The Cuban Melodious Finch will attack its own kind, so you should not keep more than a single pair together in one cage, even if the cage is large, like an aviary. You also need to be quick to take the young out of the cage because if they are left with the parents for too long, the male may attack and kill the young birds. This finch is a close cousin to the Olive Finch, and the two will sometimes mate together. It is best to give them mealworms when they are breeding, but it is not necessary. Cuban Melodious Finches will breed year round if they are allowed to, but it is a good idea to remove the hen periodically to give her a break.
Caring for Your Finches
These birds can be fed a regular finch mix. They like green foods and green seeds. You should also try to give them a little fruit. They really like that. Like any birds, Cuban Melodious Finches need a constant supply of fresh water and grit. If possible, you should try to provide them with live food when they are breeding.
The Cuban Melodious Finch’s Nest
The nest is normally constructed in a bush or in a pile of brush. It is typically large and shaped like a dome. The birds use fiber and grass to build their nests, and then line it with very thin fibers and feathers. The entrance is usually close to the ground, and the hen lays three eggs. They are light bluish-green with red-brown speckles. It takes twelve days for the eggs to hatch. The young birds are strong enough to begin flying at around 13 to 16 days, but need to be fed by their parents for up to two more weeks.