Compatibility of finches

[kcfd55]

I hope that this is in the correct location for this question.

I am considering adding some finches to my aviary. The dimensions are 10' wide, 23' long, 8' tall with a large tree and some other vegetation.

The bird I am thinking about are strawberry finches, owl finches, gouldians, st. helen finches, and cordon bleu, and perhaps gold-breasted waxbills.

Does anyone see any problems with compatibility?

I hope to get them after the holidays to avoid the Xmas shipping crush.

Thanks,

Mike

[hanabi]

Hello kcfd55

That is a nice-sized flight. I keep all of those species except for the Cordons. In my opinion all of those species are low aggression and will mix well in your large flight. Most of those species will get a little snarky when breeding and sitting on eggs, so I would recommend placing multiple nests of varying varieties (canary, wicker varieties, nest boxes, etc.) at locations in the flight that are away from perches or places where your birds congregate (like high-mounted seed or water feeders). Also place artificial foliage around and in front of the nests so that brooding parents cannot see the other flight members while on the nest.

Your milage may vary though; I can't guarantee you won't have problems and have to move a pair out of your flight. But if you don't overcrowd your flight with too many pairs you have a good change of things going smoothly.

[FinchLover&Breeder]

kcfd55
Hey Mike. I also agree with Hanabi even though I have not yet kept any of those breeds of birds. I am thinking of possibly expanding my collection to owl finches and strawberry finches in the future if I ever get the room for cages. But with the setup he suggested should work for different community birds. just look at this compatibility article.
http://www.finchinfo.com/housing/compatible_species.php

It tells you a lot about each species and if they mix well with others. Hope this helps you.

[kcfd55]

Ross:

Your milage may vary though; I can't guarantee you won't have problems and have to move a pair out of your flight. But if you don't overcrowd your flight with too many pairs you have a good change of things going smoothly.

Well, if there are no guarantees, I think I'll tear down the aviary . I expect variation in bird personalities, but also expect that each species tends to a particular range, i.e., cutthroats will likely be mean, while gouldians will likely be passive. I just wasn't sure if the various waxbills will get along with non-specifics.

Nick:

I appreciate the link. It will help.

Thanks to you both,

Mike

[FinchLover&Breeder]

kcfd55
It was no problem. Enjoy. Take a look at my newest topic and please vote.

[isobea]

kcfd55 - Mike, at some point I've kept all the species you are considering except the St. Helens. Never had a problem with aggression and Hanabi has given you great advice.
One word of caution: I would not keep strawberries and gold breasts in the same aviary as they easily cross breed (and strawberries are much too valuable to let that happen). Another word of caution: gold breasts are tiny. When mine had babies, the newly fledged chicks were able to squeeze through the 1cm x 1cm wire! I had to rush out to Home Depot for some mosquito screen to wrap my aviary until they got bigger.
Good luck in finding all the species you are considering. With your size aviary they will do just fine.
Iso

[FinchLover&Breeder]

wow. definitely interesting then. always keeping you on your toes. lol.

[lovezebs]

kcfd55

Hi Mike,

Your aviary sounds awsome.

The species you mentioned are generally peaceful birds and should not be problematic, most especially in a large aviary. I have all of the species you mentioned (with the exception of the St Helen's), and they never have any major issues.

You already have some excellent advice up above.

All I would like to add, is where are the pictures of your aviary? I'd love to see some .

Happy bird shopping!

[FinchLover&Breeder]

Yeah. Post some pictures. I want to see them now as well.