- 1). Separate a sexually mature (6 months or older) male and a female finch from your flock. If you have trouble determining the sex, note that males sing more than females and perform a mating dance that includes stretching the neck, fluffing feathers and bouncing on a perch in a female's presence.
- 2). Place the finches in a clean and spacious cage. Breeder Garrie Landry of Zebrafinch.com recommends a breeding cage at least 12 inches tall, 18 inches wide and 12 inches deep. Provide at least two perches, healthful food and clean water. Keep the cage in a quiet low-traffic area out of direct sunlight and away from drafts. If no natural light enters the room, provide artificial full-spectrum lighting.
- 3). Provide nests or nesting materials. Safe nesting materials include pesticide-free grass, twigs and cotton. Duane Johnson of Zbirds warns that string can get tangled around legs and feet and therefore advises against string. Some finch breeders choose to hang a basket or nesting box that's premade.
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