Zebra finch: incubation period, weaning age and breeding
Zebra finch eggs hatch after 12–14 days of incubation. Chicks fledge at 18–21 days and are weaned and independent at about 28–36 days. A typical clutch is 4–6 eggs.
Breeding numbers
| Item | Value |
|---|---|
| Adult weight (g) | 10-16 (exhibition 16-20) |
| Length (cm) | 10-11.5 |
| Clutch size | 4-6 |
| Incubation (days) | 12-14 |
| Fledging (days) | 18-21 |
| Weaning / independence (days) | 28-36 |
| Breeding age (maturity) | 3–6 months |
| Lifespan (years) | 5-9 |
| Breeding season | All year; rest 3-4 months after 3 rounds |
| Sexing | Visual: cock has orange cheek, chestnut spotted flanks and zebra throat; hen plain grey cheek; juveniles have black beaks. |
Origin: Australia — Scientific name: Taeniopygia castanotis
Size: 10-11 cm, 12-15 g
Breeding and care tips
Easiest finch to breed; limit to three rounds a year then rest. Never pair blackface x blackface or crest x crest, and record sires carefully when mixing the sex-linked MM series (ino/CFW/lightback).
Mutations and colours
Mutations Zajel calculates: Fawn, Chestnut-flanked white, Lightback, Ino (cream-ino), Dominant silver/cream, Isabel (Florida Fancy type), White, Pied, Penguin, Black cheek, Black breast, Orange breast, Black face, Yellow beak, Eumo, Agate/Topaz, Crested. Named only (not confirmed or polygenic — not used in the calculation): Recessive silver (recessive dilute), Saddleback, Grey cheek, Pale cheek, Charcoal.
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
- Red-headed finch
- Gouldian finch
- Bengalese society finch
- Java sparrow
- Owl finch
- Star finch
Frequently asked questions
How long do Zebra finch eggs take to hatch?
Zebra finch eggs hatch after 12-14 days of incubation.
How many eggs does a Zebra finch lay?
Usually 4-6 eggs per clutch.
When do Zebra finch chicks leave the nest?
Chicks fledge at about 18-21 days old.
When are Zebra finch chicks weaned?
They are weaned and independent at about 28-36 days.
At what age can a Zebra finch breed?
A Zebra finch reaches breeding age at about 3–6 months; pairing earlier is not advised.
What is the Zebra finch breeding season?
All year; rest 3-4 months after 3 rounds
How do you tell a male Zebra finch from a female?
Visual: cock has orange cheek, chestnut spotted flanks and zebra throat; hen plain grey cheek; juveniles have black beaks.
How long does a Zebra finch live?
About 5-9 years with good care.