hi,
have you provided a nest box for the finches? they do not build nests on the ground, maybe that's why the female is not that interested? The males are very quick to put a few scraps together to line the box but usually the female does not seem to be that interested until the box appears.

M25

Hi,

Yes I have given them a nest box and he has made a big nest in it ready for them, but she hasnt gone near it yet & they do not seem to be mating. Am I too early yet to start in the year?

micheleabc

I aborted breeding my finches as they were just munching on the eggs but it normally takes about 2 weeks for the female to start laying once the box is introduced. good luck and fingers crossed it will happen for you.