After being laid, finch eggs hatched in about 12 to 14 days. To keep the eggs warm at this time, the male and female birds alternately sit on them.

The baby finches, known as hatchlings, remain in the nest for 20 to 25 days after hatching before flying out (learning to fly). Up until they are six weeks old, the parents continue to feed the fledged birds. The female lays a new clutch of eggs, and the parents begin the incubation process once more, after the hatchlings have left the nest. It is normal for hatchlings that have already left the nest to assist in caring for the young from the following clutch of eggs.