Peace, mercy, and blessings of God be upon you.
Today's topic: How to deal with a female canary or goldfinch that wants to build a second nest while the chicks are still young 🐦
When the chicks are still young and the female wants to build a new nest (in canaries or goldfinches), you must proceed with caution so as not to harm the chicks. This is the best way to deal with it:
1. The age of the chicks is important
If the chicks are less than 12–14 days old:
Do not give the female a new nest.
Because the chicks still need a lot of brooding, warmth, and feeding.
If the chicks are more than 14 days old:
A new nest can be placed in the cage.
Often, the female starts building the second nest while continuing to feed the chicks.
2. Place a second nest
Place the new nest on the other side of the cage.
Provide nesting materials such as:
Jute threads
Bird-specific cotton
Coconut fiber
This prevents the female from dismantling the chicks' nest to build a new one.
3. Nutrition is very important
When the female is building a new nest and feeding the chicks, you must provide:
Boiled eggs
Pâté
Lettuce or arugula
Apples
Mixed seeds
Good nutrition helps her to:
Feed the chicks
Produce new eggs.
4. Monitor the male
The male often helps in feeding the chicks.
If the male bothers the female during brooding, he can be temporarily separated.
5. When do the chicks leave the nest?
Canary and goldfinch chicks usually leave the nest between 18 and 21 days old.
After they leave, the parents continue to feed them for about 10 to 15 days.
Important advice
If the female starts plucking the chicks' feathers, this is a sign that she wants to mate again quickly. In this case:
Immediately place a new nest
Or separate the chicks into another cage with the father
Page: Diverse Birds and Their Secrets