Feeding the babies

[Patricia]

After several attempts, our owl finches have successfully managed to bring four live babies to our lives! Very exciting times and wish we knew more about what we are doing Thanks for this great forum - it has helped considerably.

The new parents seem to be doing an excellent job and until a couple of days ago have maintained vigilance in the nest. The hatchlings are now 10 days old.

We've been providing them with a variety of foods to choose from including seeds, fresh broccoli/carrots and fresh egg. We've recently added mealworm (which we cut up) which they've been devouring, but are concerned since these are not the live variety (brand is Eco-Terra, sold where the reptiles are). Does anyone know if these are ok for them? They seem to love them, but one of us likes to worry to much, so am looking for some assurance

Thanks for any feedback

[ErikL]

After several attempts, our owl finches have successfully managed to bring four live babies to our lives! Very exciting times and wish we knew more about what we are doing Thanks for this great forum - it has helped considerably.

The new parents seem to be doing an excellent job and until a couple of days ago have maintained vigilance in the nest. The hatchlings are now 10 days old.

We've been providing them with a variety of foods to choose from including seeds, fresh broccoli/carrots and fresh egg. We've recently added mealworm (which we cut up) which they've been devouring, but are concerned since these are not the live variety (brand is Eco-Terra, sold where the reptiles are). Does anyone know if these are ok for them? They seem to love them, but one of us likes to worry to much, so am looking for some assurance

Thanks for any feedback

Congrats on the chicks. You must be proud.

I spoke to a pet store yesterday about meal worm. They said it was ok for birds but that type of food is also intended for a number of pets (reptiles, etc).

My finches (Otis and Sandra) are sitting on eggs now. I need this information as well for when they hatch.

Can someone provide us with a quick answer?

Erik

[tammieb]

My local Petco sells live mealworms in various sized containers. They are kept in the refrigerated section with all the other live foods sold for fish and reptiles. I get the minis for my finches.

Haven't fed the dried mealies so can't comment on them.

[kenny]

hi erik/patricia
i have fed the dried mealworms before and during the winter when i cant get the live ones to feed my quail i just soak the dried ones for a few minutes in boiling water and it brings them back to being a bit squishy like the live ones

ken

[Sally]

I have no experience with owl finches, but for Erik, Zebras do not require live food to raise their babies. You can feed them mashed hard-boiled egg, or egg bread, or commercial egg food for the extra protein. Mealworms can get expensive to buy, and kind of a pain to raise, so why bother unless you are raising a species that requires live food.