I gotsa flight!!

[limeslide]

Thanks Nanajennie!

@debbie276, the dimensions are 62'' height, by 64'' length, by 21'' width/depth. In the flight there are three birds, two female Zebra Finches and one male Canary.

[debbie276]

I would think that if the birds all get along and are more passive you could house 4 to 6 in that size flight. Not sure about zebra's though, I let the zebra experts answer to that.

[Sally]

Just catching up with this thread, the flight cage looks great, your birds will love it! One question--it looks like it is outside. Are you just wheeling it outside during the day while you are there, or does it stay out all the time? If it is outside, I would use twist-ties to secure the side breeding doors, as I have had those pop open--rarely, but it only takes once for a bird to escape. I would even do the same to the small feeder doors, just for safety's sake. And when it is outside, you have to watch for cats--the bar spacing is just 1/2", and cats can reach in and grab a bird that is resting near the bars.

This cage will vary a lot on how many it can hold, because it depends so much on the species and the personality of the individual birds. Since Zebras tend to be pushy, I'd stay on the low side and not put more than 4-6 in there total. I have used this cage for same sex, same species waxbills and had 8-10 without problem. I would not keep this cage outside with small waxbills though, because I have had the occasional escapee.

Also, I have used the seed hoppers on this cage, hanging them on the outside of the feeder doors. They may have changed the size of the feeder doors since I got mine. And anything that hangs on the outside, like a seed hopper or a hang-on bath will be secured in place with a mini bungee cord around it.

[limeslide]

Thanks Sally and Debbie!

The cage is outside, weather permitting.
Yes, all doors are secured with twist ties. I have learned the hard way that it is better to be on the safe side.
We have a watch dog that keeps the perimeter safe, and the cage is covered with a thick, heavy cloth to deter pests.

I am interested in seed hoppers, do you know where they sell them by chance?
I've been looking for some around here, but all are too small and just have enough space for one bird.

[Sally]

I get my seed hoppers at www.redbirdproducts.com.

[Nanajennie]

limeslide I have looked everywhere online for the Bird Seed Hopper, everyone is out of stock... Even Amazon says "We don't know when there will be any available" Soooooo..... if you find some online, Lemme know kay? I got the expensive 'Tidy Seed Feeder' and it is too big for little finches.

good luck! enjoy these little feathered friends.

[wilkifam]

limeslide I have looked everywhere online for the Bird Seed Hopper, everyone is out of stock... Even Amazon says "We don't know when there will be any available" Soooooo..... if you find some online, Lemme know kay? I got the expensive 'Tidy Seed Feeder' and it is too big for little finches.

http://ladygouldianfinch.com/product_dr ... er-kit.php
just bought some here..... the only place I could find them.

[limeslide]

Nanajennie I was looking around, I couldn't find any stores in stock.

Thanks for the link wilkifam, that watering system seems interesting...

[wilkifam]

actually sent the link for the seed hopper. They just display it with those waterers

[limeslide]

actually sent the link for the seed hopper. They just display it with those waterers

Yes, I was referring to my own searches, I am considering buying from the store, maybe I'll even get the watering system.

[dcompt]

As for the divider and the large doors, I find that when I'm at the open door at one end, they naturally stay at the other end of the cage. I've never had one escape through a door while I'm working in the cage. I definitely wouldn't chance it outside, but inside I wouldn't worry too much about it - unless your finches are a lot different from mine. I walk up and give them a moment to move away from the area, or if they stay put to watch, move a hand by them to shoo them off, and then open it and carry on. I stay positioned in front of the door while I'm working. The only time one stays by the door when I'm there is when Pippin (a society) hangs around if I'm adding water to the "pool" for him - he always bathes last and now expects me to top it up for him (little brat!) His attention is all on the water and pool when I'm doing that, but if he does fly, it's away from me, not toward me.

I know it does happen. Someone on the forum sadly lost a finch who was startled and flew out past her, but if you're inside, and don't have opportunistic dogs and cats, at worst you would just have to catch one. I'm not saying to do this, but probably they aren't going to come charging out if you open the door and stay there.

[I accept no legal responsibility for this observation - LOL!]

[limeslide]

What I have been doing is shooing the birds to one side, inserting the divider, and doing what I need to do. It is extremely tedious and I am beginning to opt out for feeding stations attached to the flight instead of inside it....

One thing however is that I really want an open water tray, not a closed bottled water dispenser. How would I do this?

Do you think I could use a bird bath as the main water source? The birds really like to bathe and I don't want to stress them out with a bottle dispenser.

[dcompt]

I use a couple of larger tube waterers, but I also keep an open birdbath in it on the floor. They like to bathe several times a day. I had bought one of those that are rounded at one end and have the clear cover, and despite all my patience, they never, ever came close to it with the cover on. Without it, it's very messy, but after a lot of trial and error, I just leave the tray underneath empty so I can pour out the water, and a small throw rug over the carpet in front of it because the water goes everywhere. But they love it so much ....

They drink from the tubes, but also often choose to drink from the bath. I try to keep it as clean as I can, but sometimes they drink from it it regardless of what a mess it is. No harm has come of it that I can see.