The following points apply to most AUSTRALIAN FINCHES, but for birds in group 2 and 3, additional information should be obtained.
Once the new birds have settled in and are fully adult, usually around 9 months old, they should become into breeding condition.
Signs of this will be obvious, cock birds will sing and display and the hen with sidle up to him.
In some species the beak changes colour and the birds will appear to be bursting with vitality.
If not already provided you should add the nest-boxes at this time plus nesting materials. Dried grasses coconut fibre are most suitable (do not use horsehair as this can get tangled around the legs).Give the materials to the birds and wait nest building will take place sometimes almost right away or at least over the next few weeks, eggs should be laid within a month of pairing up your birds.
No eggs could mean two cocks or more than 7 eggs could mean two hens so swap them around.
In most cases eggs will be laid and hatch between 12 and 16 days after incubation try not to keep disturbing the nest as they may abandon the eggs.
The parents feed the young and they grow rapidly, being ready to leave the nest after 21 days.
They should be kept with parents for a month after that, and always provide soft foods when breeding.