Which cage out of the three I have would be best???

[skyjump100]

Hi All,

I've recently bought a pair of Gouldian finches which I am learning about all the time. One thing that I am still not happy about is the cage that they are in as I think it is too dark. I have two cages for them already and one I am thinking about getting them.

The first cage I had them in was 23" W x 14" D but as I wanted to try breeding them I thought it was too small and all the research I have done indicated that I should have as wide a cage as possible as width (length) and depth was more important than height (this site has been given me loads of info!!).. I then purchased a wooden breeding cage which is 43" x 12" but I think it is too dark for them as the only open side if the front, all the other are fully encased. I use a full spectrum light for them but it doesn't seem to make the cage very light (as the bulb seems really bright I have it attached to the curtain pole above and slightly opposite the cage).

I am therefore thinking about buying a new cage which is 32" x 21" however as it is fully open on all sides I'm not sure if it i ssuitable for breeding them in. If I buy it I'm thinking of using some plastic plants to help give privacy for them.

What do you guys think please as I really appreciated all the good advice on here!

Thanks

[skyjump100]

Oopps forgot to say that I'm only having the one pair in the cage

Cheers

[PrettyBird]

You could always build your own flight. I built mine in the summer, and its about 4 ft long by 3 by 2. I designed it how I wanted, with a door in the front, and its perfect for the finches now. It was cheap to make as well, only cost me about $60 for the materials.

[managermania]

Are you able to install a small fluorescent light in the wooden breeding cage? Just mount if flush against the top in any way?

[DanteD716]

I would go with the last cage for sure.

[finchmix22]

I agree with Dante. The last one sounds like the perfect size and lighting. Gouldians like their light.

[skyjump100]

Thanks again guys!!!

Dee, I am with you 100% and I think ultimately I will be building something more in line with what I would like as it seem so difficult to buy a cage that meets all my needs and wants so will probably be on here later asking for guidance on building and what features I should include.

In the meantime I'm going to buy the bigger cage and defintely think the breeding cage is too dark in my house. Perhaps in a proper outdoor set up it would be ok with proper lighting but indoors with human lighting as well it just isnt working.

Thanks again for the advice and support.!

[kenny66]

for goulds, the biggest and brightest (natural light) you can provide

[skyjump100]

The goulds are now in their new house although will be only interim while I buy a bigger and better cage. Albeit smaller, they both seem a lot happier to be back in the light Thanks for the advice. I'm off to France in a weeks time so will get the bigger cage when I get back.
I like them better in the real cage and not the breeding cage. Giess breeding cages weren't designed for Goulds.

My wee lad is off to the vets this week too as he still is not 100% right and seems to have all the sysmptoms of coccidiosis. Unfortuantely it looks like we cant buy anything for it over the counter in the UK so off to the vet we go. If anyone from the UK knows what I can use to treat this please let me know.

Cheers

[finchmix22]

Baycox is often used for coccidiosis.

[jls7453]

You could always build your own flight. I built mine in the summer, and its about 4 ft long by 3 by 2. I designed it how I wanted, with a door in the front, and its perfect for the finches now. It was cheap to make as well, only cost me about $60 for the materials.

Dee,
Could you post a pic of your cage. I like the dimensions. Appreciate it if you could.