FINCHforum

Hey guys, me Nick again. I have a round-about question today. Me and my family have 2 cockatiels and 2 different cages. What we want to do is house them in the same cage if they get along. My question is will it be possible to completely scrub down and sanitize the larger cage that the one cockatiel is in right now and use it for my finches? It is a lot taller then wide but the bars are just as thin spaced as the cage they are in now. I just want to know if it is possible to clean and sanitize the cage good enough to house my finches in and if so how would they do in it? I will try to get pics of the cage I want to put them in if anybody wants. I just need to know before I use up some energy and time cleaning the cage just to find out they can't use it. Can't wait for your responses. Thanks in advance.



@lovezebs

As long as the bar spacing is safe for the finches I see no reason why not. From my research 1/2” spacing is good, but I did read that one person did 1/4” for smaller Waxbills.

Purpdust
ok. would you like some pics of the cage? I can try to get some but the cage is a little messy.



anyone else have any input? Since I now know it is safe to house them in it then anyone got any tips on cleaning it?

I can't help you with the cockatiel question, but I think you need to find out if you can house them together before you do anything else.

Sally
yes. we have been keeping the cages next to each other so they can communicate without being able to harm. If they keep getting along then we will try putting them in the same cage to see if they try to kill each other or not. Hopefully they don't and they get along so I can clean up and use Union's cage.




Anyone else have any tips or any help to provide?

Also when I do clean the cage and stuff what will happen if I put my single little guy in first (that is in a small cage by himself next to the others) and let him decide his territory and then put the other birds in with him so he can act like the boss? Will the other birds try to hassle him or will he hassle them or will they all get along and stuff?



Still need some tips on cleaning and any other tips and advice you all can give.

Cockatiels usually love a buddy, they will probably be OK in one cage as long as it is large enough.

wilkifam
should be large enough. I can try to get pics if you want.





anyone else with tips or answer to my question about the lone brother being first and stuff?

I've cleaned up old cages using water + Dawn soap. About 3 parts water and 1 part Dawn. Spray it on heavily, and wait 10 minutes or so, then brush the bars. It will probably clean up well.

Another good idea is to take the cage to a self-service car wash. I've done that, too, and it worked fine except for the odd looks I got from other patrons.

Finches don't eat the bars, so even a little bit of rust won't be a problem, except aesthetically.

I would put them all in the cage at the same time. Make sure there is plenty of fake greenery and places to hide. Also extra food and water dishes so no fighting. Everyone on even footing if they all get introduces at once.

If the cage for the finches is smaller lengthwise than what they are now in, I wouldn't put them in it. Finches do not fly up and down naturally. They need length to fly. What size is the cage you are going to put them in? Also, a cage that is high, but narrow in width, will not allow for extra food and water dishes, greenery. There is much better chance of fighting.

I'll try to get you guys pics. The cage has spots for 4 dishes for food or water as well as larger doors I could use. I'll try to get some greenery to give hiding spots. if anyone has any tips please pm me.