Finches’ breeding is not complicated if you follow the basic rules, which are well accepted by experienced breeders who successfully produce vivid and healthy generations. Finches are among the most popular domestic birds, and they are perfectly accustomed to the life in captivity. On the other hand, many growers use different ways of farming, which does not mean that do not rely on some basic rules. Finches are loving parents and they do not need a special help from you to raise their babies properly. All you have to do is to give them comfortable conditions and proper care to fulfill their needs for breeding.
In their homelands they take care for their young in nests settled in tree holes that are usually about one kilometer from fresh water springs or other places with water. Their breeding starts when rainfall is minimal, at the beginning of a new dry season. Dry season abounds with many foods that can be found easily. In captivity, the situation is not the same, so you can start breeding your finches after you provide them with a comfortable nesting place in their cage. At first, you need a male and a female, both adults and ready for mating. Some finches can be easily recognized by the difference between the sexes, because both sexes have specific characteristics. Other types are almost impossible to be recognized are at first sight.
When you introduce a male and a female that are compatible, you will not wait too much to see fascinating courtship of the male finch. He will ruffle its feathers to show the richness of their colors. Some types of finches need more specific conditions: larger aviary in which live more birds. Other finches, like gouldians, do not require that conditions and they can easily enjoy their breeding in a cage as a single pair. Breeding box is necessary, because of their needs for privacy, just like many other domestic birds. You should supply your birds with the necessary material, and they will build their nest successfully.
Finches’ nest is very important for breeding. You can buy nest for your finches in many pet stores for a relatively decent price. There is abundance of nests for finches and you should do all you can in order to pick the best for your little birds. It is very important for birds to choose them a nest which will be perfectly suited in their home. They usually need materials for nesting, which includes feathers, grasses or breeding material made for commercial use. Some finches prefer nest boxes or covered wicker nests.
If you have more birds in aviary, mating and breeding become more dynamic and specific conditions occur. It is scientifically proven that female gouldian finches tend to control their offspring, and the color of their heads is very important for their decision. So, if you are planning to mate only two finches, chose a male and a female with a same head color.
But when you have more gouldian finches and cages; you can also try the method of selective finch breeding. You need two completely dividable cages, adjacent and separated by thin wooden plank. If you do not like to get offspring with a blotchy head color, do not use finches with different head colors. The best method to test the compatibility of your finches is to observe them. If you notice some signs of aggressive behavior, be sure that they are not compatible. There is nothing to worry. Just replace one of them, and introduce other mate, hoping that the new selective breeding will succeed. Observe the newly formed pair and notice if the same situation happens again. The male shows its interest immediately with ruffling its feathers. Love chirping and whistling are also common.
Hen shows its interest by bowing her head and moving it from side to side. However, if you are not sure for their behavior, observe them at sunset and dusk. If they like each other, they will place themselves side by side. If they do not do this or roost on separate perches, your finches are not compatible for breeding.
Zebra and society finches are widely recommended for beginners and they are practically always compatible for breeding.
Finches’ baby at first babble and its sounds are random. Baby finches have an interesting overall development. During the period of development, they revamp their chirping or singing abilities, only to achieve perfect virtuosity in their song or chatter. Just like all immature living beings, they are very fragile at the beginning and the first weeks of their lives are very important, because sometimes a little inattention can be proven fatal.
Like other minor pets, they are very cute, but not necessarily beautiful, so you should not be disappointed by seeing featherless little finch. It will soon reach its natural beauty.