Aussie Finch Forum

Is there anyway of telling if eggs in a nest are about to hatch or actually have chicks inside the egg.

Candling.

Hold them up to the sun. If you can see through them they are clear, if you can't they are fertile. This only works after a week or so. If unsure, leave in the nest, the hen will leave them after about a week after they should have hatched if they are not fertile. Be patient.

Leave them to their own devices . .

The hen will know more than you do, and will leave them if/when she realises that they are 'clear'

Interference with finch eggs in a closed nest risks breakages or desertion . . even with tolerant species like OB's



The loss of a nest is not worth a couple of days of impatience

I'm another who does not check. The birds are better for not being pushed to lay again too quickly in my humble oppinion. And if they go a year with no chicks introduce another pair, they may not be compatible.
LML

Thanks for reply's I shall take heed and be patient.