Proper housing for 2 pairs of Zebras

Missi · Post by **Missi** » Sat Jun 30, 2007 9:23 pm

We have 2 pairs of Zebra Finches. I read a lot on different websites that in a small cage, you must only have one pair, however we have 2 flight cages (just bought a spare one today) which are 30" wide by 18" tall by 18" deep (see link below) and we're considering modifying them so that we can just make one large cage. Currently all 4 finches (2 pairs) are in a single flight cage and have been for one week. The females occasionally chase each other and hiss at each other. There are also currently no nests available in the cage.

Would it be okay if we modified the 2 so it could be a large flight cage and both pairs could breed with little agression (is that possible?) OR should I just divide the 2 pairs and just stack the 2 cages with one pair in each cage?

I want to do what's best for my tiny fids.

Thank you!

Missi · Post by **Missi** » Sat Jun 30, 2007 9:23 pm

I have 2 of these cages: http://www.petco.com/product/100285/Pre ... -Cage.aspx

Post by **Hilary** » Sat Jun 30, 2007 9:26 pm

Personally if you want to breed I would keep them in separate cages. They won't have quite as much room to fly, but you'll avoid any territory issues.

Missi · Post by **Missi** » Sat Jun 30, 2007 9:52 pm

Thank you Hilary! That's what I was thinking but my boyfriend has his heart set on making one large cage

I'll hear others opinions as well, please

EmilyHurd · Post by **EmilyHurd** » Sat Jun 30, 2007 10:05 pm

I would keep them seperate as well if you're wanting to breed. But if you don't want to breed then go for making it one big one.

Missi · Post by **Missi** » Sat Jun 30, 2007 10:17 pm

May I ask why it matters whether I want to breed or just keep them regarding housing them? Will they kill each other's chicks...to that extreme, or will it be something like the bickering? Will the other pair get jealous if they're breeding?

I ask only because they're already bickering as it is...without nests in.

Thank you for your answers! I am so full of questions, but will becoming familiar with the rest of the threads on the board.

Post by **Sally** » Sat Jun 30, 2007 11:42 pm

I have some very similar cages, which I use for breeding, and I only put one pair of birds in each cage. I also have the same type cages that are 30l x 18d x 36h, which is what you would have if you combined the cages by putting one on top of the other as one cage, and if I use them for breeding, I still only put one pair in a cage. When not breeding, you can carefully put more than two birds in the larger cage, but you really have to watch compatibility.

So if you want to breed them, definitely keep them in separate cages. Even if you don't plan to breed them, if you have mixed sexes in the same cage, Zebras may still mate and lay eggs on the floor, in seed cups, etc. They tend to be pushy little birds (it also makes them fun to have, as they have lots of personality), but it also means they are more territorial. They won't kill each other's chicks, it's not that bad, and some Zebs get along better than others, but if they are already bickering, it will probably get worse when they start breeding.

EmilyHurd · Post by **EmilyHurd** » Sun Jul 01, 2007 1:59 am

I agree that it depends on the zebra finch. I have a white female zebra that sits and never bothers anyone... but then I have a 2 month old black cheek male that fights with EVERYONE. If someone is on the swing and he wants it, he'll get it.

I would just watch out for pulled feathers, etc.... I hate it when mine lose their feathers due to me putting them in with someone that is plucking them.

tammieb · Post by **tammieb** » Sun Jul 01, 2007 9:00 am

I would keep them in separate cages if you intend to breed. Once you add nests, the bickering will intensify.

Good luck and let us know what you decide.

Hoji · Post by **Hoji** » Mon Jul 02, 2007 9:04 am

I have found that the advise of 2 or 6 (or more) but nothing in between seems to be very good advise for reducing aggression. I have filled my flock with 4 zebras, 4 societies, and one canary in a fairly large flight and they get along as well as can be expected for zebras. There is a little chasing and hissing, but not outright fighting or feather pulling. Since I don't want to breed this works well.

Missi · Post by **Missi** » Mon Jul 02, 2007 4:10 pm

Thanks everyone!

Well here are my thoughts...

After some hard thinking, I have come to the conclusion that I don't want to intentionally breed them. I think it would be fun to watch them raise a clutch or 2. However, as far as breeding them...I have no one to give the babies to.

So perhaps I should opt for making the "large" 3' x almost 3' cage? Should I not put the nests in for them, to sleep in? Or will it be okay?

Let me also ask this: In a cage 3' x almost 3'...can I add any other finches besides the 4 Zebs? Society? Strawberry? Orange cheek waxbill?

My next issue is the fact that I thought my white mutation was a male, but now I'm not certain. I'll bring that up in a new thread all together though

StevePax · Post by **StevePax** » Mon Jul 02, 2007 5:25 pm

They don't need nests to sleep in. If you put nests in there, you will have an unhappy flock.

As for putting other birds in there - zebras tend to "not play well with others." The species you listed (Societies, OC Waxbills, Strawberries) all tend to be very passive birds, and would do great together, but probably not with zebras.

tammieb · Post by **tammieb** » Mon Jul 02, 2007 6:33 pm

I agree with Steve... no nests. If you provide them with nests all hell will break out.

Missi · Post by **Missi** » Mon Jul 02, 2007 8:42 pm

Even if they both have their own nests?

Sorry, I'm not trying to be stubborn, just trying to learn!

Thank you.

EmilyHurd · Post by **EmilyHurd** » Tue Jul 03, 2007 1:21 am

No nests... I agree. I wouldn't add any orange cheek waxbills with zebra finches because they do tend to fight. I have all my zebra finches in with each other (no nests) and the rest of my birds are in a big aviary together (also no nests). Whenever I breed, I do one pair per cage.