Finch nest

[cherrynberry]

So...we got a product from a coop company who never shipped the rest of it, so we need to return the product (still in a box), just then, a finch (wild purple finch) has decided to nest in it. I checked today and saw eggs. I was wondering how long it takes to hatch and was also very curious whether or not I should add in a few quail eggs for them. However, I dont want to risk diseases, abandoned nests, etc. So I was wondering whether or not this is a good idea. Also, do finches sit on the nest all the time? because when I went there, it was not on the nest, for about 30 minutes.

 

[HappyClucker7]

I think it takes about 13 days for the eggs to hatch.
Don't add any quail eggs. Not only would they be much too big for the finches to incubate, but quail chicks can walk around and eat on their own very quickly after they hatch. Baby finches are completely helpless.

 

[cherrynberry]

Day 12: Sorry, I forgot to do an update...yesterday when I went to check, there were still 4 eggs (my sister told me) I did not really want to check that many times, so no picture. However they should...be hatching in a week, I am guessing she started sitting on them when there was 4 eggs. That’s on day 6-7. So almost hatching

Day 18: she has been sitting on the eggs for about 12 days and they hatched! Again, I check weekly so I don’t know if it was exactly today...here are some pictures!!! They look so different than chicks...

 

[Weeg]

Yes, probably building a clutch. Acording to google, she'll start to incubate when there are between 2-7 eggs in the clutch, and she thinks thats enough.

 

[Weeg]

Birds can be flighty if you peer in, but I've also heard of stories were you put eggs/babies back into the nest, and momma does just fine. She may be reluctant to come to the nest as first, but usually they overcome the fear.
It should be alright to peer in, just try to be outta there when momma's around. She'll make it very clear what she thinks of you bothering her nest.

 

[cherrynberry]

It probably won't scare her away forever but just try to keep the "lookng into the nest" at a minimum.

I have not checked in the nest since, but since the box is right next to the chicken feeding shed, I pass by everyday and I think she started to brood them/incubate them because she is always in there! I will be checking this Friday (2 days from now)

 

[cherrynberry]

Yay they fledged <3 and...they're still pretty ugly I wonder when they start to look "put together" like the adults

I think they already look much more bird like...from their original newborn look. It’s good to know that there’s 4 more finches out there...somewhere.

 

[cherrynberry]

I just read through this thread and it warmed my heart! I loved seeing the eggs, then fledglings. Thanks so much for the great pictures and story!

No problem! It’s great to witness as well, one of the finches seemed to have flying issues, but it was great to see that the mom never left it’s side and I later saw it jumping from branch to branch! Adorable! I saw them flying around today as well...

 

[All4Eggz]

Wait, I have not seen it sit on the nest, do finches just not sit on the nest until the eggs are a few days old? she layed them yesterday and has not sat on them yet...atleast everytime i go to see.

I think she's waiting until there's enough to hatch, and then she'll start sitting. Just so that there is no delayed hatching.

Nature is smart like that

 

[cherrynberry]

Yes, probably building a clutch. Acording to google, she'll start to incubate when there are between 2-7 eggs in the clutch, and she thinks thats enough.

Good...right now there are 2 eggs in there I though she abandoned them because we got too close (peering in) or something.