When to stop?

[Harley2013]

I have a double flight as many of you know. I have 3 pairs now. When is enough, enough.....without over crowding and stressing out the 6 in there? I looked on the cage calculator but it doesn't take into account the height of the cage, only length and depth. For all you more experienced, what would your top off be for a double flight, no planned breedings?

[WrenNAustinTX]

The height doesn't really matter because finches don't really use it. You could have a flight 80in long and 18 in high, and a flight equally as wide, and twice as tall, and all the 2nd cage would have is wasted space.

However, my Bourke loves the bottom of my double flight, so every part gets used

[Harley2013]

Yes, every part of my flight gets used as well. So that does have to figure in someplace if they do use it.

[MiaCarter]

I think it really depends on the dynamics of that specific group.

Depending on the dimensions, you might be able to get away with a fourth pair.

With other species, 3 pairs may be plenty.

[lovezebs]

My guys use side to side, up and down, and all the way around. I've often wondered where the idea originated, that they only use the top part of the flight and only from side to side. That has not been my experience at all with all three flights.

[MiaCarter]

lovezebs -- Mine too.
It's much more pronounced with my tall cage.
I've put shelves, perches and other items at different levels, so they can use the full height.
They have three distinct levels and there's at least one bird on each level at any given point in time. (Except at night; they stay in the upper level at night.)

If you just have empty space, they can't "use" it per se. So I think that's where that misconception comes from.
And in a shorter 30x18x18 cage, the "levels" aren't so distinct

I also found that covering/removing the grate really helps. They spend a ton more time on the floor now that it's covered.

[lovezebs]

MiaCarter
My guys love to poke around on the floor of the cage, hunting around for 'good things'.
Quite hilarious, with Danny, my Shepherd cross, standing right there, nose on the bars, watching them from an inch or so away. They couldn't care less, going about their business, totally ignoring him. Finally he lays down with a gusty sigh and gets covered with seed hulls.

[MiaCarter]

lovezebs -- Ha! You've got to get a photo! That sounds so sweet!