2 breeding pairs to one cage?

[okiebirds]

I was planning to save this cage for all the young that we are currently having right now but I am officially out of breeding space. The cage is 40x20x20 and does not have a divider. Im ready to pair four more birds. I have a yellow male /B and a Dilute /B and Im going to put them with blue females with nests on the opposite ends of the cage. I dont care how they pair up and in this case I would allow them to choose their own mate.

What problems could I expect? What are the chances they will fight? Its kinda small for 4 adults and young but its larger than a 30x18 breeder cage divided and larger than the breeder cage banks Ive seen.

[debbie276]

That size cage is VERY small for two breeding pair. Most likely you will have nest raids and a lot of bickering. I personally wouldn't even try it but if you do let us know how you make out.

[G8love4finches]

I would also suggest that one pair only in that size cage....There will be some aggression once they go to lay eggs!

[ac12]

Stan
I am in a similar situation. I am restricted to the amount of floor space that I use, so I have my cages stacked to make use of the floor space. I have 4 in one stack and 5 in another stack. All are breeder cages so I can divide them as needed. I have all cages occupied and cannot breed any more until I thin down my zebras to make space for the gouldians.

In your case, if you are maxed out of cages, what will you do with the chicks? I had to use one of my breeding cages for the juveniles.

You could see how they pair up, then separate them as they paired themselves up. As others mentioned I would breed them separately.

[okiebirds]

Gary, I guess I just need to buy a few more cages. I got several paired together right now with no nests in them just because I cant handle this many clutches going at the same time. I thought as soon as my present breeding pairs are done with their second clutches I'd pull their nests and let the others have a go.

Our first 6 juveniles weaning right now. They are all spoken for by relatives. And we have three nest full of eggs. My local breeder that sold out has referred his people to me and several are wanting birds (mostly mutations) in time for the holidays. So finding home for chicks doesnt appear to be a problem at this time. Actually Im quite surprised to see the interest but i appear to be the only one in my town with Gouldians outside of the two pet stores which have seem to not be able to sell their Gouldians. From what I understand they dont seem to live long after they sell them...hmmm go figure?!? If I get over ran with young I'll take them to my wife's grandmother's nursing home down the street. They have a large aviary with a couple of zebras and a couple of societies and a single canary. The director said they would love to have a few. Im sure the residents will enjoy the splash of color added to their aviary as it is quite popular there.

Im going to build our aviary this winter and have all my birds together that way we can enjoy them all together and they can enjoy the room and freedom that it will offer. The only thing I will miss is the close interaction with the birds coming to the cage to see me and get attention from us. All of our birds are moderately tame and used to us all. We have no "flighty" birds. Our males sing to us more than they sing to their females. I wonder if the communal living will change that?

Anyway its late. The birds are all asleep and I should be too