I’ve read multiple sites on how to stop Zebra Finches from breeding. The sites would say to remove the nest and allow the birds to mature nine months before breeding.
When I found my Zebra Finches, they were already grown birds. I did not intend for my Zebra Finches to breed because I was uncertain of their age. However, my male Zebra Finch would tear apart millet strands and decorate one side of the cage in attempt to build a nest. In which looked like the male was building a bouquet rather than a nest because the nest was so sparse that no egg could be laid there.
In the male’s continued attempt to top off the nest, the male Zebra Finch would plaster (or wallpaper the cage) a sheet of newspaper on the side of the cage that I’d place at the bottom to line the cage with. I don’t think the female had been too pleased with the architecture of the flimsy to nonexistent nest. The female would have to be a magician in order to lay eggs on thin air.
Nest or no nest, the Zebra Finches still bred and laid eggs at the bottom of the cage. It’s been over a month now, and the eggs have not hatched (Incubation of eggs take approximately 14 days to hatch). Moreover, I have yet to see either of the birds incubating the eggs.
I’ve been weary that the eggs wouldn’t hatch because the pair would still squabble and each time that I’d observe the birds from afar, they’re sitting on the perch instead of on the eggs.
Although I had originally attempted to prevent the birds from breeding by removing the male’s nests, the pair still bred; therefore I happily supported them. The first clutch was not accidental on the eager birds’ account; unfortunately, either the eggs are infertile or the birds are not mature enough to take care of a brood.
The eggs are still at the bottom of the cage and still intact, but are long overdue. I’m pondering if I should remove the eggs. Nonetheless, I’m concerned that I might offend the pair by taking away their precious eggs.
Since I’m still a new bird owner, I’m going to do a more extensive research on how to prevent breeding without having to separate the two love birds. I’m not banning the pair from breeding; I just want them to wait until they are mature enough to be successful parents. Meanwhile, buy me some additional time to better educate myself on how to assist them.
More from Mindy Mai:
Zebra Finch New Parents (Reasons why Zebra Finches destroy their eggs)
My Zebra Finches Behaviors ( Reasons why Zebra Finches lose their feathers)
Zebra Finch Feather Loss (How to regrow feathers for Zebra Finches)
Source:
Personal experience