Fire Finches - how many clutches per season

L in Ontario · Post by **L in Ontario** » Mon Feb 09, 2009 10:48 am

I know for Gouldians I typically don't allow them to breed more than 3 times in a season.

So I'm wondering if it's the same for the Fire Finches? This pair laid a clutch of 4 infertile eggs in December. Then a viable clutch in January though they tossed all and are not raising any now.

I just put a new nestbox on the outside of their cage this past weekend and she is going into it already. Looks like they could be little egg-laying machines. Is three clutches in a season okay? Does it count when a clutch is infertile or they don't raise any of the chicks?

Rayray · Post by **Rayray** » Mon Feb 09, 2009 11:28 am

to keep the birds ( specialy the female ) in a good shape for the next breeding season it is smart not to do more than 3 rounds with the fire finches , i know some breeders just go on like 5 or 6 rounds , they only have $$ signs in the eyes ....

give ehm a bit rest !!

ray

L in Ontario · Post by **L in Ontario** » Mon Feb 09, 2009 11:38 am

Okay, thanks for confirming the three clutch limit for the Fire Finches as well, Ray. So this will be the last round for these wee little birds.

BTW - what is the finch in your avatar, Ray? It's very pretty and colourful! Is it one of yours? I think it looks like a Bullfinch, hmmm?

mickp · Post by **mickp** » Tue Feb 10, 2009 2:59 am

3 clutches a year seems to be the number for all finches, it is for me.
although my red billed firefinches have snuck in an extra clutch, if they are determined to breed they will build a nest out of any and everything they can find.

Rayray · Post by **Rayray** » Tue Feb 10, 2009 3:31 am

after 3 rounds no matter what , ik seperate the males and females to give them the rest they need for about 7 months . so each cage has 2 males or 2 females . all nesting material and nests are taking of and out .

liz ur right about the avatar , its my bull finch male who i think destroyed the nest with 4 eggs on sunday , why he done it i don't know , maybe because i tried to breed with them in a cage instead the aviary , well i took them out the cage and did put them in the winter area in the shed with the other birds .

ray