New to finches/Have question on how many to purchase

cntrymeadow · Post by **cntrymeadow** » Tue Sep 23, 2008 5:01 pm

Apparently I have to have one post before I can post a link.
So here is my one post!

cntrymeadow · Post by **cntrymeadow** » Tue Sep 23, 2008 5:02 pm

2nd post!

I have been reading everything I can on finches and I have just one question befor getting zebra and/or society finches!

I know that finches are profilic breeders (unless you remove eggs/nest) so I dont want to get too many to start as I do want to experience having babies once.

The cage that we have is really big and is all set up.

Ideally I would like zebra AND society finches.
How many should I get?
Should I start with just a pair of each?
or is two pairs of zebras and 1 pair of society too many?

dfcauley · Post by **dfcauley** » Tue Sep 23, 2008 5:31 pm

For that cage I would only put two finches in it. One pair is enough .
Finches really need alot of space to fly.

cntrymeadow · Post by **cntrymeadow** » Tue Sep 23, 2008 6:44 pm

Is there a recommened sq ft of cage per finch couple?

Post by **Sally** » Tue Sep 23, 2008 9:38 pm

Check out the Finch Information Center, linked at left. Under Housing, there is a calculator to help you determine how many finches you can put in a cage, though there are lots of variables. 3-4 sq. ft. is recommended for a pair of finches, and that does not figure in the heighth. You just do length x depth. That cage looks like it would only hold one pair, and if you are breeding, then you would need another cage to put the young babies in once whey are weaned. Personally, I would go with Societies, much less hassle and fewer problems than with Zebras.

cntrymeadow · Post by **cntrymeadow** » Wed Sep 24, 2008 12:23 pm

Thanks for your replies!
Im still reading but I think I have decided that I do NOT want babies!
I dont want to overcrowd and I really dont have room to set up another cage!

Now to decide....
Zebras or Society!!

poohbear · Post by **poohbear** » Wed Sep 24, 2008 3:28 pm

If you get a pair of zebras they will breed no matter what....laying eggs in food dishes is not unknown....A pair of males would be your best bet.

One could have it's own room in the belltower if you get that cage

cntrymeadow · Post by **cntrymeadow** » Wed Sep 24, 2008 4:34 pm

I thought I had read that in having two males they will/may become aggressive...
or is that only if a female is present?

I already have the cage and it is all set up although admittedly I think I have overcrowded it with bird stuff! Im going to remove some of the toys to give more flying room. I know finches dont really play with toys like other birds do but I thought they might enjoy having colorful things to look at

poohbear · Post by **poohbear** » Wed Sep 24, 2008 5:17 pm

Two males are usually compatible...aggression is rare if a hen isn't present.
I just think it would be better for you and the birds if you don't have to worry about possible egg binding in the hens, and the constant throwing of eggs which is associated with keeping a pair if you don't wish to breed.

BillD · Post by **BillD** » Thu Sep 25, 2008 1:50 am

Sally is an expert.

You have many replies from this forum and they are giving you great advice.

That cage is really nice, but finches love to fly and that cage is more vertical than horizontal. More suited for budgies or lovebirds.

I'm learning too, so I'm just offering some advice.

I would suggest Society finches before Zebra's, but that is my personal choice. 2 maybe 3 birds, because they do love to fly, and that cage, as nice as it is, doesn't give them that ability.

Hope that helps in your decision.

cntrymeadow · Post by **cntrymeadow** » Thu Sep 25, 2008 1:20 pm

Males it is then!

That cage is 30" long and I was under the impression from reading that with finches long is better. It just so happens that this cage is also very tall with the bell tower so they will also be able to fly up as well as sideways.