Housing to satisfy both Gouldians and RCCB?

[Jasmin]

Hi everyone,

I currently have 11 Gouldians (3 adults, 3 juvies and 5 chicks in the nest).

They are currently housed in 2 separate cages (not huge, but large "pet store" type).

I'm in the process of finishing a LARGE cage for them (made from an old armoire).

In the meantime, I'm going to be acquiring a pair of RCCB Very excited!

My intention is to reduce my Gouldian collection once the babies colour up and house ALL the remaining Gouldians and RCCB pair in the large armoire-cage.
I will NOT be putting in nests.
If I breed, they'll be moved to a separate cage.

SO, my questions is: (having never owned RCCB before and being about 1 yr into owning Gouldians)

Do RCCB have any different/special housing requirements than Gouldians? ie. sleeping habits, do they roost on perches etc? bathing requirements?..? food access..?

I just want to keep everyone happy!

I'd rather have the cage ready from the start instead of altering the inside after they're all in there..

Any tidbit of info is welcome regarding a Gouldian/RCCB combo!

Many thanks!

[finchmix22]

Rccb's like room to fly and are perch sleepers. They only go in a nest when there are eggs/chicks. They are skittish and protective of their nests, so as long as there is not anything to stimulate breeding, you should be alright.

[Chrismurdoch3]

First off how exciting i love RCCB they are one of my favorite finches so congrats on getting them. I house my RCCB separate from my other finches. So i don't know if they would fight or be aggressive or not. But from what I've read they should be fine as long as there is no nests or nesting material to stimulate them to breed like what Deborah said.

[Sally]

Ditto to what the others said, and my CBs also absolutely love a daily bath. Within seconds of putting a bath in a cage, they are in it, often multiple times. They can eat the same diet you feed your Gouldians--good seed mix and veggies. If you don't want breeding, you don't have to push the eggfood, as any high-protein food tends to trigger breeding behavior.

[Lisa]

I have 2 male RCCB's that are in together. They have a nest (for comfort basically) and they sleep in it every night. One of them spends sooooo much time in the nest that I actually rouse him out occasionally just to be sure he's okay in there! They LOVE to forage, more than any other finch I keep, and they have built a front door on their nest for added privacy.

Occasionally, mine will bathe but not daily like the others. They also turn their nose up at just about every food I give them, with the exception of romaine lettuce and millet. They are extremely pleasant birds with a beautiful, strong song/voice and seem very devoted to each other.

I'm getting 2 RCCB hens this week (can't wait!!!) so they will each have a g/f of their very own. Curious how that will work out as these two have been together so long and are very protective of each other, thought occasionally they squabble (they have never gotten physically aggressive but will screech at each other when angered).

I have gouldians too and think they have a much more laid back temperament. RCCBs are very inquisitive, very alert, definitely hard workers - they really are not very skittish around people either. Really beautiful birds. I'm sure you will enjoy them!

[finchmix22]

Word of caution with adding two rccb hens with two rccb cocks. They are not an aggressive species, but they will fight over the same hen or nest, so either keep them in separate breeding cages or give them plenty of room to stay out of each other's way. I had to keep my two pairs separated as the males fought frequently, over almost everything! Such little guys to be so tough.

[Lisa]

Word of caution with adding two rccb hens with two rccb cocks. They are not an aggressive species, but they will fight over the same hen or nest, so either keep them in separate breeding cages or give them plenty of room to stay out of each other's way. I had to keep my two pairs separated as the males fought frequently, over almost everything! Such little guys to be so tough.

Yep, that's the plan, going to set each pair up separately. So excited!

[monotwine]

I don't have RCCB, but blue caps. Though pretty much the same requirements. They are very peaceful, but squabble over territory (usually only with their own species). Provide some cover for them (i.e. fake ivy / plants) they do like to hide a little for peace and quiet. They also love scavenging on the floor. Any form of nesting material will lend itself to them building a nest. They don't need a box etc.
I'd be more concerned about the Gouldians actions. I have had more trouble with Gouldian killing and maiming other species chicks than not. If a gouldian is broody, they make a plan even if it means stealing anothers territory or nest (occupied or not). Just keep an eye on them all.
If no breeding is intended or allowed for you could have a very colourful peaceful aviary.
Enjoy.

[Jasmin]

Thank you all for your tips!

@ monotwire: I didn't know CB's liked to scavange on the floor!
This little tip definetly helps me re-work the current cage set-up.

My Gouldians could not be bothered with the floor, so I had set up all the branches/ivy higher up.
Now I'll put some stuff lower for the CBs.

I have some concerns about Gouldian agression, to tell you the truth.
There's one red-head male I have who's an amazing singer and great dad, but extremely territorial. I won't lie, he almost ended up on Kijiji a few times!
So we'll see if the larger cage and more colony feel will make a difference..