I'm new and need help!

[bellamax]

Two days ago we got two zebra finches (1 girl, 1 boy) I've never had finches as pets before and have some questions.
the first day I put paper towels down on the cage bottom because I didn't know what else to use. the male started pecking at the paper towel and was flying around with pieces in his mouth. I thought maybe he was looking for a place to build a nest. so this morning I went out and bought a covered nest and some nesting cotton and fibers. they haven't tried to go on tbd nest, but did pick at the cotton. is there any way I can encourage them to try out the nest?

my second question is if I'm supposed to get them some kind of bird bath. the female jumped into the water cup 3 times in a row and was splashing around. was she bathing or trying to sit in it? again I thought maybe she wanted a nest.

thanks for any help you can offer

[L in Ontario]

Hi and welcome to the Finch Forum - you're in for load of fun and interesting times ahead!! Congratulations on your new birds. You've only had them a couple of days - they will go into the nest, it just takes a bit of time for them to get used to it.

In the meantime you can read up about Zebra finches and nesting in general and babies and a whole world of information in the Finch Information Center which is linked on the left side of the page under: Helpful Finch Link.

[ac12]

If you do NOT want chicks, REMOVE the nest. They will do just fine w/o a nest.

And yes they will bath in any water dish large enough for them to fit into. I use a water tube, so they cannot bath in their drinking water. I use a separate hanging bath, that contains most of the water. I used to have a larger bowl for them to bath in, BUT they would splash water ALL OVER the place, splashing several feet out into the room, on the wall and furniture.

[babydoll101]

Two days ago we got two zebra finches (1 girl, 1 boy) I've never had finches as pets before and have some questions.
the first day I put paper towels down on the cage bottom because I didn't know what else to use. the male started pecking at the paper towel and was flying around with pieces in his mouth. I thought maybe he was looking for a place to build a nest. so this morning I went out and bought a covered nest and some nesting cotton and fibers. they haven't tried to go on tbd nest, but did pick at the cotton. is there any way I can encourage them to try out the nest?

my second question is if I'm supposed to get them some kind of bird bath. the female jumped into the water cup 3 times in a row and was splashing around. was she bathing or trying to sit in it? again I thought maybe she wanted a nest.

thanks for any help you can offer

Hi and welcome to the forum:) The more you can read the better, believe me!!
Yes when your male was carrying around the paper he was looking for a nest to build for his female:) I didn't get the nest until I lost 2 eggs on the cage floor. It does take a little time for him to get the picture to use that nest but he will. They are smart, fun to watch little creatures!
My finches do that all the time with their water dishes! I have to clean it out several times a day. I do put a small bowl on the bottom of their cage that they use as well. You can go and purchase a bird bath if you like. Remember it could take them some time to use that as well.
Do not hesitate to ask any question at all. Everyone here is so experienced and nice:-)

[franny]

I use a small 4 inch across terra cotta planter saucer. They are very cheap, and the birds love to bath in them. And yes, they splash and get the bottom of the cage very wet, but it helps soften dried up poop, so I always do a thorough cage clean after the birds have had their bath.

I also like the tube feeders/waterers. Keeps the drinking water cleaner, and keeps seed husks from falling on top of the seeds, so they think the seed dish is empty.

Enjoy your birds. They are fascinating to watch! Probably not a great idea to use the cotton threads that the pet stores sell for nesting material. Some times it can get tangled in a baby birds legs. Shredding the paper towels into small bits is better. And/or use cotton balls torn in to small bits. The birds do seem to like white things for lining their nests.