Reptile & Amphibian Forums

We had a finch make a nest outside on our carport. Unfortunately, it was next to our air conditioner. We tried to not use the A/C and wait until the birds hatched, but it is now 85 degrees in Tampa and we have to turn it on. We took every precaution in moving the nest, but I found them this morning still in the heart of the nest, on the ground. Does anyone have any suggestions on how we may try to hatch these little boogars? I know that they are supposed to be kept at 99 degrees, but we have no incubator, and have no intention of buying one. My kids are having a fit!!! Can someone help?

If you have a heating pad or heat blanket you can set it on low and surround the eggs with that. To make sure they don't get too hot, put flattened out cotton balls or cotton pads on either side of them, and check to make sure they are getting warmth. If they feel really hot, like it would be uncomfortable for you to be holding the egg, then put more cotton around them. You must also roll them every few hours so the yolk doesn't stick to the inside of the egg and the embryo dies. In addition, you must mist them occasionally, because they need humidity to survive.
By the way, they might not even be fertile. To check this, you can go in a dark room and hold a flashlight up to them. If you see a spiderweb of veins, then you should incubate it. However, if they were recently laid and you're inexperienced at this, it may be better to just try to incubate them all as in the early stages it's hard to tell fertile ones from duds.

Thanks so much for the advice. I'll let you know what happens. They were laid over a week ago, so maybe they'll have a chance. Thanks again!