How to Breed Finches

A finch can be a great addition to your home. They are colorful, cheerful and active birds. If you are considering acquiring a male and female for breeding purposes, it is important to realize that breeding finches requires research, planning and constant care.

Difficulty: Moderately Challenging

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Male and female finch of the same species
• Cage
• Nest
• Finch food
• Shallow container of water for bathing

1. Place a male and female of the same species in a cage together. Make sure the cage is large enough to accommodate the birds. Even though the finches are small, they require a large cage because they tend to be highly active.

2. Provide finches with a diet of seeds, pellets, fruits, vegetables, insects and hard-boiled eggs. Finches should also have access to clean water. The finches should have a separate container of clean water for bathing purposes.

3. Provide the finches with a nest. There are store-bought nests that replicate the nests a finch would build. Many breeders use these. Generally, it is best to give your finches a nest like the one they were bred in. Try not to get discouraged if the finches reject the first nest you provide. Simply replace it with a different type. The finches will eventually take to a nest.

4. Place the finches in an area where they feel safe and secure. Ample sunlight is also required for finches to feel comfortable enough to breed.

5. Wait for the male to begin fussing with the nest. He may add materials to prepare it for the eggs. You will probably hear the mating song or see them perform a mating dance shortly after this.

6. Check the nests daily for eggs. The female will lay one egg per day and will typically lay up to 8 eggs. Sometimes the birds will begin incubation once the first egg is laid. The incubation period will last between 10 and 16 days. If the eggs do not hatch within 20 days after the last egg is laid, they will most likely not hatch and should be discarded.

7. Allow the parents to care for the chicks once they hatch. Finches regurgitate food for their babies, so do not worry about special food for the chicks. Once you notice the babies eating the food you give the parents, remove them from the cage. The chicks should be separated from their parents to ensure their safety and to allow the finch pair to breed again.

Tips & Warnings

• If you have a pair of finches and want to prevent them from having babies, simply remove their nest. Finches will not breed without a nest.
• Nests can be purchased or constructed. See finches.org for information and the opportunity to purchase nests or nesting material (see Resources below).
• Prevent your new finches from mating with each other. Place them in cages with unrelated mates or remove the nest from their cage to prevent breeding. Inbreeding could result in birth defects.

Resources

• Finches.org to purchase nests or nesting material.