Separated by sex or not?

[arnoldus]

I'm meeting with my aviary builder to get some plans together, but I haven't decided on whether I want a split aviary, separated by sex, or a mixed one.

As it is not going to be a big aviary (6 feet height, 3 feet depth and either
4 feet width per area if split into 2 or
8 feet width if mixed)
I feel it is imported to make the right choice so that the birds have enough space.

At the moment I have 7 male and 5 female zebras, but I also wanted to add some gouldians and european goldfinches.

My main concern is that I want to avoid breeding (which takes its toll on the females and I have more than double my numbers this year already ) and the thereby caused territorial disputes between species.

[dan78]

My concern about this is that once males and females are separated in thier own flights and breeding season comes the males will be going mental as they want to get to the hens. Best way around this is to have the division between the a joining flights a solid wall so they can not see each other.

[debbie276]

I think that what you have now would be about the max I would put in a 3x8 aviary. The gouldians would need to get away from the more aggressive zebra's especially at breeding time so I don't think a mixed aviary 3x8 with 12 zebra's will work well at all.

[wellingtoncdm]

You already have 12 zebras. Could they stay where they are and use the new aviary for just gouldians?

[arnoldus]

No, I have a big cage for 6 zebras, and the other ones are in 4 breeding cages, but that is only a temporary solution. And I do not have any more space for other large cages, hence the need for an aviary.
But according to some sites, it is only floor area which matters, so it wouldn't matter if I mix both sexes into double the space. I just thought there were so many more ways to fly if there is more space.

An opaque wall to hide the sexes is a good idea.

The gouldian and goldfinches are a little sidestep, I can always sell 4 zebras to make room, the biggest issue is if the sum of 2 little aviaries < a combined aviary, with all the inconveniences of breeding couples.

[dan78]

Another idea which sprang to mind is how about the partion having a door installed so if you wish to open the door you will have the 8ft aviery or shutting the door will leave you with the 2x4ft sections.
As for the birds 12 zebs will be a bit on the restless side then throwing a pair of gouldians will be a hassle for them and told finches can also be a bit aggressive especially during breeding season. If you want a more harmonious aviery I would consider a few different types to go with the gouldians such as stars common waxbills or even Orange cheeks. I would leave the zebs in there own flight with nests and place all eggs with dummy eggs as this will eliminate and young and wont let the hens go down too frequently. What little I know of goldfinches is they are very territorial and will drive away any rivals that try and stay near the nest. This is your choice as to what you wish to do but the sale of some zebs is a great start.

[finchmix22]

If the plan is for a 4x8 aviary, why not split the aviary length-wise so you have two sections of 2x8 (3 ft wide, correct?) The length is more important than the height. Also, Gouldians are sensitive to cold, so I don't know if I'd put them outside. Maybe someone with gouldians can address that part, but I would suggest species that will do well in your climate. Unless you're talking about an indoor aviary. Then, I'd separate male/females during breeding season or not offer nests and eggfood, to discourage breeding. Species to consider would be, as stated before, OCW, Owls, RCCBs, BCCBs, Spice, Stars, and maybe other waxbills. I have these in a combined flight, no sex separation and they don't breed well unless their in their own cage, as the other finches disturb them and make them skittish about any nesting behaviors. My Spice will make nests, but the OCW and Owls take them over and throw out eggs that are not their own. I have another mixed flight with Society, Fires, Lavenders and GS. My GS pair are very calm and stay to themselves. NO fighting in either flight.

[arnoldus]

Some good comments.
Finchmix, I don't think I understand. The depth is only 3feet, so split lengthwise gives 1.5feet per section. Isn't that too narrow?

It will be an outside aviary. there will be a little heated night-box (10 inch x 10 inch x length of aviary section) per section.

Dan78, do you mean to say that I should sell a bit more than 4 and then put all zebras in their own section (mixed sex) and the other section for the other birds? That's a good idea!

How many birds should I consider to be a healthy fit in a 3x4x6 section, about 8 ?

[debbie276]

Not sure of your weather conditions but the gouldians shouldn't go below 55 degrees F (60F is better) for any extended period of time.

[dan78]

Zebs do better with less than more in my experience. The number of zdbs would be up to you and your zebs to work out so there isn't any fighting. As for how many per flight is debatable as I watch my birds and judge by their wellbeing and by ho stressed they are. I would probably start off with 3-4pairs each flight and see how they go. As for outside aviery and gouldians living out there i have had them survive a winter where they have been fine and it gets to 4.c here which I think would be like 8.f in equivalent. What gouldians dislike the most is not the cold but the cold wind blowing on them, they can cope with a few days of cold weather but wont last one day with cold winds. The heated box is an excellent idea and many here have had birds go through winters with the heated box that shouldn't. When getting your gouldians try and find a breeder that has kept theirs outside in a similar environment as you are , this will give you best chances for gouldians to survive. Gouldians which have been kept indoors will succumb to the weather as they would be used to warmth at all times.

[debbie276]

Just an FYI 4C equals 39.2F

[dan78]

Thanks deb not any good at conversion so sorry if I get a few wrong.

[arnoldus]

Just FYI, from what I get from dutch forums and people:
several breeders in the Netherlands and Belgium keep their gouldians out in the winter, even in freezing conditions. Most aviaries are closed off with transparent panels against wind, and some have a heated sleeping box, but not all. There are even people who have clutches and babies raised during the winter (although they molt slower than if kept indoors).
The key is to buy from these kind of winter-breeders. Their line of birds are already naturally selected for being resistant to the weather.
Most birds fare well if they have a few months to adapt from summer to winter weather, but birds that are born from such birds are even more resistant, regardless of which season they are born.