Finch Egg Incubation!

[JaeG]

Just remembered you asked about hand rearing formula. They are all good and it will depend what your local store stocks. Pet stores should have it or find somewhere online. You'll only need a small amount as it's for emergencies.

 

[Coturnix Quail]

Okay, thanks!

 

[Coturnix Quail]

Oh, yeah forgot to tell you something! I candled the eggs by taking the nest out yesterday, and in one of the eggs, I saw a little body and veins - even its little heart beating!! Only three were infertile, but the rest all had veins and a heart! I'm so happy!!

 

[Coturnix Quail]

Oh yeah, also, do you have any advice for me before they hatch or something?

 

[JaeG]

Oh yeah, also, do you have any advice for me before they hatch or something?

Just keep an eye on them, feed them soaked seed and goodies so they are in tip top condition for when the little ones hatch. Don't be alarmed if you see seed in the chicks crops, that's perfectly normal. That dry egg food is another thing you can offer them. I feed it dry as I don't seem to have the knack for mixing it properly so it doesn't turn into a gluey mess! I can't think of anything else. Do let me know how you get on. They should do great as you said the father is very involved. I've only had problems with pairs where the male isn't helping out. Once the chicks get feathers they are very cute!

 

[Coturnix Quail]

Okay, thanks! One cute thing is that usually when the female is in the nest, he'll sit on top of the nest or sit on a perch or swing nearby! And when she's going out, he flies there as fast as he can, and plops his little body into the nest! Also, the days are getting VEERY hot, is that good or bad, and should I provide them with a big bowl or something to bathe in? I've also noticed my parakeets, finches, and quail getting thinner. Is that normal for hot weather?

 

[JaeG]

Okay, thanks! One cute thing is that usually when the female is in the nest, he'll sit on top of the nest or sit on a perch or swing nearby! And when she's going out, he flies there as fast as he can, and plops his little body into the nest! Also, the days are getting VEERY hot, is that good or bad, and should I provide them with a big bowl or something to bathe in? I've also noticed my parakeets, finches, and quail getting thinner. Is that normal for hot weather?

If their water bowl isn't big enough to bathe in do give them a shallow, bigger bowl as bathing helps to keep the eggs at the right humidity. Plus they love it and it's so cute watching them have a bath. Your boy sounds like he's desperate to be a father! I have one Bengalese male who is more interested in doing his silly dance and showing off to everybody than helping out his mate when she is on eggs, or raising babies! My other pair have had one lot of chicks and did fantastically. And I have a male Java who guards the nest, but doesn't contribute in any other way. A good father goes a long way to a pair successfully raising babies.

I think birds do eat less in hot weather. Soaked seed is probably a good idea for everyone as it's moist - just watch it if your weather is very humid as it can spoil and go mouldy pretty quickly. I keep it in the cage all day in cool weather, and if it's hot and dry I wouldn't worry too much, but hot and humid it pays to only put it in for the morning perhaps when they are all busy eating, then remove it before the heat of the afternoon. Offer them some greens you've rinsed off so it's still nice and wet - maybe even put them in the fridge for awhile so it's nice and cold for them. Make sure they've got shade.

The hot weather may just mean the chicks hatch a day earlier than expected, but the parents should take it all in stride.

 

[Coturnix Quail]

Alright! Thanks for the info! My male does seem more dedicated than the last time he tried with the other mate. He's always there for her which it cute! I just soak seeds? I'm not exactly sure when the eggs were laid because I didn't think they would hatch, so should I check on them every week or so?

 

[JaeG]

Do you know about what day she started sitting? I always think I'll write it down, then I forget. You should know when they are feeding the chicks as they will be busier and you often see food on their beaks.

Just soak your normal budgie seed for 4-8 hours then drain in a sieve and leave it for awhile to really drain off. You can also dry if off a bit on some paper towels. If your seed will sprout (some are treated so they won't) you can leave it, rinsing it a few times a day until it's got a little root, but mine prefer it just soaked (which makes my life easier).

 

[Coturnix Quail]

Okaaay, thanks! Can't wait..