I have always been interested in small birds. My interest in Zebra Finches began when I visited a Natural Surrounding's store in the Mall where they kept a small cage of them. Their soft calls were relaxing to me and I decided to get some of my own.
I started with one pair in 1997 named Lois and Clark. Many of the finches I have now are descended from that one pair. I still have one female that was born that year---the matriarch of the flock. I have since added two pairs of society finches and a gouldian finch who is now about 8 years old. I bought a wife for him shortly after I bought him from a private owner, but she died within a month. Unable to find another, he was placed in a cage with a female society finch and they fostered an egg from another pair of societies.
Over the years I have added to my flock from different sources to vary the gene pool. I've had great success in breeding Zebra finches --- normals, light grey's and whites, but only limited success in breeding societies.
I sell the offspring of my Zebra's when I can to area pet stores and to individuals through local advertising. I have never tried shipping birds because it wouldn't be cost effective for my small breeding program.
Selling my birds doesn't bring great profit, but helps to defray the cost of keeping them. |
