Uh oh---buying another cage...

[Barb]

I guess I have the fever.

Going to get a cage the matches my other one, it's 30W x 18D x 36H.

I am thinking of societys and all one gender. So wondering how many and which gender.

Any suggestions or other ideas" I have 2 male Zebs in the other cage and they will be in the same room.

Thanks

[delray]

Zebs tend to e aggressive but if they are in a different cage it seems ok. You will love societies, and unless you want to breed or have eggs everywhere I think a m/m pair woild be good. That's what I have. I think everyone on this forum has the fever lol. AN if getting societies , they don't need as much room as others because they cuddle so 2 would be ideal, 4 Max. Maybe you can et 3 . What does everyone else think about it.

[MiaCarter]

I know what you mean! LOL
I've got birdie fever too!

Societies are wonderful. I just got another one yesterday, in fact!

Male societies sing and dance, which I think is just adorable.
Females are quieter, but dominance issues are less common. Societies are super easy going and social and I've never seen any real conflict involving two society finches, but I have seen males getting testy with zebra males. So if you're going to keep them with zebras, I'd go with a female. Female societies are also great to have on-hand if you're breeding, as I know they're wonderful foster parents. I have a breeder friend who always keeps a few society females just in case she needs a good mama bird.

The only problem is determining male from female.
You'd need to get from a breeder who's taken the time to separate them for a period of time to see which ones lay eggs.

Or you'd be tasked with standing at the pet shop and watching their behaviors in an attempt to determine gender (i.e. which ones are doing the puffy dance - usually a male dancing for a female, but not always.)

In my experience, societies are difficult because males will flirt with males and they seem to be more apt to form same-gender pairs. I had two confirmed females - both laid eggs - who were a bonded pair.

But really, I don't think gender really matters too much for these guys as societies are usually very happy, easy-going and enjoy a colony setting. And you don't have to worry about breeding if you don't give them a nest.

As for quantity, I've read that you should have a minimum of 1 cubic foot per finch. I'm not too good at math, but it seems like you have enough room for at least 4 in that new cage.
In my experience, you either want pairs or if you go with an odd number, no fewer than 5. (1 is lonely and with 3, you almost always end up with two birds bonding, leaving one as the odd man out.)

[Barb]

They won't be in with Zebras cage, just same room.

And I don't wasn't to breed, so want same gender. Just not sure which gender and how many. 3 or 4? Male or female?

[delray]

I would get male. Their puffy dances are So cute and nice, 3 or 4 seems good. , and plus the females you would have to worry about egg bound hens wenn without a mate . . I would still with all males, you will love them

[MiaCarter]

I edited to added to my post above; I should have just done a new one.

I would go with 4. That's a good number for your cage size.
I'd avoid 3 because two tend to form a bond, leaving the other one lonely. So if an odd number, at least 5. But that's a tad bit more than I'd put in a cage of that size. I'd go with 4.

ETA - I might go with males if you enjoy more vocal, outgoing finches. Females are generally a bit quieter.

[delray]

miacarter I think 5 would be pushing it. 4 males would be very nice

[Barb]

Thank you both... I think we have a concensus---4 males it is...

[delray]

No problem !!!! You will love your societies. Where do you plan on getting them?

[Barb]

I'm picking the cage up tomorrow and there is a bird fair this Sunday near me.

[delray]

Oh very nice!!!! Enjoy and take lots of pics!!!!

[FrostyFinch]

I'm picking the cage up tomorrow and there is a bird fair this Sunday near me.

@Barb I am so envious of you! If you make it to the bird fair please let me know how you liked it and what they have for Finches. I have 3 empty flight cages set up just waiting to be filled with Finches.

I hope to get to one later this Summer so leave some Finches for me!

[Smurf]

I'd say definately go for male societies but be warned they are difficult to sex, with the males you can also give them a nest box to play with and roost in without worrying about chicks. Males can also be used for fostering if you ever decide to breed other species at a later date.

[dcompt]

I have societies, all males. I agree. Go with males. They are entertaining and there will be no egg issues.

[Barb]

Thanks Finch Friends...