Nest Checks

Post by **Sally** » Sat Jul 28, 2007 11:27 am

I notice a lot of postings about having trouble with getting finches to incubate and hatch out their eggs. One possible problem could be too frequent nest checks. I sometimes have to sit on my hands to keep from taking a peek. Especially when first starting out, it is hard not to keep checking to see what is going on. If the pair are young, they may not tolerate it, and will abandon the nest. Some species will not tolerate nest checks at all, while Zebras and Societies are usually the most tolerant. So if you are having breeding problems, try giving them as much privacy as possible and see if that might help.

EmilyHurd · Post by **EmilyHurd** » Sat Jul 28, 2007 5:10 pm

I agree... nest checking can be hard not to do... but if you don't do it, you'll have more success. My society pair is actually incredibly tolerant though.

Crystal · Post by **Crystal** » Sat Jul 28, 2007 5:39 pm

This is good advice!

Post by **Sally** » Sat Jul 28, 2007 9:44 pm

EmilyHurd wrote:My society pair is actually incredibly tolerant though.

That's why I think they are the ideal beginner bird. My first Societies, which I got to be fosters, had laid 4 eggs. I removed the nest completely from the cage, scooped out the 4 eggs, put in 5 Star eggs, then returned the nest to the cage. Mama Society jumped back in the nest, took a quick look, and settled back down to incubate. What I didn't realize, she laid 3 more eggs of her own. Those parents proceeded to raise 5 Stars and 3 Societies in one clutch, and they fed all the babies equally. The Societies grew and matured much faster than the Stars, but the parents kept feeding the Star babies till they were weaned. What great parents!

EmilyHurd · Post by **EmilyHurd** » Sat Jul 28, 2007 10:54 pm

Wow, that is so great! Societies are definitely one of my favorite finches for that reason and b/c they normally aren't the cause of kaos*(sp?)....

Finchaholic · Post by **Finchaholic** » Mon Jul 30, 2007 11:55 am

I completely agree with Sally. Sometimes we get to impatient and pester the parents to much. I for one am not a patient person and the one thing that raising finches has taught me, is to back off and be patient. Those birds know exactly what to do. Nature gave them the skills, all we need to do is provide them the basics (like food and water) and let them do their thing.

ryanf · Post by **ryanf** » Mon Jul 30, 2007 1:11 pm

emily, its spelled chaos =p

back on topic...i cant wait to get societies, this post just solidifies them on being my first pair

EmilyHurd · Post by **EmilyHurd** » Mon Jul 30, 2007 7:41 pm

Thanks Ryan! I'm not the best speller!