One of the most famous pet and breeding small birds across the globe is the finches. Finches have a reputation of being jovial in their songs, active, and social, and therefore reproduce very easily in captivity when the environment is conducive. Finding eggs in the nest of a finch is one of the most thrilling events of a bird keeper. This of course begs the usual question: how long does it take the egg of a finch to hatch? It is also worth knowing about the incubation period, the care these lovely birds need and the factors that influence the success of hatching, so that any person keeping these birds knows how to treat them.
The Average Finch Egg incubation period
Finch eggs require between 12 to 16 days to hatch on average after incubation. The time can be different, it can differ with species of finches and health of the parent birds and the conditions of the environment. Most of the pet finches which are kept which include zebra finches normally hatch after 14 days. Other species might fall a little bit more or less within this range.
Another point that should be mentioned is that incubation is not necessarily initiated on the day when the first egg is laid. Numerous finches would wait till they have deposited two or three eggs before they sit on the nest regularly. This makes it possible that a majority of the chicks start hatching simultaneously hence becoming easier to feed and take care of the chickens by the parents.
The Finch and its Incubation of Eggs
Finches are highly attentive parents unlike other larger birds who may be away their nests during large durations. After incubation has started, the female tends to sit on the eggs most of the time to warm them using the body heat. The male usually does this supportive role which includes feeding her and sometimes doing brief shifts in the nest. This common work allows to sustain the correct temperature of embryo growth.
Consistency is key. Unless the eggs are covered in a very short period of time particularly in cooler conditions, then the embryo development may stall or even cease. Finches are very successful in hatching their eggs in a stable environment, however.
Disorders which Influence the hatching period
The duration of time before a finch egg hatch can be affected by a number of factors. One of the most important components is temperature. In case the surrounding temperature is too low, the process of incubation might take longer and also, in other instances, the embryo might not survive. Conversely, excessive heat may be harmful and this may either reduce incubation time or lead to developmental issues.
Successful hatching is also associated with humidity. Eggs require the appropriate moisture content in the air to ensure that the shell is not too thick but rather is porous enough to allow the chick to breathe and break out after a lapse. Eggs can not hatch though they are fully incubated in extremely dry conditions.
Three other important factors are the health and the age of the parent finches. The experienced and strong breeders are more likely to sit and the incubation is managed better which results in a high hatch rate. Early or stressed birds can also fail to give the required level of care which may lengthen or interfere with the incubation period.
How to Find out whether Finch Eggs Are Fertile?
All eggs that a finch will produce will not hatch into a chick. The common infertile eggs include those of inexperienced pairs and in stressful environments. A method breeders use to check the fertility is by candling; a small light is shone into the egg. After the eggs have been fertilized, the eggs will be found to have visible blood vessels and even a moving embryo after a week of incubation. Infertile eggs on the contrary are clear or opaque.
Even though candling is an effective technique, it should be performed cautiously and in limited occasions so as not to disrupt the parents. Excess interference can make the birds to leave the nest completely.
What Goes on in the Process of Hatching?
The chicks in the eggs after a period of about two weeks start preparing to hatch. They have a small teeth-like structure on their beak that is called the egg tooth and it assists them in removing the shell. It can take a number of hours to a day or longer. It is very energy consuming and it is customary that chicks take a break between attempts.
The owners will be tempted to assist by cracking the shell, however, this is not encouraged. Early intervention may be detrimental to the chick because it might be unprepared to exist out of the egg. Mostly, patient waiting would be the most effective practice, because parent finches understand the process and it is the way to handle it.
Rearing Finch Eggs in the House
In captive breeding of finches, it is a very good idea to create an environment that is quiet and secure thus increasing the chances of hatching. An appropriate nesting area that is lined with soft nesting materials enables the parents to be at ease and stress will be minimized. The cage is supposed to be put in a tranquil place where there is no frequent disturbance or noise. The other thing that is essential at this stage is the provision of a balanced diet that is high in protein and calcium, as it helps the parents and the growing embryo.
Another important aspect is cleanliness. You should not touch the eggs directly but by keeping the cage hygienic, infections remain at bay and the parents are healthy enough to go about their work. The incubation and hatching of the birds require an ample supply of fresh water and high quality of the bird food.
Why Do Some Eggs Fail to Hatch?
Even with the best attention the eggs of not all finches will hatch. Embryos can not develop because of infertility, incompetent incubation, genetic defects, or other environmental factors. In other cases, only a portion of the clutch will hatch with the rest of the eggs being either clear or halting half way. This is a normal aspect of breeding of birds and it should not be regarded as a failure. Fit finches will tend to put a second effort in the future and with each effort the success rates tend to go up.
After the Eggs Hatch
After long at last the eggs hatch, the parent finches have work to do. The chicks are born without eyes, without feathers, and totally reliant on their parents to keep them warm and to feed them. At this stage, the mother and the father tend to turn in turn and feed the chicks a blend of half digested seeds and soft food. The owners can facilitate this process through the provision of easy to digest foods like egg food, soaked seeds and fresh greens.
The chicks require approximately 3 weeks before they can open their eyes and develop feathers and start exploring the outside world. At this point, what is thrilling to see the eggs hatch, now becomes the delight to see the young finches develop and flourish.
Conclusion
How long then can it be before a finch egg is hatched? The period of the cycle typically ranges between 12 and 16 days with most species taking on average of two weeks. This however relies on the constant incubation, the environmental factors, and parent bird health. Although not all eggs will hatch, they can be given the best care, nutrition, and the most conducive low-stress environment, which will increase the chances of success. It is also a fulfilling experience to have finch eggs hatch and to watch them grow as they do, and this is to remind us of such a small but interesting cycle of life in these small little birds.