New Birds Today?

[rcharrod]

Hi All,

I was in a local bird shelter earlier this week, and they had for adoption, amongst many other birds, an African Silverbill and a Bronze-Winged Mannikin. I am thinking of adopting these two, to go in a large flight with my four Societies. I do not know their ages or sexes (yet, maybe they will sing for me there).

I know the compatibility chart says they are passive and will get along - anyone else have any additional experience with these guys?

Thanks!

[lovezebs]

rcharrod

Lordy, lordy, it's contagious, isn't it?

I can't help you with the Manikins and Silver bills, although something in the back of my mind tells me, that Silver bills can get aggressive during breeding time (but I could be wrong).

Our Humane Society here in Calgary, has all sorts of birds for adoption lately, for a tiny fraction of the price which you would pay anywhere else (Finches and Budgies for $7.00) Thank God, they are very far away from where I live, although I did make the trip a couple of times. Once I ended up coming home with two beautiful Zebras ( a CFW male, and what I was told was a pure white male, but turned out to be a female), and once with a beautiful pure white Budgie boy).

Go for it !!! Hee-hee-heee...

[rcharrod]

lovezebs

Yes, contagious, but I'm not nearly in the league (yet!) of most of the folks on the forum. I currently only have 8 birds, four Gouldians and four Societies. Another two can't hurt...

[DanteD716]

rcharrod the silverbill would definitely be ok with societies, but the bronze-wing may be a little pushy. He probably won't be bad honestly, he''ll just be the dominant bird. Normally they only act up when they're in a flock. They're kind of like mini societies though! My entire flock of 20 always squeeze into the same nest and sit on the same perches when in the aviary, but most aggressiveness was toward their own kind.

[rcharrod]

DanteD716

Ok, thanks for the input - will post an update if I decide to do it

[Babs _Owner]

rcharrod

Lordy, lordy, it's contagious, isn't it?

Our Humane Society here in Calgary, has all sorts of birds for adoption lately, for a tiny fraction of the price which you would pay anywhere else (Finches and Budgies for $7.00) Thank God, they are very far away from where I live,

When you said " Thank God, they are very far away from where I live" .......I cracked the heck up

[rcharrod]

Well, I did it (of course I did, you all knew that would happen!). I now have an African Silverbill and a Bronze-Winged Mannikin. Will post pics soon

[Kelly]

Can't wait to see pictures

[rcharrod]

Here they are! The BW is a little rough, feather-wise - I'm looking forward to getting him back in shape. I think the BW is a male and the Silverbill is a hen, but not sure yet. They are buddies, though

[DanteD716]

Very cute birds! Glad you got them

[Babs _Owner]

rcharrod

Ohhh look at them loving on each other! Will be a lot of fun hearing about these types of finches and their behavior in your flock!

[Kelly]

Aww super cute!

[vinay]

I love your new guys.
The Bronzewings have so much personality packed in a tiny body.
I had one a while ago who was the 'big boss' of his mini aviary
This little guy used to rule over much bigger birds including canaries , gouldians and even diamond doves.

[rcharrod]

vinay

Well, at least their behavior is consistent! My new BW is definitely flexing his muscles, and my four Societies seem a bit cowed. In particular, the BW is chasing one of my Society hens around to no end. He has definitely decided he is the boss of his new home. If they don't integrate well in a couple of weeks I may move the BW and his Silverbill friend to a separate cage

[lovezebs]

rcharrod

Maybe he likes that little Society hen ;)

My foolish red faced Parrot finch male, is forever chasing the Zebra and Society girls. They have kinda learned to ignore him. Their philosophy is: I don't have to out run him, just the next girl .

If your boy gets too abnoxious, you just might have to (as you said) house them separately. Socies, are so easy going and harmless, they don't need a bully in their midst.

Good luck