Editing Australian zebra finch (section)

=== Nesting ===
For nesting, it is recommended to provide the birds with a [[Nest box|nesting box]] with the dimensions {{convert|15|x|15|x|15|cm|in|abbr=on}} and material for building the nest, such as [[hay]] and [[cotton]]. If a nest is provided, breeding will typically begin ~1 week after pairing.<ref>{{Cite journal |last1=Olson |first1=Christopher R. |last2=Wirthlin |first2=Morgan |last3=Lovell |first3=Peter V. |last4=Mello |first4=Claudio V. |date=2014-10-23 |title=Proper Care, Husbandry, and Breeding Guidelines for the Zebra Finch, Taeniopygia guttata |journal=Cold Spring Harbor Protocols |volume=2014 |issue=12 |pages=1243–1248 |doi=10.1101/pdb.prot084780 |issn=1940-3402 |pmc=4574870 |pmid=25342067}}</ref> The female usually lays 5 eggs<ref name="Zann335" /> that are then incubated for 14 - 16 days.<ref name="Hauber2014" /> Young zebra finches fledge about 17 to 18 days after hatching.<ref name="hbwc" /> They feed themselves by around 35 days after hatching, although they are still socially dependent on their parents during this time; the young become socially independent between 36 and 50 days after hatching. They also develop sexually dimorphic plumage during this period.<ref name="ZannRunciman2008" /> These finches are quick to attain sexual maturity, with most first attempting to form pair bonds and breed when they get close to 80 days in age.<ref name="Zann84–85" />