New couple, behavior & diet questions

[lnlovesorange]

Hello. I am a first time bird owner (2 zebra's M & F will post pics when i figure out how to get them off my phone!) I've had them for almost 3 weeks, and they are settling in quite well. A few questions. My male is MUCH more timid than the female, will this change? for example if i put a new perch or swing in the cage the female tries it almost before my hand is out, the male is much more cautious, also i opened the cage door for the first time the other night to let them fly around my room, and the female, skiddish, and timid, but VERY curiously stepped up, she stayed very close to the cage and took 1 or two pretty decent length flights acroos my room, (i was ELATED,i think she was too) but the male just chirped and wined for her to come back, never even hopped on the edge to check it out. i'm afraid something may have happened to him in the pet store, is this normal difference between male & female behavior?
Also, they recently built a nest so i have been trying to provide them with egg food in case a clutch is coming. The store bought egg food they didn't even check it out, and i made hard boiled eggs scrambled up (with the shells) and they just picked the shells out! (I knew they liked shells because i gave them egg shells before) will they learn to like this or is there something else i can try as far as protein? I've already tried romaine, which they LOVE, cucumbers, which they LOVE, grapes, not so much apples not so much bananas, they'll peck at but only if there's nothing else, spinach they like, so they aren't so big on fruits but i keep trying (i'm in MA, so this time of year fruits aren't great, maybe in the summer they'll like them more) oh also tried orange slices, and they had no interest. Sorry, i know this is a lot. But this website, has been so helpful, and i want happy HEALTHY birds!!! Thanks for any input.

LN
2ZF's M-Melvin F-Charlotte

[Sally]

You'll soon learn that each bird has its own personality. Some males are dominant, but it is not unusual to find a dominant female. As long as they are getting along, it really doesn't matter. That is great that you are able to let them out of their cage for some flight time, that really helps build up muscles and is just good for their soul. The male should join the hen in this adventure soon. Just make sure that there is nothing in the room that could harm them. Finches, like all our pets, can get themselves into the darnedest fixes!

As far as diet, most finches don't care that much for fruit. You will find a few exceptions, but mine never go for it. Veggies are another story, they love lots of veggies. Just keep trying different things. Kale is great, as it is so good for them. There is a list of safe and unsafe foods at www.finchinfo.com that can guide you.

I hardboil eggs, mash them shell and all, and then dry them out a bit by adding other ingredients. Your dry commercial egg food that you bought is perfect for this. Try sprinkling some of their seed on top of the egg food to see if that tempts them to eat it. Or you can chop up some veggies to mix in with the eggs. Just keep trying different things, they will eventually eat the egg food.

[lnlovesorange]

Sally, Thank you for the input. I read a little more on this site after i did my post earlier, and you had wrote somewhere else to make sure that i put it in a "food dish" well, my little guy & girl are so smart, and i'm the dummy. I've been putting their "extras" or 'treats' of veggies, or pretty much anything that isn't seed on this little blue tupperwear cap, and they ALREADY know that that is their "treat" so i put the hard boiled egg mix with shells on this blue cap and they went right for it!!! (i went home from work on my lunch, which i do every day now b/c i miss them!!) but thanks again i have some more questions, i keep thinking of so i'll just keep coming back, and again thanks you've been so helpful already, not even counting what you answered to me specifically!!!

[lnlovesorange]

One other question that's been eating at me. Since the nest, I haven't seen Melvin do the "dance" of love, i have heard him sing, but he's been singing since the 2nd day i brought him home. But i have seen him try to jump on Charlotte a few times since they've got the nest built. She doesn't seem interested in this, she does bond with him as far as preening and sleeping together, and touch perching, but the couple times he's tried jumping on her she moves away.... not nastily or even quickly, just kinda scoots, and he gives up. As of yet i haven't seen any aggressiion towards him or her from either one, i just wondered could this be because they are young (i believe they are approx 6 months old) or is this normal? If she doesn't ...ahem...put out soon, will he become aggressive to her? And again, I work, so she may have gievn it up when i haven't been home, but i haven't spotted any eggs yet, and they are both out of the nest a lot, especially when i am home (i like to think it's cuz they like hanging with me....) so any input yet again.. and thanks again. You guys pretty much rule my world right now, (well, birds come first, then you guys!!!)

[Sally]

Since you've had them only three weeks, they could be settling in still. Birds are all so different, some will go to nest almost immediately in a new home, while others will take months. I always tell people that though you can read up on all the advice and what is normal, the birds haven't read the books! They will set their own schedule. One thing finches have taught me, or at least I keep trying to learn, is to have patience (I'm pretty short on that still!).

[lnlovesorange]

Yeah, i've come to realize that too. I pretty much spoiled my birds from day one (i already went up a size on their cage) and give them everything they could ever want! But i read a lot, and found it does take them time to settle in, but they were acting settled after a short time. So, i believe you on that, they deffinitely make their own schedule! One last question, which I haven't found an answer to anywhere. My mom helps me (i work full time) so I have her check on them during the day, and make sure my room is warm enough and she replaces the bath water with warm, clean water. But i've noticed they take to me better than anyone, when people (including my mom) come into my room to see them, they act differently, like .... more stand off-ish. and they dont' come to the front of the cage like they will when we are alone. Do ZeFi's or any finch recognize facial patterns, or voice patterns in people? Not a big deal, just a curiosity, because i can (i think) clearly see a difference in them when they are just with me (another example they won't bathe around anyone else)

[Sally]

I do believe that our birds come to recognize and be comfortable with us. I know that some larger breeders won't let others in their breeding room. Part of it is because they don't want to chance anyone bringing a disease into their bird room, but part of it is because they don't want their birds upset by strangers.

[lovezebs]

lnlovesorange

Our birds do come to recognize us. My guys know me, and come right up, when I get close to the flights. I find that my Canary, my Gouldians, and Societies, are the most tame that way. The least tame, are the Waxbills, who remain skittish and jumpy, even though I keep reassuring them.

~Elana~

[lnlovesorange]

Elana & Sally, Thanks again. I feel like you guys are so knowledgable. It makes me feel better just knowing i can come here and ask you guys anything! Also, my name is Ellen (that's what the LN stands for) They both came out of the cage last night!!! YAAAY!! I was so happy to see them flying around, and they flew so well!!! I was so happy for Melvin (it took him some time, but he FINALLY did it) and i noticed that Charlotte kept coming back in, and i realized she was trying to show him how to leave the cage!!! Anyway it is very rewarding to watch them out of the cage, they just seem so much happier. Also, i got them both to eat a cut piece of millet right out of my hand, again, Charlotte was much more gung ho about it, but they both came very close, and gave a spin, have you guys ever noticed that they seem less afraid when they are out of the cage? Just wondering. Thanks again guys.