Getting older birds?

[Kiko]

I am thinking about perhaps maybe getting some finches. As you can see I haven't completely made up my mind!

I am the kind of person who gets a pet for life. So if I make this decision, I have 5-10 years of finch ownership ahead of me, according to some faqs. Since I have not really owned birds, I am worried that I will get the finches and wish I hadn't - although a good breeder may take them back?

On paper, I am very attracted to Goudians, but might be too pricy for a noob. I also quite like the society finch and the strawberry and star as well. I would like a quieter finch, some have quite a loud scratchy peep for a tiny bird!

I was wondering what you thought, if I were to ask local breeders if they had older breeding birds that were ready for retirement. I don't know whether that is reasonable, and I would end up with a pair who have bonded and still want to breed? Or would there be same sex older birds looking for a home?

Sometimes there are society finches at the local humane society, that might be another possibility.

Any suggestions are welcome!

[spector]

Several of my Goulds were from a breeder who gave them to me free of charge. They were "retired," and she normally tries to give away as many as she can, and destroys (yes, kills) the ones she can't get homes for. She is a very practical person, and she sees her birds as inventory. Non-breeding birds are an income loss for her. I think she does it humanely but, to be honest, I didn't explore the concept with her!

Distasteful topics aside, if you go to a local bird show in your area, you might talk to any breeders you see there, to explore the idea of adopting their retired breeder birds (or getting them for a lower price). The only caveat put on me, when I adopted these three older boys was that I didn't breed them (and I have not). But I did give them a huge, roomy cage (compared to the little breeder cages they were cramped in with at least five or six others) in which to live out their lives. I was told that they were so old, they might not survive the trip home. Happily, that was about two years ago. They survived just fine, and literally have thrived in their new home. I just lost one last month to a liver tumour, but the other two still act like young birds!

You might also want to check www.petfinder.com and the Craigslist in your area. I see societies and zebras regularly on mine (usually "free to good home"), and even the occasional Gouldian.

However, I think that you will find you can't resist the charm of any of these little guys, and you'll be running out and buying more in no time!

[Sally]

In my area, Stars and Gouldians are fairly close in price. Strawberries have become very hard to find and very expensive. I don't know where you live, but craigslist in my area often has Societies for a very small rehoming fee. The Society is an ideal beginner finch--hardy, full of personality, easy to care for, easygoing--the only disadvantage is that you can't visually sex them. If you see one singing, it is definitely a male.

It certainly wouldn't hurt to check with local breeders to see if they have any 'older' birds they want to rehome. One thing, if you do go ahead and get one of the 'pricier' finches, you can always rehome them if you are willing to let them go for a little less.

[H2015]

I think if you get a pair of gouldians you will have great pets but it's much better to buy them from a respectable breeder to avoid dealing with diseases (such as the air sac mites which gouldians are prone to).

Gouldians are not loud at all, in fact when I have the tv on I can barely hear their singing, which is very low and quite pleasant (unlike my zebras, my brother calls them Maleficent's crows).

Personally I would suggest getting a male and female, they may cost a lot but if you were lucky and they decided to breed and raise their clutch (they're not easy breeders), then you let them have it and then sell their offspring to regain all you spent on the hobby.

If you do not want to deal with breeding at all and do not want to spend much, then two male societies is your best choice.

[Kiko]

Thank you all. So older birds are a possibility then. I have decided to wait for spring to arrive and then get in contact with the local breeders and talk with a couple to see what is available and what they suggest.

I really do find that either society or gouldians appeal to me the most, kindoff opposite ends of the spectrum, most common <-> uncommon and expensive.

I will keep an eye out for societies that need rehoming, that might be the most satisfying way to go!

I shall keep reading here and enjoying everyone's posts and pictures!