What do you house together

[Alley]

Hello all,
When it comes to flight cages what types of finches do you house together giving that there is enough room.
I have 2 zebra finches, but trying to decided with a bigger cage if I want to get two more Zebra's or go with another finch pair.
Thanks

[Sheather]

I am sort of experimenting with mixed roommates right now, trying to cut down on cages. Tentatively a non-breeding 36 x 30 x 18 seems to be working OK with a pair of orange-cheek waxbills, two diamond doves, and a canary hen, but I generally have had a lot of trouble combining the birds in cages even when they got along in the past in a larger space. The male and female canary began to fight once put in a flight together and the orange-cheeks became overly territorial towards my society finches.

I've always found it really tricky to combine species in cages (though I found almost any birds got on well in a very big aviary) and wouldn't recommend it in anything smaller than 30 x 36 x 18. A basic 30 x 18 x 18 can work for a single pair for most species (or sometimes one of one species and one of another, just two birds), and as many as 6 of especially peaceful ones like society finches, but I've never had luck combining multiple members of multiple species in one, even with just two or three of each bird. They never appreciate the close quarters even if they don't mind it with their own kind. Zebras in particular tend to be aggressive. It would help to know what size flight you have. I would not mix zebras with anything else in anything but the biggest cage to be honest.

[lovezebs]

Alley

It all depends on what size cage/flight you are talking about.

[Alley]

I'm try to find a flight cage now that ships somewhat reasonable to Canada. So defiantly not in any hurry. Personally I wouldn't want to risk any injuries.
Was thinking of something like this http://www.amazon.ca/gp/aw/d/B000BQU2R4 ... ref=plSrch
Thank you guys

[cindy]

keep in mind most birds stay to the top of very tall cages so their living space is the length and depth of the cage, territories are generally established there... height is not as important even though it allows for flight space mostly to go feed.

Zebras are a tough bunch and not many birds can easily mix with them... I would not house waxbills with them though the little orange cheeks are feisty and may be able to hold their own. Societies are more quiet may get bullied. Often zebras are housed to themselves and keeping multiple pairs in one cage, depending on the size may or may not work.

If adding new birds to a cage with an established pair it is often good to remove the existing pair, rearrange the cage, add two watering and food stations and then add the birds at the same time.

What species were you considering?

[lovezebs]

Alley

The F030, is a wonderful flight cage (I have two of them).
It is very expensive to buy new, but they do show up on kijiji surprisingly often for a fraction of the price.

My first one, I found for $120.00 My second one, for $200.00 (in practically brand new ondition).

Make sure you check out the measurements accurately, because these really are quite large, and need quite a bit of space.

[Alley]

I had one quite like it years back.

[Alley]

Sorry forgot to say I was looking at maybe gouldians.
Thank you

[Brette]

Societies and orange breasted waxbills are really nice together. Gouldians are okay too but bullied my orange breasted waxbills but i think they generally get along with most birds. Ive also had star finches which are good in a community flight.

Stay away from green signers and senegal combassou (indigo bird). They can be tough customers.

[lovezebs]

Alley

You did say, that you have Zebras, right?

I have kept Gouldians with Zebras in the past, but only for short periods of time.

Right now I have several Zebras, boarding in my Gouldian/Canary flight, because they had been badly plucked in their own flight.

A lot of people will tell you, not to house them together, because Zebras are pushy and pugnacious and aggressive ( which many are), and Gouldians, are peaceful, easy going, and laid back, (which they are).

Sooooo..... I guess it all depends on the personalities of your Zebras. If you house them together, and the Zebras harass your Gouldians, you will have to house them separately, so that's something to consider very carefully.

I am currently housing Zebras with Society Finches, a Shaft Tail male, and a Cutthroat male.

Good luck with your decision.

[Brette]

Oops i woild have edited my post 2 above ...i didnt read properly...you have zebra finches. I would avoid calm birds like orange breasted waxbills and gouldians because they will get stressed out with the constant action and drama that a few zebras bring to a community flight, unless you have a a huuugeeee cage or aviary.

[Alley]

Thank you guys! I want to avoid as many tiffs as possible so maybe I will stay with zebras or go with society finches.
Thanks again