FINCHforum

Sally wrote: It looks like they are getting in breeding mode. It doesn't take long for birds to mate, so yours may have been successful already. There is a lot of good information about breeding here:

http://www.finchinfo.com/breeding/index.php

Sally wrote: I had a nest like that one time, and my finches also did not like it. I think because the opening is so close to the bottom of the nest, they can't build up a nest. Most finches like a deeper nest, so they can build a nice layer in the bottom. Also, an opening so close to the bottom makes it easy for babies to fall out.

Vera wrote: I originally had one of the smallest wicker nests which two birds fit in comfortably. Then they laid eggs and I thought there were four eggs When mom got off the nest I saw there were six eggs. Once they start hatching and the nest looke dlike it would fall I propped a nest similar to yours underneath it to hold it up. They never did go in it even though all eight of the birds scrunched into that one little nest. Somehow they made it work.

Zebrafincher wrote: Hi there,

Most finches seem to like puttering around with grasses and nest building materials. I have two male Zebbies (in separate cages) both of which regularly build and dissassemble a multitude of nests. They have even been observed STEALING nesting material from eachother. Finches seem to need a fair bit of practise to construct nests. My two are much better with nests now. Give your two a bit of time.

RaduPalanga wrote:

Sally wrote: I had a nest like that one time, and my finches also did not like it. I think because the opening is so close to the bottom of the nest, they can't build up a nest. Most finches like a deeper nest, so they can build a nice layer in the bottom. Also, an opening so close to the bottom makes it easy for babies to fall out.

Actually, the opening is quite high, measuring from the bottom of the nest - 6 centimeters (2.35 inches). It was the biggest, deepest nest I could find in any petshop around here. Anything deeper than that would be a cardboard box...

PICTURE HERE

Speaking of cardboard boxes... See what I put in there? My girlfriend came up with the idea last night (things you do at 2 in the morning, haha).

The cage has 3 doors. We left one open, and managed to stick the box in there (double sided tape). The box is a rectangle, it goes towards the left, which you can't see it due to the nest. We padded the inside of the box with cotton wadding, and left it there, so the finches can further fill it with straws etc.

So far (12 hours) they don't seem to even care that it's there. They're too busy loving each other.

Vera wrote: I originally had one of the smallest wicker nests which two birds fit in comfortably. Then they laid eggs and I thought there were four eggs When mom got off the nest I saw there were six eggs. Once they start hatching and the nest looke dlike it would fall I propped a nest similar to yours underneath it to hold it up. They never did go in it even though all eight of the birds scrunched into that one little nest. Somehow they made it work.

So you're saying they liked the smaller, crowded nest instead. Interesting. We looked all over the Internet, we couldn't find any pictures of finches staying inside nests like the one I have. Most of them were staying in nests like this, which the petshop employees told us are NOT favored by finches, back when we bought them (6 weeks ago? I forgot).

Zebrafincher wrote: Hi there,

Most finches seem to like puttering around with grasses and nest building materials. I have two male Zebbies (in separate cages) both of which regularly build and dissassemble a multitude of nests. They have even been observed STEALING nesting material from eachother. Finches seem to need a fair bit of practise to construct nests. My two are much better with nests now. Give your two a bit of time.

So all they need is time. Okay. In the meantime, I'll try to get some grass strands for them, so they have more materials to experiment with.

Also (this goes to everyone here), should I rotate the cardboard box so that it will be vertical? Right now, it's horizontal, with the "deep" part to the left, not downward - not sure how else to put it.

Babs wrote: Hahah I watched the video of her dropping the nesting material reminded me of one of my breeding pairs. The male would drop the coco fiber off the shelf on the floor for days with the female cheering him on like it was cool! Ohh sooo funny.

Babs wrote: They are now good parents, but I make the nest for them and they go ahead and breed and do the rest.

Try making the nest for them. ;) Often with the nest premade the male will grab one piece of material and place it on the nest, and the female will act like "wow honey!! You did this all yourself!"

Babs wrote: RaduPalanga

Take some coco fibre and wrap it around your fist, make a bowl shape and stick it in the nest-box-bowl (whatever you choose). Then scatter/throw a few bits on the floor for the male to make his contribution by laying one piece in the already made nest.

She will then inspect it, stomp it down, praise him and give him some love.

Babs wrote: Then you have babies. Magic!

note: your cage is too small once the little ones fledge. Make sure you buy a bigger cage for after they wean.

Babs wrote: Are they admiring the cardboard box?