Ask Lafeber

I have zebra finches

There are building there nest but haven’t seen them mate how can I tell if one is pregnant

Hi Raquel,

Birds lay eggs, so they don’t technically get pregnant. There is generally no visible sign that the hen is about to lay an egg. She might settle into the nest just before she lays it. It is better if you buy them a sturdy nest that is made for finches. They like the hut type with the single opening, preferably a woven nest. Hang it in the cage as high as possible, leaving just enough room for one of the parents to stand on top of it. It doesn’t usually work out for them to build the nest in captivity. It turns out flimsy and the eggs or chicks end up falling out.

Thank you for asking Lafeber,

Brenda