New Birdies

[dunker817]

Today I attended the bird mart down here in Fort Worth, TX. It was a great experience and I got to meet people and ask questions. My desire was to add to my flock and get some stuff for my aviary. And I didn't leave disappointed. Today I added a pair of Cordon Bleus, a pair of Parrot Finches, and another pair of Gouldians. They are the bomb! I love these little birds. When I was picking them out the breeders all said they would get along with each other once they are in the aviary together. I'm so happy but must admit a bit apprehensive about the living together. I heard horror stories from some of the breeders there about finches killing each other. There were other varieties I would have liked but didn't have the cages to transport.

I do have a question. Will they be alright in their small canary cages (each pair has their own cage) until I can get my aviary up and running? Also, how long do finches need to be quarantined before they can housed together? Most tiel breeders say two weeks for tiels.

Thanks for letting me share.

Layne

[Sally]

dunker817 Two weeks would be a minimum for finches, and many people quarantine for much longer. The quarantine period is for you to observe the new birds to see that they appear healthy, and it is also a period for the new birds to adjust to a new home--new food, new water supply, etc. Be sure to offer water in a bowl/dish if you use water tubes, as not all birds are used to water tubes and can dehydrate while surrounded by water tubes.

I don't have experience with aviaries, so I can't help you there, but I would think the species you bought would get along. Don't be discouraged by stories of finches killing each other, that is definitely the exception. You can run into that when you work with species like Purple Grenadiers, which when they are in breeding mode, can become extremely aggressive. I have a male Purple Grenadier that has to remain a bachelor, because he has killed two mates, yet he gets along just fine with other bachelor PGs with no hens present to fight over.

How large are the canary cages? They can be fine for a while in a smaller cage, but eventually they need to either be moved to a larger cage, flight, or aviary.

Congrats on all the new birds, I think you will really enjoy them. I love seeing new finch owners acquiring their flock, it is easy for those of us who have been doing it for a while to become complacent, forgetting the excitement of bringing these new pets home.

[delray]

dunker817 hi. I highly recommend 9 weeks. I know it is a long time, but it is deffinely worth it especially if you catch something in any of them.

[Ginene]

Congrats on your new additions!!! Most of my finches are from TEXAS!!! WOOHOO!!! Maybe our CB's are related ;) My awesome and very cautious avian vet recommends a 90 day quarantine. There are some meds and protocols that your birds will require, which can be easily done during this period of time. Small cages make it easy to monitor droppings, catch birds and keep a close eye on new birds. It also gives them a chance to get used to their new home, and its accomodations. My advice...don't be in a rush. Enjoy your new birds and be happy that a proper quarantine is in the best interest of all of your birds

[jamezyboo21]

Congrats on the new additions! Don't forget to post some pics!! ;)