Problem: Article: Zebra finches are physically mature enough to start breeding from around 3 months of age. But it is advisable to wait until the finches are more mature at 6 months of age before breeding. If you have the space to keep several birds, its fine to keep more hens than cocks. But if you are using indoor cages, then one pair of finches (one of either sex) in the same cage works best. A happy male zebra finch uses a special song to woo the female, and will "bounce" on the perch to impress her. The mother finch will lay around 8 eggs. This means that when the eggs hatch, there may be 10 birds all in the same space. If it is cramped, they will be stressed. This can result in poor health or even fatalities. Provide several clean, new nests so that your zebra finches can choose the one they want to raise their family in. Zebra finches like an enclosed nest box with a single entrance hole. Zebra finches prefer wicker nest boxes. These types of nests are not great for disinfecting afterwards, however. If you opt for wicker, consider it as a single-use box. Throw it out after each clutch of eggs and replace it with a new one. Check out your local pet store for suitable nests. The nest box should contain a substrate that is warm and comfortable. Dried grass (hay) works well. Use caution with man-made substrates made of cotton (such as those sold for hamster bedding). These contain fibers which could get tangled around your birds' legs or necks. Zebra finches want to feel safe while nesting. Consider attaching the nesting box to the side of the cage as near to the top as possible (rather than resting on the floor of the cage). Your finch cage should be situated in a quiet place in your house. You don't want the nesting birds to feel threatened by potential predators, such as the house cat or dog. Take inventory of the number of eggs that have been laid without disturbing the nest. The mother will lay a clutch of about 8 eggs, at a rate of about one egg per day. The female bird starts to incubate the eggs as soon as they are laid, but both birds will take turns in keeping the eggs warm. The eggs will hatch after about 2 weeks. If three weeks have passed and the eggs have not hatched, they are infertile. Remove them quickly. Then the mother will lay new fresh eggs. It is impossible to distinguish new eggs from the infertile ones, so it's important to keep them separate. Separate the mating pair between clutches. Make sure to give your birds a rest before the breed again. After 21 days, the chicks will leave the nest to explore the rest of the cage. They also start to eat on their own at around 4 weeks of age. After 6 weeks, they will develop their adult plumage and colors. Most Zebras are very good parents. They won't need any help from you. When their adult colors start to show in the plumage, the chicks should be moved to a separate cage. Talk to your local bird store about selling the chicks. The pet store may also allow you to trade the birds for seed and supplies. If you intend to breed birds regularly, then identify the chicks by using permanent bands on their legs. Use a color-coded system so you can identify who their parents are. This avoids accidental inbreeding of closely related birds in the future. These bands should be put on the right leg once the bird is around 8 days old. There are specific bird ringing kits available from specialist avian shops, or you can find them online.
Summary: Provide nesting material only if you want your birds to breed. Make sure your cage is large enough. Provide a nesting area. Place the nest box as high as possible. Keep the cage in a quiet place. Monitor the eggs. Remove infertile eggs. Watch the chicks develop. Separate the chicks from the parents after 6 weeks. Identify the chicks with leg bands.

INPUT ARTICLE: Article: Pick a time when he is relaxed, stress free, and in a good mood. Make sure you two are in a private place where you guys can have an uninterrupted conversation. You do not want someone to walk in or over hear this conversation. Avoid professing your love after a physically or psychologically charged situation (like before or after being intimate) because he may say that he loves you too due to an adrenaline rush or from being in an emotional environment. Also avoid telling him if either one of you are intoxicated or sleepy. He may or may not remember what you said. If you discuss future plans for your relationship or how you currently feel, this is the ideal time to tell him that you love him. Be as natural as possible and tell him that you love him. Look him in his eyes and say, "I love you." You do not have to make it dramatic or awkward, just speak from the heart. You can choose the ideal situation when you tell him, but try not to think about it too much. If the two of you are alone and having a good time, let him know. Listen to your gut when deciding to say "I love you." Avoid saying, "You are the love of my life." It causes a comparison between you and his past relationships. He may love you, but may not consider you the love if his life at this point. You may be less likely to get the response you desire if you say that phrase. When you tell him that you love him, let him know that he does not have to say it back to you if he does not feel the same way. You do not want him to feel any pressure when you tell him. You may say, "I love you. I understand if you're not ready to say it or you're feelings aren't in the same place as mine. I just wanted you to know how I feel." Remember that love happens at different speeds for people. Even if he does not say it back to you, it does not mean that he does not want to be with you. Being patient with him is the best way to allow his love to grow if it is not already there yet. If your partner does not say "I love you, too," you can use this as an opportunity to ask him where he sees the relationship going.

SUMMARY: Choose the right time. Say the words. Give him space.

In one sentence, describe what the following article is about: Never take a turtle from the wild. Not only is this cruel and unfair to the turtle, it is also illegal in most states. If you still are determined, be sure you have the legal paperwork to do so. The kindest thing you can do is to get an adult turtle that is no longer wanted, and there are a lot of abandoned turtles that need homes. Check out availability at adoption, rehoming or turtle rescue organizations. You can also try reputable breeders to get your turtle. Beware of pet stores that keep turtles in poor conditions. A number of turtles are ill before you buy them. Look around and take note of the turtle's behavior, as well as the conditions the turtles are kept in. The water in the tank should not smell. If it does this is a sign the turtles have not been cleaned out regularly and are more likely to become sick. It is not recommended to buy from large breeders, as they usually have bad conditions and lack veterinary care. Your turtle will probably be a little shy when you bring it home. It may take a few days before your turtle feels safe enough to venture forth from the shelter of its shell. Leave it in peace to settle down and wait for it to feel more confident. You will not be able to determine the sex until a turtle is a mature adult, from 2 to 4 years old. Males will have longer nails and tails than females. Females will also be larger in general.
Summary:
Purchase your turtle. Give your new turtle some space. Determine the sex of your turtle.