Repurposed Cabinet to Flight Cage

[Banana]

Hi Everyone,

Just wanting to ask a few newbie questions about setting up my new flight cage correctly from the very start. My Gouldian pair are currently in a standard sized cage inside but my partner is re-purposing our old trophy cabinet to become a flight cage (i will include pics below). Since this is the biggest cage I have ever owned I am wanting to make sure its a good, safe environment for my babies. PS: The bottom isn't finished yet but it will be done in a very similar manner to the top.

(I'll number my questions so hopefully they are easier to read )

1. I'm sure this gets asked all the time but how many birds will fit in my flight cage ? (1.4m long x 1.4m high x 0.6m wide). I used the bird calculator but it only allows for two measurements and i don't know which two to plug in.

2. The top and the bottom can be left separated or opened to make one big flight space. For two Gouldian pairs would it be better to separate them or let the four birds have the run of the whole thing?

3. Considering that I am wanting to get another pair. Would it be best to introduce them all the cage at once or place one pair in first (Ideally I would like to house two breeding pairs in this space even though I currently only own a single pair). I know placing them all into a new place at once will be scary, but if i introduce one pair first is there a chance of them becoming territorial of the new cage?

4. Where would be the best place for the nests considering i want to place two?

5. What are the best types of nests to use? (the rectangular box with a circular hole or a woven thatch type one?) I currently have a rectangular box but my birds don't like it

Sorry for being a pain and asking so many questions again. I bought my birds off a reputable breeder in the area but I don't want to bother them as they were selling their whole aviary to move overseas so unfortunately I don't have anyone to ask these questions

Thank you for your patience and your replies, they are all very appreciated

[Sally]

1. The cage calculator works on length x width. It doesn't take height into consideration. Your measurements allow for 4 to 6 birds, according to the cage calculator.

2. Depends. If you want total control of breeding, then separate the two pairs, so there is no chance of any hanky-panky beween them.

3. It's always best to introduce all the birds at the same time, if possible. If not, when it is time to add a pair, then take the first pair out, rearrange perches, dishes, etc., and then put all 4 birds in at the same time. Yes, one pair can become territorial when they have the place to themselves for a while.

4. I'll let Gouldian breeders answer this one. I would place them in the back top corners myself.

5. The best Gouldian breeding box is one with a porch and then an inside compartment, like #170 here: http://www.friskyfinches.com/nestingboxes.htm

Great setup you will have here. Don't worry about asking questions, that is one of the main purposes of this forum!

[Banana]

Thank you for your reply Sally

1. Perfect that was the amount I was hoping for

2. I actually wanted to encourage them to choose their own mates (I will be trying to select birds that are all able to throw the colours i want so it doesn't matter who they end up choosing or if they don't choose at all). The cock (named Valour) I have currently is trying to hard to impress miss hen (Verity) but she isn't having a bar of it so I thought letting her choose her man and supplying him with another hopefully more impressible female might work out better?

5. ahhhh, perhaps this is why they don't like it, i have one very similar to 171 with a perch but no porch as such

Thanks a lot, its really nice to be able to get honest answers from people who aren't trying to get anything out of you. I find its hard to trust people from petshops and even sometimes private sellers as some are just out to make a quick buck from you. Love the forum, glad to be a part of it

[monotwine]

4. Gouldian have pair hierarchy when placed in multiple pairs, so place the nests at various heights, with entrances at various angles if you can. Don't let one entrance face another as that will antagonise the more dominant pair if they use a nest that overlooks a neighbour. Neighbours can be feisty and toss chicks to deter breeding that competes with theirs. I'd not place nest lower than half way down the height of the flight. If you have 2 pairs place 4-6 nests. Sounds ridiculous, but it prevents problems with territory and fussy hens that want a particular nest. It then gives the males a few places to try impress the hens.