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Canaries and Finches???

Posted: Wed May 01, 2013 9:49 am
by Ginene
I would like to house a pair of my finches with my female canary (and someday male canary too). I am concerned about doing this, as I have read threads on the forum where this was a problem. I was hoping you all could help me choose the most appropriate pair...of coarse I will be watching them like a hawk to ensure no one is being bullied or injured. These are the candidates:
M/F pair RCCBs
M/F pair Green Singers
M/F pair Stars
M/M pair Owls
M/F pair Gouldians
M/M pair Gouldians
Some additional info...There will not be any nests in the flight, as none of my cages have nests. Thanks everyone :) .

Re: Canaries and Finches???

Posted: Wed May 01, 2013 12:23 pm
by Pukasand
I have all these species together in my aviary EXCEPT the Green Singers. Everyone got along great until it came breeding season and the Green Singers got very territorial and defensive, especially to other 'yellow' birds. It also depends on the size of the aviary. I have a walk-in that is about 4'x12'x7'.

Re: Canaries and Finches???

Posted: Wed May 01, 2013 12:28 pm
by Ginene
Pukasand
Mine is just a flight cage. The inside flight dimensions are 32"Wx22"Dx36"H. I'm thinking that just the 2 canaries may be best. Definitely not enough room for more than the 2 birds...

Re: Canaries and Finches???

Posted: Wed May 01, 2013 12:34 pm
by Pukasand
I agree.

Re: Canaries and Finches???

Posted: Wed May 01, 2013 1:18 pm
by Ginene
Pukasand
Thanks for your help :). Glad we talked about it before I moved anyone in and caused a problem. Btw...I hope to someday have an aviary like yours [-o< ...

Re: Canaries and Finches???

Posted: Wed May 01, 2013 3:14 pm
by Tammy
My green singers are pushy little guys. I have them in a cage all by themselves and I think they like it that way. -tammy

Re: Canaries and Finches???

Posted: Wed May 01, 2013 7:30 pm
by Ginene
Tammy
My singers are beyond sweet :) . But this may be because I don't have nests in my flights (PTSD :wink: ). I cant imagine them being the least bit aggressive. I actually would have chosen either the Cordon Bleu's or the Stars. I am still considering putting the Bleu's in with the female canary until I find a male and he finishes his quarantine. The Stars (4th frade promotion gift for my son) will not be purchased till end of June, and in quarantine through July. I just thought it would give my canary company and free up some space in my mixed flight...I guess I will just have to think about it some more, before making any changes.

Re: Canaries and Finches???

Posted: Wed May 01, 2013 9:09 pm
by Tammy
Hope things work out. good luck. hey do you know anyone selling or breeding green singers close to VA. I know someone who is looking to buy a bird? thanks tammy

Re: Canaries and Finches???

Posted: Wed May 01, 2013 11:56 pm
by Lisa
I cant imagine them being the least bit aggressive. I actually would have chosen either the Cordon Bleu's or the Stars. I am still considering putting the Bleu's in with the female canary until I find a male and he finishes his quarantine.
Ginene, one thing I've learned since getting canaries is that they are NOT social birds whatsoever. In fact, they are not supposed to be kept even with another canary (male or female) on a regular basis because of aggression issues. Given the size difference, I certainly would not put a small finch like a cordon bleu (or any finch, for that matter) in with a canary. Why take a chance in a potentially dangerous situation? You can't watch them every minute of the day and a finch would be helpless against a larger bird such as a canary.

Re: Canaries and Finches???

Posted: Thu May 02, 2013 7:56 am
by Ginene
Lisa
In fact, they are not supposed to be kept even with another canary (male or female) on a regular basis because of aggression issues. Given the size difference, I certainly would not put a small finch like a cordon bleu (or any finch, for that matter) in with a canary.
Oh boy...I have been rethinking the whole male/female canary thing anyway...I don't have enough room to separate a male from the female if things were to get rough. I think it is best for me to just enjoy her, rather than put anyone at risk. I am not going to get a male...done. Do you think I can put a pair in with just the female??? If not, I may move her into Heckle and Jeckle's room @ the Hyatt and put them in the large flight with either the Bleu's or the Star's.
I feel bad to move her out of such a lovely cage, but it's a waste of space for 1 canary :( .

Re: Canaries and Finches???

Posted: Thu May 02, 2013 8:07 am
by debbie276
I had gloster canaries in with the gouldians for several years without a problem. Rather then the smaller finch species pick a larger sized one. Still I would watch for aggression and be prepared to move the canary out if need be.
good luck

Re: Canaries and Finches???

Posted: Thu May 02, 2013 8:52 am
by Ginene
debbie276
Were the Canaries and Gouldians, males and females?

Re: Canaries and Finches???

Posted: Thu May 02, 2013 8:58 am
by debbie276
Ginene wrote: debbie276
Were the Canaries and Gouldians, males and females?
A pair of glosters and male and female gouldians in a large walk-in aviary.

Re: Canaries and Finches???

Posted: Thu May 02, 2013 9:06 am
by Ginene
debbie276
large walk-in aviary.
Therein lies my problem, Debbie :wink:. So until I do, I will have to house my canary separate from any finches. What size cage is appropriate for a pair of canaries? I am going to have to move my female into the top portion of my tiered cage. It is 30Wx18Dx25H. Is it too small for 2 canaries?

Re: Canaries and Finches???

Posted: Thu May 02, 2013 9:23 am
by debbie276
That size is fine for a pair of canaries :)