How many in a cage

[heath]

Hi guys, some input would be appreciated. I am trying to determine how many birds would be best for my cage. I used to have two female zebbies but one died. I contacted a breeder to inquire about getting another. She saw a photo of my cage and recommended that I house more than just two in there - saying that the way prey birds think about it is - there's safety in numbers. That makes sense to me but the online calculator says my cage is only suitable for two birds.
My cage is 31" long by 20-1/2" deep by 40" tall. What do you guys think?

[L in Ontario]

I split your post off to a separate thread so you can get more answers specific to you issue.

The cage calculator goes by the width or length of the cage - not by the height. Finches fly sideways and that's the biggest space they need (rather than up and down).

[limeslide]

Two is an okay number IMO, four can lead to fights (as the birds will break of into pairs then fight for the dominant spot) and six seems like too much. I'd settle with just two and give them the best time of their lives.

[ac12]

I think you can do 6 non-breeding zebras in that cage.
BUT...once they start breeding, all bets are off. I've seen passive birds turn AGGRESSIVE when breeding or wanting to mate. Then you need the space.
Also once you have chicks, the chicks need some of that space also.

[kheather]

I personally would keep a few pairs in there as well, maybe not all zebra's...and no nests will help..lots of night roosting areas i think you would do fine, perhaps trio of societies with a pair of zebra's!