My finches laid eggs 2 weeks ago today. I came home and they have hatched. Do I need to add any special food?

Question

I don't know if they need a special mixture of food or if their regular food if fine. HELP

Answer 1

They don't need to be introduced to pellets in order for them to have a healthy diet.

Likewise, it would help A LOT to know what kind of finches they are - because some species rely almost exclusively on live food to feed their babies, and if not offered enough will toss the chicks in frustration due to their begging (and them not being able to provide what they want/need).

Some things to consider:

Offer fresh sprouted seed, cooked, plain (unseasoned, unsalted) couscous, chickpeas, finely chopped carrots and romaine lettuce, broccoli florets, egg food (can be made, which is a pain, or purchased.. either Cede or Quiko have excellent varieties, even some with insect meal ground in), LOTS of fresh spray millet, a decent soluble mult

Answer 2

They should be on a healthy diet already (as soon as you saw the eggs or knew they were mating). If not, it's never too late to make it better.

A diet that's just seeds isn't the best it's equivalent to a person living on fast food. Sure you can do it, but it's not healthy for you.

If you can get them to eat pellets, fresh fruits and vegetables (dark leafy greens are fantastic- full of good nutrients), even some plain cooked pasta, or egg (fully cooked, you can give it smushed up, shell and all, or however you'd like as long as it's cooked all the way and nothing is added to it) would be beneficial.

A lot of pet stores sell foods formulated for breeding birds as well, you could check out some of those.