What Finches Would Be Best With Ringneck Dove

[Dave Brewer]

Hello,

This is my first post on the forum but I admit that I've been reading it for a while now. There are some very knowledgeable folks in here... I'm so amazed at how openly everyone helps each other. Very nice to see. That said, I wanted to ask a question.

I just finished my aviary... it is 4wide, 8feet long & 7 feet tall. I raised ringneck dove and button quail as a kid and plan to buy 2 pair of dove and a few quail (they are so good at cleaning up all the food that is dropped). While I've never raised finches, they have become one of my favorite birds to watch at pet stores.

Would finches get along with my dove and quail? If so, what kind of finches would breed well in that environment? If it would work, I would obviously put the next boxes up high with plenty of fake plants for privacy.

Thanks in advance!

Dave

[Sally]

Welcome to the forum, Dave! There's lots of good reading at the Finch Information Center, linked at left, and the members are always ready to help. If you put your location in your profile, it helps to answer locale-specific questions later on.

Sorry I can't help you, as I don't know anything about Ringneck doves, but I'm sure there will be others on here who can help.

[birdclaws]

I don't know much about ringneck doves, but I believe they are a bit larger than diamond doves, right? Diamond doves were ok with most finches, but their size would sometime freak the other birds out when they fly. We took ours out of the mixed flights because of this.

I think Java finches may do well with them, they are a bit larger than other finches. Would like to hear what someone else would say.

[wellingtoncdm]

This may seem silly but I often search YouTube to see the different species and mutations. I just searched "dove, finch, aviary and YouTube" and found several mixed aviary clips with everything from parrot finches to gouldans with larger doves.

[30 Seconds to Bob]

Welcome to the forum, Dave!

A local plant nursery by me has an aviary set up similar to what you are describing. They do have ringneck doves and zebras. Lots and lots of zebras - breeding like crazy! They have an artificial "ficus like" tree in the rear center and a shelf going around three sides towards the top holding many small birdhouses. Just be prepared to offer huge quantities of nesting material. Bob

[Rox]

Welcome Dave

I have a pair of Peruvian Ground doves in with my finches and canaries (mixed aviary 3mx2mx2m). They are a bit larger and heavier than Diamond doves but not quite as big as a Ringneck dove. I was initially concerned about the size difference but it took only a few days before the finches were completely used to the doves flopping down next to them. The doves are also incredibly gentle and just mind their own business.

The only problem I do have with keeping the doves and finches together, is when I need to catch juvenile birds to take out. The doves get very neurotic and then I worry about mid-air collisions. My other birds soon realise who I am after and then just chill out at the back of the aviary. The doves completely lose the plot... (they do settle down quickly again though) Luckily it has been fine so far but I will see how it goes. They may have to be moved out if I see it getting too much with them in there. This is the main factor I think that needs to be considered when keeping the 2 species together. My focus is more on the finches, so for me, the doves would have to move out first.

[Toddmin]

I have Albino Ringneck Doves in my outside aviary. They are great birds, but I would not put my finches in with them. They are so much larger than my finches and can be a bit pushy at times.

[Dave Brewer]

Thanks to all. Lots of great information. Unfortunately, it seems to be a split decision. I think I'll do my best to create a private corner for the finches and start with a pair of zebras.

[Rox]

Dave, I've discovered that most things are trial and error, with lessons learnt along the way. What works for one person, may not work for another. Give it a try and just keep an eye on them. You will soon see if it's working out or not and Zebra's are a good choice to start with.

Good luck and keep us posted!

[Zebrafincher]

All birds are different. My canary, simply ignores his much smaller fellow cage mates! (Zebbie and Star finch). Having said that, they bicker and beak fench amongst themselves!