Zebra Finch Behavior

[abalzan]

I've got 2 pairs of Zebra finches, as well as 1 of the pairs 6 youngish fledglings in a smallish aviary.

The pairs are what i thought were bonded however i've noticed some strange behavior over the last few days.

1 pair had starting to lay some eggs last week and she has now finished laying and both her and her mate are sitting on the eggs.

The other pair started laying a few days ago however every time this females "mate" goes anywhere near the eggs/nest she chases him away. If the other male goes nears the eggs though (the one already bonded to the other female) she leaves him be, and allows him to sit on her eggs/tend the nest.

Would it be safe to assume that the 2nd bonded pair aren't actually bonded at all and that she has in fact mated with the other male?

I am seriously confused by their behavior and am starting to think it might be best to take the other male out as nether females like him anywhere near their nests, but am concerned that if he is indeed the mate to the 2nd female by removing him it might cause even more conflict.

Any help or ideas would be greatly appreciated, thanks.

[vettepilot_6]

Sounds like first male has been a wandering....I would take the harrassed male out.

[finches247]

Agree with VP Take harassed male out.

[BlackCobra]

Its funny were been talking in another thread about using 1 male Canary over other hens, & here it has happened without you even trying, LOL
I would pull the other male out & after the eggs have hatched & young raised put him with one of the hens in another cage until they bond.

[abalzan]

Thanks for the replies.

I figured i should remove him, and have done so.