What You Need to Know to Become Successful in Breeding Finches

There are several ways to start breeding finches. Not all types of finches would have the same rules and pattern for breeding. Zebra finches, for example, would be easier to breed compared with the gouldian finches.

If you are planning to breed gouldian finches or any other finches, you need to remember that it is best to breed them in single pairs, so that they would be able to focus on the breeding process instead of socializing. Breeding finches requires tons patience and knowledge. For starters, you need to separate them from other finches during the breeding process so that they would not need to defend their territory or compete for food and other resources. Doing this will reduce their stress levels considerably.

You need to provide them with stress perches to give them the privacy they need. If you can't find any stress perches, you can cover the regular perches with divider walls about 4 inches long. These dividers will give them privacy, even if they're not separated with the other finches. The stress perches can be placed in another location so that the dominant birds will not be able to disrupt the breeding process. If they are living with many birds, then you need to make sure that the location of the nest is safe. The nest boxes should be mounted on the incline and it should also have a sloped roof so that it will not easily be disturbed or landed on. This type of setting will also reduce the chances of other birds from attacking. Again, breeding finches requires you to do everything you can to minimize their stress, which includes making them feel safe.

You also have to remember to keep the birds in the right climate. You would not want the breeding place to be too cold or warm. It should just be enough to protect the finches, as well as their young.

When breeding finches, remember that they need to have a resting season after the breeding stage. The resting season should be a minimum of 3 months. To do this, separate the males from the females so that their bodies can relax and gain strength. This is very crucial in strengthening their immune system. The 3 months is a time for the birds to relax, to fly around and regain their body condition. During this period, it's essential to give them a dry seed mix of millets and grass weeds. You can also add other seeds with vitamins and minerals, as well as supplements that will replenish their body's amino acids.

Michael Stanford is an expert on finches. For more info on breeding finches, visit http://www.keepingfinchesguide.com