FINCHforum

I was given a cage to use for a Ringneck Dove, but seeing as they're not very easy to find, I have decided to add to my finch flock. I have two male Zebras in a 30x18x18 and they're... Weird. Recently, they have been snuggling with each other to sleep, but they used to yell at each other. The older male picked at the younger one's feathers but they've grown back in now. They've calmed down towards each other quite a bit. I won't add any more males to their ranks, but I don't know how many girls to add (if that's even the way to go). The older male used to be a bit aggressive, but he's calmed down., so I believe he's safe to add to a community.
I was thinking 2 but was unsure if they'd fight over that few. So maybe 3. But I'm here for people who know more to tell me... So please give opinions. I'm not going to give nesting materials, but that didn't stop my other girl from laying eggs and having one hatch.

I know this is a long shot, but maybe I can create a mixed flock instead? But there's still the imbalanced issue that probably would arise...

The cage I have and its dimensions are here:
http://www.kingscages.com/ProductDetail ... =SLT4_2217
It's not as long as the current one, but it's pretty big.

willertac

Hello.

Seeing as finches fly from side to side to remain trim, healthy and happy, 30 inches wide, is usually considered a minimum. 22 inches, honestly is really not wide enough to offer your finches any flying room...

This cage, would be good for one or two Budgies (who by the way should never be housed with Finches).

Elana

lovezebs wrote: willertac

Hello.

Seeing as finches fly from side to side to remain trim, healthy and happy, 30 inches wide, is usually considered a minimum. 22 inches, honestly is really not wide enough to offer your finches any flying room...

This cage, would be good for one or two Budgies (who by the way should never be housed with Finches).

Elana

Okay, thanks!
But if I do get a big enough cage, what male to female ratio should I use to be sure there are as few problems as possible?

It's almost always best to keep ratios at one to one, as the odd one out often gets picked on. As Elana has said, your current cage is more suited to budgies than finches, but if you continue to use that cage, I wouldn't add any hens to it at all, just keep your two males in it. Your 30x18x18 is also only suitable for two birds.

willertac

If you gat a wider cage, as our Sally recommend, one male to one female is usually best.
Are you planning on breeding? If not, than sticking to just males, would be your better option. Once you introduce females into the equation, they will mate and breed, and Zebras, tend to breed like the proverbial rabbits, so that is something to always keep in mind. Something else to keep in mind, is that with overcrowding, you will have higher incidents of aggression, squabbling and territorial fights.

Good luck

Elana