My finch eggs are soft and breaking. What diet makes shells hard?

Feed a good quality pelleted diet (Harrison's, Roudybush, Lafeber, Pretty Bird or Exact) supplemented with a fortified seed mix and fresh greens and vegetables. Provide a cuttlebone or mineral block. Always have fresh water available. Provide an appropriately sized nesting box and suitable nesting material (straw, Aspen shaving, shredded newspaper, etc.).

Unless your vet recommended it specifically, I would be giving eggfood or even cuttlebone/oyster shell as a calcium alternative to the Tums if you need a long-term calcium boost (Tums is great for short-term after an egg-binding episode, but longer term eggfood or oyster shell may be easier on your bird's GI tract). Otherwise, her diet and routine looks pretty good!

Birds require calcium for more than just egg laying. It strengthens bones, aids in enyzme and hormone function, muscle development, nerve transmission and certain metabolic processes among other biological functions. A cuttlebone or mineral block should always be available. Limit dehydrated fruits that can be high in sugar. Fresh fruits, vegetables and greens would be preferred. They should make up no more than 25% of the diet. Pellets should make up the majority of her diet at 75%. Fresh foods can make up the remaining 25%. Generally, anything good for you is good for her except for chocolate, caffeine, alcohol and avocado.

Make sure she has a balanced diet consisting of a pelleted diet, a fortified seed mix and small amount of fresh greens, fruits and vegetables. Provide a mineral block and/or cuttlebone. You can provide a birdbath or mist her with warm water a couple times a week to promote preening and healthy plumage.

A good quality commercial pelleted diet such as Harrison's, Lafeber, KayTee Exact or Pretty Bird can provide complete nutrition. You can supplement with small amounts of a fortified seed mix as well as a variety of fresh fruits and vegetables.

Thanks for reaching out about Sheephony. Grit is for the grinding of food in the stomach and does not provide any nutrients. Oyster shell or cuttlebone can supply some calcium, generally lost in the forming and laying of the egg. Green vegetables will also help with calcium. If she is weak, a veterinary visit is recommended for caloric, nutrient and fluid administration. Give heat support in the 80-85 F range for aid. Good luck.

You should just continue to feed your budgie a balanced diet that is designed for budgies. While spinach is a great treat, it should not be used as the main diet. If you are concerned about your budgie getting enough nutrients, you can add in some crushed oyster shells or a cuttle bone for calcium, or include some egg-food (a treat found at most pet stores) to help boost nutrition post-egg laying.