We were only able to make this early


start because our birdrooms are draught and damp free – and equippedwithelectric lighting and heating. Electric lighting has become an essential


for most Zebra finch breeders. With artificial lighting available, those who have to go to work in the daytime can carry out jobs, such as feeding, in the evening, even in the depths of winter. Although you need to study your birds carefully, and make adjustments to get


42 BIRD SCENE


the best out of them, there are breeding basics that remain fairly constant though there is no need to get too anxious just because the timing of a particular phase of the breeding cycle is not exactly to the book. For example, we would expect the first egg to be laid around seven days after pairing, but it can be as soon as four days. In the opposite direction, even a successfully paired hen can take up to three weeks before laying. If no egg appears by that


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