fostering vs. nature taking its course

xiaasb6x · Post by **xiaasb6x** » Sat Feb 14, 2009 10:57 pm

well i couldnt think of a good enough titlethat would incorperate all my questions, but if you guys can answer them, i would apprietiate it!

first question, i want an aviary of finches, and plan to build an aviary and get the finches soon, so shold i stick with one breed, or get many different species?
second queston, if i get multiple species, how would i manage fostering babies to other breeds or would i just let their birth parents do the work.
so if anyone has any ideas or a plan they wish they took when first raising finches, or a great begginer plan, or an beginner tips, please let me know! thanks

williep · Post by **williep** » Sun Feb 15, 2009 4:26 am

A mixed aviary can sometimes be difficult as the different species interfere with each other, but then again it's much more pleasant to look at. I have had good success with a mixed aviary as I do not overcrowd and have it well planted.

As for fostering, I don't do it just because I'm never around but I believe it is a valuable tool especially if you breed the more difficult species, that being said it is very difficult to foster in a large aviary as the nest checks could disturb other breeding bird (also something I don't do), so I would do some more research into your own specific requirements before making the final decision. Good luck and keep us posted

dfcauley · Post by **dfcauley** » Sun Feb 15, 2009 7:22 am

Hi,

You will find many different opinions on this. Let me say that I think you will have to find what works for YOU. I always listen to advice and appreciate it and then I do what I think is best.

I love a mixed aviary. I am not necessarily into breeding birds. (although that comes with it) I have mine for enjoyment of watching.
You just have to be careful that you have breeds that will get along.
I love the color and song of a mixed aviary. Also the birds I have seem to enjoy each other and learn to do new things and eat new things from each other.

On the subject of fostering there are lots of different opinions here also.
I do foster birds when there is no other chance for them. I have saved many babies by doing this. I have a strawberry finch sitting on eggs now. I wouldn't think twice about snatching those eggs or babies if I thought necessary to save them.

I have three little courdon babies now that I almost drown (accidentally)
that are doing wonderful now under my society finches care. They would have died otherwise. I am sure of that.

So.... it all depends on what you want and I think that once you get your birds you will learn what you can expect from them As far as nest checks, I do this and my birds all seem to accept it from me. I take alot of teasing about peeking in nest. But I have never had any babies tossed.
I guess I am just lucky!

Good luck in building your aviary!

williep · Post by **williep** » Sun Feb 15, 2009 9:11 am

dfcauley wrote:Hi,

You will find many different opinions on this. Let me say that I think you will have to find what works for YOU. I always listen to advice and appreciate it and then I do what I think is best.

Donna has given you a valuable piece of advise here, each one's setup is unique as we all have a different environment or climate or preference. Take all the advise you can find and apply what you believe will work the best in your scenario. Good luck and remember - We want to see pics when your done!!!

xiaasb6x · Post by **xiaasb6x** » Mon Feb 16, 2009 12:39 am

okay, well in that case i think i will have a mixed aviary but only with finches that are satisfactory parents, and wont worry about fostering unless it is life or death situation, but i would like to know what breeds you perfer that are easy breeders and good parents for the most part. and i would also like some help on deciding on a style and location for my aviary, so i would love some good ideas, and like to know what you all perfer as far as size, design, and appearence go.... so any and all help would be apprietiated

dfcauley · Post by **dfcauley** » Mon Feb 16, 2009 7:05 am

That's a big order.

I can only help you on the types. My easiest breeders are my gouldians.
They have given me NO problems.

Coop · Post by **Coop** » Mon Feb 16, 2009 10:36 am

I have a mix of gouldians (my favorite), societies, and zebras. The zebras I finally removed as they were both too aggressive and too noisy - they sound like honking geese! As far as breeding goes, the societies are like rabbits and require nothing more than the usual diet and good nesting materials. The gouldians, however, can be a bit tricky, as my first-time parents have never been trustworthy and have always tossed the first clutch of chicks. Hence, a good reason to have societies as they have always taken over the young goulds and, as you've heard from the other posts, will foster other young as well. What ever you decide, enjoy and best of luck!