Cut throat finches
Posted: Sun Mar 12, 2006 7:22 am
I would like to ask what nesting materials would be the best for my cut throats, and what feeds or things can i provide to stimulate their breeding?
THANKS A LOTCrystal wrote:Cut-throats reportedly enjoy live food (meal worms, ant pupae), greens (including sprouted seed), small cereal grains (inc. millet), and possibly fruit (pears, oranges, apples). You should also provide egg food (boiled egg mashed shell and all) and a cuttle bone. Providing lots of food of different varieties will help stimulate breeding.
For nesting, if the enclosure is large enough, provide a variety of different nest types (semi open and closed nesting boxes, possibly a domed bamboo nest, etc.) and allow the pair to select the type of nest they like.
Pairs tend to prefer building the nest with coarse nesting materials (millet stems, shredded paper or newspaper, dried grasses, possibly coconut fiber) and will line the inside with feathers. Again, provide several options to give the pair a choice.
Cut-throats also enjoy dust baths, so provide a shallow pan on the bottom of their cage with some dried soil in it (preferably not soil which has come into contact with wild bird feces; you might be able to find a 'dust bath' product at a pet store that sells chinchilla supplies).