FINCHforum

An elderly couple who live not too far from me are entering into their retirement years and are eager to tie up their future (business etc). Anyway, they were recommended to me by a neighbour as somebody who could take care of some of their birds (only babysitting for 3 weeks)...they have about 40 in all, various species. There is no way I can take care of all of them but I agreed to take care of some of them. Obviously I won't keep them with Riff & Raff, but I am just wondering which species I should take care of after only ever having Javas. Advice is appreciated.

They have 1 Java (obviously I will take care of that one)
Many Zebras (starting not to like these birds too much)
4 Owl finches (Could be my next buy)
Gouldians (Disease prone)
Societies (no idea about these)
Strawberry (no idea about these)
Spice (maybe, I am not sure)
Some bluish/purple looking birds that I don't know and they have a lovely song (never seen these before anywhere)
And some others that I only know the Japanese name for so I need to research them a bit more but I have seen pics of similar in the gallery, all in all there are about 14 different species (not all housed together).

But basically I think they are all some of the most common birds in captivity (Here in Asia anyway) so which do you reckon I should adopt for 3 weeks.

Cheers

Would you be going to their home to take care of the birds, or will they bring cages over to your house? If going to their house, I wouldn't worry about taking care of any of them. I'm sure they would give you a list of what needs to be done, and basically, most of the finches need the same care, just variations in diet.

If they are bringing cages to your house, then it depends on how many you have space for. Owls, Gouldians, Society, Strawberry, Spice, even the notorious Zebras--all easy to care for.

If its not to far to there place wouldn't it be better there and not with Riff & Raff because of all the quarentine problems.
Like sally said all of those get about the same care. Its a good thing to help them out if you can,we never know when we will need help like that

During this time there will be renovations going on at their house so the birds need to be relocated for 3 weeks while they are away. I have some space in my guest room so they will be out of sight from Riff & Raff. I reckon I could manage a flight cage in there and an emergency cage also so I am thinking I can manage about 6-8 birds

Sounds like you will be able to handle part of there flock so thats good ,most of those are easy to take care of well good luck with what you decide.