FINCHforum

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

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

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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..

I also keep all species is species exclusive cages. At this point, its much less stressful for the birds, and for me!

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!