FINCHforum

Well first an introduction is in order.

My name is Jonah and I am a future Herpetologist.

Currently I have about 42 animals all together which includes my breeding trio of Bearded Dragons and my colony of Leopard Geckos.

Sticking to breeding, I now am the proud owner of 3 Zebra finches (1.2). 1 male "normal" and 2 female "platinum"(white...i think this is the name).

My question is:

Since I do not want the females to be plucking themselves for nesting material...can i use cotton balls at the bottom of the cage that they will use?

If not, can you tell me what i can give them?

Thanks!

OH and here is a couple of pics:

Hi! I would not use cotton balls. They are not safe at all for the birds.
If you want to use something that you have on hand, tissue paper or kleenex shredded up is fine. You may also use coconut fibers, bermuda grass (untreated) or jute. Check on the finch information center link on the left of this page and it will help you. Good luck!

When we say 'unsafe' we mean the birds claws can tangle up with cotton or similar thread.Coconut fibres and dry grasses are fine.
Paul.

Ok. Thanks! I have some Timothy hay. Is that ok?

Thanks!

I have never used it but I think it will be fine.

Welcome to the Forum!

I have the same cage as you do only in White. But I really like the color of your cage. You have it nicely furnished too!

Timothy hay is the northern or western equivalent to coastal bermuda hay, and many finches like it for nesting material. If you are using the timothy that is sold in pet shops for rabbits, etc., it may be a little more coarse than your finches prefer, but they will pick thru it and use what they like.

Welcome to the Forum! Very Happy

I have the same cage as you do only in White. But I really like the color of your cage. You have it nicely furnished too!

THANKS!!!!

I try to go for naturalistic for all of my reptiles so i might as well do the same for my birds!

Timothy hay is the northern or western equivalent to coastal bermuda hay, and many finches like it for nesting material. If you are using the timothy that is sold in pet shops for rabbits, etc., it may be a little more coarse than your finches prefer, but they will pick thru it and use what they like.

Yeah its the pet shop hay. Its actually for my tortoises but i'm sure I could give them some.

Would they like alfalfa better? It seems to be softer. My tortoises like it more for sleeping but the sensitivity on a carapace is somewhat different than a fluffy tummy lol.

You can give them the hay to make their nests with (timothy or alfalfa, whichever they prefer), then give them something soft to line with, shredded paper towels, etc.--my waxbills all love white feathers.