Society finch eggs have hatched!

[RoisinL]

Hi all,

I have 4 finches in a FO40 cage. I ordered fake eggs to put into their nest to prevent breeding and while waiting for the order they laid eggs and the eggs hatched!! I think there are 2 or 3 babies. They are SO SO cute, but I am new to breeding and have some questions.
First off, should I buy supplemental food for the parents? Secondly, will my cage be big enough, and if not, when do I move the babies? Also, should I put the fake eggs into the cage now to prevent other finches from laying eggs? So far I have just peeked into the nest and haven't handled anything....is that what I should be doing?
The babies are adorable and it's sweet to see all 4 of the original finches taking turns in the nest and feeding them. Exciting times ahead!!
Thanks in advance for any help.

[FinchGrinch]

Congrats on your babies! I just went through this process as a newb too. Your cage size is ok while the babies are in the nest, once they fledge the cage may become a bit crowded, but they will still need the care of parents until they are weened. As for food, I made sure to give the parents plenty of Millet and Egg food. Make sure the water supply is always topped off too, you will notice the water going quick.

At this point, save the fake eggs for later, you wont need them now. BTW how many eggs are in the nest? I had my 2 parents separated in a 18x30 flight cage while they are raising the chicks, I always heard the other societies ( I assume that is what yours are?) chip in on the care, thats neat! You may be OK but others may suggest you separate the parents out with the babies so the nest doesnt get too crowded. Societies love to cram into the nest at night and this could cramp the babies. Post plenty of pics. You can see mine, and their progression in this post. http://www.finchforum.com/viewtopic.php?f=5&t=36648

Others will come along and probably offer better advice, but the above is from my experience. Have fun!

[lovezebs]

RoisinL

Congratulations on the babies!

Offer hard boiled eggs, spray millet and extra greens to the parents and others who are feeding the babies.

Love the way they beat you to the punch, while yo were waiting for the fake eggs, lol. They are sneaky that way

Babies are adorable, especially that first bunch

Your flight cage is big enough for 8 Societies.
You'll just have to be super vigilant with nests in there, because they will sneak in clutches here there and everywhere.

Removing the nests, might be your best bet.

Good luck, and enjoy your Grandbird kids.

[RoisinL]

Thank you both for the advice. So far so good!!

[Barbara]

RoisinL you will enjoy watching those babies when they fledge I agree that cage should be fine for you family even the babies.Society are so easy going and there is no need to separate babies when they fledge ,they do well in groups,but I would take out the nest as soon as the last baby fledges or they will be starting another clutch.As stated on previous post plenty of fresh water,millett,seed,fresh vege,and egg this way the babies will have plenty to eat even when they fledge they will be little eating machine,Enjoy

[lem2bert]

RoisinL

Congratulations !!! I have just purchased my first society so I have no experience yet, but from what I read here (1 male +1 female + 1 nest = eggs !!! . I am sure you will enjoy watching them !