Need Finch Species Recommendation!

EddieNorCal · Post by **EddieNorCal** » Wed Mar 26, 2008 6:13 pm

Hi everyone! I am brand new to your forum and very excited to make a first post. I raised all types of finches when I was a kid (zebras, societies, silverbills, orange cheeks, nuns, etc.) in an outside aviary so I've had my experience with birds. However, I never had them in a smaller cage indoors. My wife has finally agreed to getting one or two pairs as long as they are pretty calm. So I was wondering what species everyone would recommend for us? We want calm and nonagressive but still entertaining finches for the indoors. Thanks!

atarasi · Post by **atarasi** » Wed Mar 26, 2008 8:45 pm

My gouldians seem to be quite calm. My shaft-tails are a lot more active. A friend has Owl finches and they seem quite calm too.
You wife might like those since they are one of the smallest of the Australian finches and are cute and not very noisy.

lyderbug · Post by **lyderbug** » Wed Mar 26, 2008 8:50 pm

Societies are a wonderful starter bird. They are rather plain in color but the males have a wonderful song.

I've had up to three societies at any given point and I adore them. They are really rather quiet birds, and not dusty or dirty at all.

Good luck! Let us know what you end up getting

Post by **Sally** » Wed Mar 26, 2008 9:39 pm

I'll go along with the others--Societies are definitely non-aggressive yet entertaining, while Gouldians have the beauty, Owls are characters, Stars are very inquisitive--it's hard to pick just one! Since you will be using a cage, just be sure it is large enough--at least 30" in length so they can fly.

And welcome to the forum!

EddieNorCal · Post by **EddieNorCal** » Thu Mar 27, 2008 12:50 am

Thanks for the input. We are really thinking about the Gouldian's because of their beauty. So you would all rank Goulds as pretty calm along the lines of societies? Would you say goulds are messy? What about noisy? I don't mind it but I've got to make sure my wife is happy too! Thanks!

mickp · Post by **mickp** » Thu Mar 27, 2008 5:03 am

gouldians or owls would be my choice.

the following link is a great place to get information on all different finch species, gouldians included

http://www.finchaviary.com/FA%20Links/A ... pecies.htm

williep · Post by **williep** » Thu Mar 27, 2008 7:04 am

I agree with mickp about the gouldians, but mine are really messy. They are very picky on what the eat and scratch out the other seeds in the seed hopper to get to what THEY want, but I think finches in general are quite messy. The gouldians are a calm species and should be fine.

I think Sally already mentioned it but star finches are also a good choice. Mine eat wet foods almost exclusively and therefore are not messy at all.

FeatherHarp · Post by **FeatherHarp** » Thu Mar 27, 2008 7:24 am

Hello...Welcome!

I have Zebras and Gouldians and will be getting some Owls this weekend...woo-hoo!

You already have some good recommendations for birds. I love my Zebras but they are very noisy for just 2 little birds...lol! Hubby says they are like non-stop squeaky toys!

atarasi · Post by **atarasi** » Fri Mar 28, 2008 1:00 am

williep wrote:I agree with mickp about the gouldians, but mine are really messy. They are very picky on what the eat and scratch out the other seeds in the seed hopper to get to what THEY want, but I think finches in general are quite messy. The gouldians are a calm species and should be fine.

I think Sally already mentioned it but star finches are also a good choice. Mine eat wet foods almost exclusively and therefore are not messy at all.

Sorry to hijack the thread, but what are you offering for seed? My goulds are partial to white prosso, Japanese, and Canary millet. Many places will mix it for you and it turns out cheaper because you're not wasting all the rejected food.