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If you are constantly checking on the birds, it will make them nervous. Think about what birds do in the wild for protection. If they lay a clutch of eggs, then they notice a snake hanging around, they will eat the eggs and abandon the nest until the snake goes away for good.
I did not read your other post so I don't know what bedding material you are using, but for my finches, I would go outside and find tall grass and tear off several hand fulls. I put some in the nest and some on the cage floor for the birds to carry to the nest.
My first egg laying experience was from an Indian finch who laid 11 eggs, sat them just fine, but the instant the first one hatched, both parents clung to the opposite side of the cage like some monster had invaded their home! I had to hand feed that baby every 45 minutes for the first 3 days! Oy, was I tired!
One thing to add to their diet is a boiled egg - crush the complete egg, shell and all, into small pieces. They get the protein from the egg and calcium from the shell. Sprinkle some shavings from the tops of brocolli on top.
Depending on what type of finches you have, they may need live worms for the protein. You can buy meal worms (more than 20% protein) at your local pet store pretty cheaply, but if you want to grow your own for free, write me (some people think it's disgusting, but these worms are very clean). There are other worms that are over 35% protein, but they are impossible to breed and expensive to have shipped, but the more exotic finches require them.
I really do suggest that you don't check on them so much. I also don't know what kind of nest you are using, but I highly recommend a wooden box hinged onto the back corner or side of the cage. You can lift the lid when you see both out of the box and it will disturb them less. If the nest has nothing around it to conceal it from the rest of the room (like a cup-style canary nest), it will be hard for them to settle down.
Write if you think of anything else you would like to know. I was a certified avian breeder and there were several difficult finches I was able to breed successfully. |
All of the above is good, but adding 2 cents - sm
