fighting finches

[mkeen3]

I have 2 Society Finches. Today I bought a Spice Finch also. The Spice Finch was in a cage with Society Finches at the pet store and everyone got along great. Well, my Society Finches don't seem to like the Spice Finch. Every so often I hear them fighting. When they're not fighting, the 2 Societies are in the pouch and the Spice is on the outside. What can I do? I feel bad for the new bird.

[L in Ontario]

Hello and welcome to the Finch Forum. You haven't had the Spice finch very long if you only bought him today. Give them time to work out their hierarchy. They will probably be best of buds in a day or two. Just watch to make sure they are not attacking (actually biting) each other. They should be fine.

[HoangQuan]

yep, Liz is right! My societies and spice finch are always together, and they share the same nest at night! Just give them time for getting to know each other

[mkeen3]

Thank you both for your replies, I feel much better about the situation now. They are getting along better today- I only heard one squabble so far. I don't know if the Spice ever made it into the nesting pouch last night... We'll see how long it takes for that to happen.

[poohbear]

It is never wise to put a new bird in with those already established.All in new surroundings at the same time is no problem.
Imagine yourself in your little house...and a stranger moves in using your facilities and sleeping in your bed...

[franny]

LOL, poohbear. That's exactly what it must be like! But Societies being what they are, I'm sure all will be well soon. Keep us updated, mkeen3.

[L in Ontario]

It is never wise to put a new bird in with those already established.All in new surroundings at the same time is no problem.
Imagine yourself in your little house...and a stranger moves in using your facilities and sleeping in your bed...

Very pertinent information! One way to get around this is to take the current birds out for while you rearrange everything in the cage - perches, food/water dishes and nest. And then put all birds in at the same time including the new comer.

Good point, Pooh!

[mkeen3]

Funny you should say that! On the second day, I was thinking about that word, hierarchy... I thought maybe the Societies were protecting their nesting pouch. So I took the pouch out for a few hours, emptied it, then put it back in a different place in the cage, and at a different height. It threw off the Societies a little, and most of the fighting stopped almost immediately. Then I thought maybe I should rearrange the perches and put the water where the food was, and the food where the water was, and move the cage to a different room, even. That might be the key-- putting all the birds at somewhat of a disadvantage. They're getting along very well now! You're all so helpful; Thanks for all the great advice! Glad I found this website.

[franny]

[quote="mkeen3"]Funny you should say that! On the second day, I was thinking about that word, hierarchy... .../quote]

And now you know where the expression "pecking order" came from.