Star finch: incubation period, weaning age and breeding
Star finch eggs hatch after 12–14 days of incubation. Chicks fledge at 20–22 days and are weaned and independent at about 35–42 days. A typical clutch is 3–5 eggs.
Breeding numbers
| Item | Value |
|---|---|
| Adult weight (g) | 10-12 |
| Length (cm) | 10-12 |
| Clutch size | 3-5 |
| Incubation (days) | 12-14 |
| Fledging (days) | 20-22 |
| Weaning / independence (days) | 35-42 |
| Breeding age (maturity) | 6–9 months |
| Lifespan (years) | 5-8 |
| Breeding season | Spring-summer; warm room |
| Sexing | Cock: larger red mask reaching behind eye and brighter body; hen smaller mask; yellow-face birds show the same size difference. |
Origin: Northern Australia — Scientific name: Neochmia ruficauda
Size: 10-12 cm
Breeding and care tips
Needs live food and half-ripe seeding grasses; peaceful in mixed aviaries.
Mutations and colours
Mutations Zajel calculates: Yellow-faced, Recessive pied. Named only (not confirmed or polygenic — not used in the calculation): Fawn, Grey, Dark belly.
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 Star finch eggs take to hatch?
Star finch eggs hatch after 12-14 days of incubation.
How many eggs does a Star finch lay?
Usually 3-5 eggs per clutch.
When do Star finch chicks leave the nest?
Chicks fledge at about 20-22 days old.
When are Star finch chicks weaned?
They are weaned and independent at about 35-42 days.
At what age can a Star finch breed?
A Star finch reaches breeding age at about 6–9 months; pairing earlier is not advised.
What is the Star finch breeding season?
Spring-summer; warm room
How do you tell a male Star finch from a female?
Cock: larger red mask reaching behind eye and brighter body; hen smaller mask; yellow-face birds show the same size difference.
How long does a Star finch live?
About 5-8 years with good care.