Information on Zebra Finches

I just got 4 Zebra finches, 2 girls and 2 boys. I have both pairs in the same cage. One pair already laid 4 eggs. But, the father is always sitting on the eggs, and the mother sits on them only sometimes. Is this normal?

By AnimalGirl1O1 from North Hills, CA

Answers:

Information on Zebra Finches

It's normal for the male and female finches to share incubation time. As it get closer to the time the babies will hatch, momma will begin spending more and more time on the eggs. She's off eating to bolster herself up so she can feed the little ones.

Once they hatch, for a day or so, she'll probably spend all her time with the chicks feeding and guarding them; the male bird will feed her. After a few days, the male will be allowed to keep the chicks warm while mom goes on a brief feeding frenzy. (06/15/2010)

By MaryAnn