FINCHforum

These birds never cease to surprise me. I have a pair of RCCBs in a flight with another pair of Waxbills and a pair of gouldian hens. Lo and behold, they have laid 2 eggs and are sitting tight. I haven't bothered them or checked them or candled them for fear of spooking them. I really wasn't expecting them to breed because of their reputation of being picky about having babies. So imagine my surprise when mama decided to sit tight. Here are my questions: once a week I wheel my cage into the kitchen for a deep clean and vacuum of the bottom corners. Will that be enough to spook them off their eggs, do you think? Also, I have been feeding them freeze dried meal worms chopped onto smaller pieces, along with eggs, egg shells, seed, pellets and greens. Do I need to get live meal worms? If so, can I wait until the chicks hatch (if they do). Thanks!

erine

Hi Erine.

I haven't bred these guys yet, however, I would disturb them as little as possible. Just from what I've read and heared about these guys, personally, I wouldn't do any deep cleaning for a while .

I would try to offer some live food before the babies hatch (to get the parents introduced to it). Another option other than mealworms, are flightless fruitflies. My Waxbills, have decided to go crazy about these pesky little things lately.

Good luck (fingers crossed for the eggs).

Oh my goodness, do NOT touch the cage! And most certainly do not vacuum it!! Don't even sneeze near it...yes that has caused some peoples finches to abandon nest. No peaking either!

I agree with everyone. Even after the eggs hatch you should leave them alone and quiet. I have RCCB's and they are very sensitive about nest checks or noise, etc. They are notorious for abandoning nests. I would definitely offer them live food. They will love it!

Best of luck and keep us posted! Whatever you have done to get them to breed is terrific!!! Job well done!!!

Definitely do not move the cage! All CB species are notorious for tossing, and it doesn't take much to set them off. I would go ahead and get some live mealworms now, and get the mini size if you can. It is difficult to raise CBs without live food. They need to know before the eggs hatch that there will be plenty of food available. I'd also keep the egg food dish full.

Thanks, all. I'll jeep you posted!