When can I introduce a new finch for my trio of juvenilles?

[IvyArbor]

Hi There!

I'm new here, and a complete novice. So please bear with my inexperience.

I had two zebra finches, George and Gracie, and within a few months, had three more.

Their offspring are one male, Beau, and two females - May and Sally. We separated them from their parents once they were eating on their own - and breaking new eggs - which George was not happy about.

I now have a cage with three birds - which I know after some research is not good. It's obvious now that Beau and May are paired and their behavior towards Sally is increasingly aggressive, especially May. I tried putting them all together, having read that five was better than three, but their parents want nothing to do with them, and immediately starting pecking at them - especially Gracie.

So, I need to get another finch for Sally - but are they too young to have a new finch introduced? I know that I'll have to wait the four week quarantine period once I get a new bird - will Sally be OK until then? Would it be better to get a male?

I appreciate any input and help!

[cldheath44]

IMO they are not too young to have a new finch introduced, after your quarantine period. A word of caution though with the brother and sister pair. At some point they will start mating, which is not recommended for brothers and sisters. Many people feel genetic problems arise with that type of pairing. You may want to consider putting the two sisters together and getting another friend for Beau.

Christine

[L in Ontario]

I agree with Christine. I would put the two sisters together and either sell or get a male buddy for the boy. You don't want related mating - the offspring could be deformed. Or you would need to remove and discard all eggs as they are laid.