Red-cheeked cordon-bleu: incubation period, weaning age and breeding
Red-cheeked cordon-bleu eggs hatch after 11–13 days of incubation. Chicks fledge at 17–21 days and are weaned and independent at about 35 days. A typical clutch is 3–6 eggs.
Breeding numbers
| Item | Value |
|---|---|
| Adult weight (g) | 9-11 |
| Length (cm) | 12-13 |
| Clutch size | 3-6 |
| Incubation (days) | 11-13 |
| Fledging (days) | 17-21 |
| Weaning / independence (days) | 35 |
| Breeding age (maturity) | 9–12 months |
| Lifespan (years) | 5-7 |
| Breeding season | Warm months (24-28 °C) |
| Sexing | Cock has red cheek patch; hen none. |
Origin: East and Central Africa — Scientific name: Uraeginthus bengalus
Size: 12-13 cm, 9-11 g
Breeding and care tips
Cold-sensitive; will not rear young without daily live food.
Mutations and colours
No colour mutation of this species is confirmed in the sources.
Zajel's genetics lab predicts chick colours from both parents for established mutations only; disputed ones are shown with a note and left out of the calculation.
Need the exact date? Use the egg hatch calculator and the weaning age chart.
Related species
- Budgerigar
- Canary
- Zebra finch
- Red-headed finch
- Gouldian finch
- Bengalese society finch
- Java sparrow
- Owl finch
Frequently asked questions
How long do Red-cheeked cordon-bleu eggs take to hatch?
Red-cheeked cordon-bleu eggs hatch after 11-13 days of incubation.
How many eggs does a Red-cheeked cordon-bleu lay?
Usually 3-6 eggs per clutch.
When do Red-cheeked cordon-bleu chicks leave the nest?
Chicks fledge at about 17-21 days old.
When are Red-cheeked cordon-bleu chicks weaned?
They are weaned and independent at about 35 days.
At what age can a Red-cheeked cordon-bleu breed?
A Red-cheeked cordon-bleu reaches breeding age at about 9–12 months; pairing earlier is not advised.
What is the Red-cheeked cordon-bleu breeding season?
Warm months (24-28 °C)
How do you tell a male Red-cheeked cordon-bleu from a female?
Cock has red cheek patch; hen none.
How long does a Red-cheeked cordon-bleu live?
About 5-7 years with good care.