Finch Help

Gizmo92 · Post by **Gizmo92** » Sat Jul 07, 2007 9:14 pm

I'm a new finch owner. I bought 2 Zebra finches a cock & a hen yesterday. So far they have explored every inch of the cage. I have silk ivy running through the top, a hanging bird bath, a natural grass nest, and a rabbit treat ball filled with grass for nesting material. My question is is it normal for them to leave the nest and material alone for a while? So far all they do is sleep on top of the nest.

tammieb · Post by **tammieb** » Sun Jul 08, 2007 6:12 am

Welcome to the site and congratulations on your new birds.

Give them a week or two to settle in, might not take even that long, and they will soon start nesting. Zebras breed like rabbits, so take care you don't get in over your head.

If you don't want them to breed, then remove the nest and nesting material. Petshop employess tell people that a nest is needed for sleeping, but that is false.

Gizmo92 · Post by **Gizmo92** » Sun Jul 08, 2007 7:36 am

I am hoping for them to breed. Kinda as my first source of income since im not 16 yet. I know I cant make a living of the sales but at least i can cover some expenses. Anyways thanks for all the help.
-Sean

tammieb · Post by **tammieb** » Sun Jul 08, 2007 8:33 am

Don't expect to make much if any money actually. Unless you breed the rarer finches, like Lady Gouldians, Cordon Bleus etc. which people are willing to pay good money for, you won't recover your expenses selling Zebras.

Usually the privately owned pet shops will give you about $5 in trade for each bird. Some won't even pay you cash, only trade for seed, etc.