FINCHforum

I am debating between getting a pair of either Blue Cap Cordon Bleu or Red Billed Fire Finch. I already have a pair of red cheeked Cordon Bleu and Gouldian finches. The different pairs will be in separate small aviaries/flight cages. I am wondering what the Red Billed Fire Finches are like compared to the red cheeked Cordon Bleu? I like the temperament of the Cordon Blue very well and that they do not get hyper when I clean their aviary, etc. They seem calmer than the Gouldian in that way, and I find them easier to keep. I like how the Cordon Bleu tend to poop mostly in one area of their aviary and not when they are flying. Are the Red Billed Fire finches that way too or not? Any differences between the Blue Cap and Red Cheeked Cordon Bleu's. It sounds like the Fire finches are pretty easy to breed? Thanks for your help on my questions!

i started with 1 RCCB and ! fire finch both males and best buddies. My red fire finch was eaten by the cat which started a very long story. However your question is about the species. I loved Petrie he was the same size as Blue and they were totally inseparable. Blue nearly starved himself to death with grief. If my experience is typical then I would say you cannot make a mistake with this choice.

anne22

I find the Cordons to be more calm, than the African Fires.

Both species however are sweet, so it would not be an easy choice.

Seeing as you already have Cordons, personally I would go with the Fires (but that's me ).

Good luck with a difficult choice.

I have and love both species. Neither one is particularly easy to breed, being typical waxbills, but I think the Red-billed Fires might be a tad easier than the Blue-caps. Both of them will do better the more space you can give them, and both will do better breeding if you can supply lots of live food.

Both species get along with other passive finches quite well, except that Cordon Bleus usually don't get along with other Cordon Bleus unless they have lots of space. Surprisingly enough, I have a pair of Blue-caps and a pair of Blue-breasted Cordon Bleus sharing a smallish (32x21x35) flight cage without any problems, very unusual. I think they may all be senior citizens, so the lack of breeding hormones may be the difference.

I also have pairs of both species. I LOVE both, so this would be a difficult decision, but I agree with Elena, if you already have a pair of Red Cheek Cordons then maybe a pair of Fires would be a nice addition. My pair of Senegal Fires are more skittish than my Red Cheek Cordons. My RCCB will actually fly towards me when I enter my aviary looking for treats, whereas my Senegal Fires will stay away from me. Also when breeding, I find that the Fires are a lot more sensitive to having someone around their nest area. Whichever species you choose I know you will love them! Best of luck and post photos of your new birds!

Which species of these is less flighty when you are near them? Also which is neater or messier?

anne22

I would have to say that the Cordons, tend to become more calm as they get used to your presence .

As in regards to who is messier, lol, that I couldn't say. Birds, are messy, period.

anne22

I've never red bellied fire finches, but I do have a pair of blue capped cordon bleus, and they're very sweet. They get along with everyone.

slwatson

Red-billed African Fire Finches, are adorable Stacie..... hee-hee-heee..... I think you should definitely look into this species, lol.

I am actually planning to get a pair of the Fire finches this spring, since I already have Cordon Bleus. I really like the Cordon Bleus that I have, just wanting to try the Fire finches now too.

You will be happy with your Fires. They are very sweet and will add a lot of color to your collection! Can't wait to see photos of your new babies!!!

Both species are very beautiful but I would suggest you to get a pair of fire finches.