3rd Wheel?

[raymeedc]

Newbie needs advice.....
I have a newly set up cage (30x18x18) that is housing a pair of male Gouldians. An acquaintance of mine has another male Gouldian he would like to give to me. Since my pair is not a male/female combo, would it be OK to put the new bird in with them, or am I just asking for trouble?
If it makes any difference, they will shortly be moving to a larger 30x18x36 enclosure.
I had initially planned on introducing an additional pair of male Gouldians or Male Society finches when I move my original pair into their larger headquarters, when this opportunity arose. Should I pass up on this "third bird" idea & stick with my original plan, or would my initial pair be happier (my primary concern, of course) just leaving them to them selves? Are they likely to feel more secure with a couple of additional birds, or would there be constant stress because of the additional birds?

[L in Ontario]

I have all my young males (and some older ones too) together, when not breeding with no problem. They even sing and dance for each other.

Go ahead and get him, they should be just fine. BUT... you have to post pictures!!!

[raymeedc]

I realize that I can probably keep four or more males together without any problems. The number three, though, seems to be the lethal number, bird compatibility-wise, according to what I've read. Does this pertain only to male/female pairings, or will this also be a problem with same sex pairings, as in my case?

[L in Ontario]

I would think it only pertains to m/f pairings. But someone else may offer another opinion. Personally I would not hesitate to put three males together.

[B CAMP]

Go for it

[kylegood]

Gouldians are a very passive species of finch. I third the notion! Go for it!

[lovemyfinch]

The only time that I have noticed any agressivity in my gouldian males is when a hen is added to the equation as well as a nest. So I too say go for it.

[GOULDYGIRL]

I agree. Shouldn't be a problem at all. Can't wait for pics

Renee

[ac12]

I have had odd numbers of gouldians in my community cages and not had any problem. Having said that, I have ONE specific bird that is not very social. He will be fine with some birds but pick on others. And the funny thing is the ones that he picks on are his own kids, but foster raised.

What I am saying is that it will ultimately depend on the birds themselves.