Finch species in same cage?

For more specific questions related to the many varieties of captive finches.
Post Reply
JTK1980
Pip
Pip
Posts: 2
Joined: Tue Nov 01, 2011 2:54 pm

Finch species in same cage?

Post by JTK1980 » Wed Nov 02, 2011 12:08 pm

I was wondering which any of the various finch species can be placed into the same cage? :?:
I was thinking of placing my Chocolate Pied Society with either the Zebra or the Spice Finches..... :?:

Thanks in advance for your input.
-JTK

User avatar
poohbear
Weaning
Weaning
Posts: 1991
Joined: Sun Apr 13, 2008 1:33 pm
Location: Nottinghamshire UK

Re: Finch species in same cage?

Post by poohbear » Wed Nov 02, 2011 1:51 pm

They should mix ok if the cage is large enough...
Image

User avatar
L in Ontario
Mod Emeritus
Mod Emeritus
Posts: 13365
Joined: Sat Feb 11, 2006 10:29 am
Location: Barrie, Ontario Canada
Contact:

Re: Finch species in same cage?

Post by L in Ontario » Wed Nov 02, 2011 1:53 pm

I say: Hello and Welcome to the Finch Forum :!:

Bill always said: "Welcome to the forum, have you checked out the Finch Information Center? It's linked on the left side of your screen. There is a lot of good info there to read!" There is even an finch compatibility chart in there, in case you want to get other species. =D>
Liz

flrancho
Novice Nester
Novice Nester
Posts: 438
Joined: Sat Jan 22, 2011 5:12 pm
Location: Central Florida

Re: Finch species in same cage?

Post by flrancho » Wed Nov 02, 2011 2:03 pm

I've kept Societies with Zebra and Spice finches.

Though they both can live together if there is enough space, there can be issues with both.

In the past my Zebras were always very mean to my Societies. They'd pull all they're tail feathers out and otherwise harass them. I believe it led to the short lifespan of my Societies. That being said, I currently have a single Zebra and a single Society that I keep in my flight cage. I have not had an issue with aggression. Of note, the cage is six feet long and both the birds are male. When I was having issues before I had a smaller cage and male Zebras with female Societies. I'd use caution housing Zebras with Societies.

My Societies and Spice finches have pretty much always gotten along nicely. My current Spice was downout right mean to my current Society when we first got him but now they're best buds and will sit with each other and the Spice will preen the Society. The caution here comes that Societies and Spice finches can breed together creating hybrids. Be prepared to toss any eggs from them or keeping hybrids that no one else will likely want. Hybrids should not be bred as to not contaminate the pure gene pool.
Image

User avatar
DanteD716
Good Egg
Good Egg
Posts: 8084
Joined: Mon Sep 19, 2011 8:16 pm
Location: Buffalo, NY
Contact:

Re: Finch species in same cage?

Post by DanteD716 » Wed Nov 02, 2011 5:17 pm

I have kept zebras and societies together. They get along great, but do steal each others nests/eggs and will even share nests. Be warned, if the cage is not big enough zebras can and will be pusht. Also, make sure there is fresh food at all times! If you keep spice finches with society finches they can and will hybridize. Just make sure you keep these offspring to yourself! Zebras and Societies frequently hybridize but the offspring are always fertile and usually die.
Dante

User avatar
cindy
Bird Brain
Bird Brain
Posts: 18754
Joined: Wed Jul 22, 2009 8:33 pm
Location: west central Florida

Re: Finch species in same cage?

Post by cindy » Wed Nov 02, 2011 8:56 pm

I have had society and zebras in the same flight and do not recommend it. The societies raided the zebra nests and tossed and destroyed some of the zebra babies. Zebras are territorial, societies a nest hogs. Personally keep them separate.

As far as spice finches go...try it but do not let them breed. If they do happen to breed the young most likey will be mules (infertile). You can try a mixed flight of societies and spice with no nests. If you want to breed socieites and spice do so with each species in it's own cage then free flight them during off breeding season.

Zebra, Gouldians, Java, CBM Shaft tail & Grasskeets


~ My Facebook groups ~

*Finchaholics ~ finches, hookbills, softbills & canaries are welcome here!
discussions regarding species, housing, breeding, preventatives, treatments

*Birdaholics ~ Avian Classified Ads Only

User avatar
Queen_Bee
Incubating
Incubating
Posts: 944
Joined: Sun Aug 15, 2010 8:13 am
Location: Hamilton, Ontario

Re: Finch species in same cage?

Post by Queen_Bee » Wed Nov 02, 2011 9:52 pm

I have 2 society finches in a flight cage with 6 zebras. To date I have had no issues. However, there are no nests as I do not breed my zebras any longer and the societies are on hiatus.
Jacqui
4 chatty Zebras, 4 Societies,
2 Owl boys and 2 Red Cheeked Cordon Bleus (on some eggs)
and 6 Masked Grass Finches ... so far!

JTK1980
Pip
Pip
Posts: 2
Joined: Tue Nov 01, 2011 2:54 pm

Re: Finch species in same cage?

Post by JTK1980 » Thu Nov 03, 2011 9:22 am

Thank you all for the information. Helpful.
I will housing Society finches only at this time.

Later down the road, I will get other species..

User avatar
epriddy
Callow Courter
Callow Courter
Posts: 164
Joined: Thu Sep 29, 2011 10:26 pm
Location: Richmond, VA

Re: Finch species in same cage?

Post by epriddy » Wed Nov 16, 2011 9:30 am

I also keep all species is species exclusive cages. At this point, its much less stressful for the birds, and for me!
Elissa
Society Finch (6)
Cut-throat Finch (2)
Canaries (2)
Cockatiels - Bert, Amelia, Nikki, Casper, JR, and BC

User avatar
Kiishka
Fledgeling
Fledgeling
Posts: 114
Joined: Wed Sep 21, 2011 5:11 pm
Location: Chandler, IN

Re: Finch species in same cage?

Post by Kiishka » Thu Nov 17, 2011 5:48 pm

I have a spice finch (still uncertain of gender...) and a male piebald society. They get along perfectly- cuddling, preening, sleeping together on/in their nest basket or on their shelf perch. Have never had an issue!
- Kat

Post Reply