Male Societies or gouldians?

[wildbird]

Would two male societies get along, or would it be safer to get two male gouldians? There would be no other birds in the cage. With gouldians, how do you determine males from females? Are air sac mites a major concern with gouldians?

[lovezebs]

wildbird

This is really a personal preference.

Two male Socies will get along very well.
Two male Gouldians will get along just fine.

Societies, are reletively inexpensive.
Gouldian's, tend to be quite a bit more expensive.

Societies, are laid back, friendly with each other, and social, as are Gouldians.

Diet for both species is basically the same, as is general care.
Both species enjoy baths , swings, and a warm light beside the cage.

Healthwise, I haven't found Gouldians to have any more health issues than Societies, although Gouldians tend to have a longer and more noticable moulting period (which with proper diet is really not a big issue).

Both species, have a quiet more or less pleasant song, and it is only the males that sing.

Gouldians are more colourful, while Societies have pretty but more subdued colours.

And so.....

[paul-inAZ]

All four should get along just fine in the same cage should you opt for both species. They're both peaceful.

As Elana mentioned, another practical consideration is that the diet and general care is the same for Societies and Gouldians. Not having to provide separate diets makes caring for mixed species considerably easier.

[Shannylee]

wildbird, if you decide on 2 male societies, make sure that you get 2 males. Societies are very hard to sex. If you happen to get a M/F pair, they will lay eggs in a seed cup if they don't have a nest available.

[wildbird]

Thanks Shannylee. I've heard that only males will sing.

[wildbird]

Thanks Lovezebs and Paul-inAZ. I'll see what is at the bird fair Sunday. I really need another Java, but another species would be better than nothing until I can find one. Right now there are no other birds in the house, so she is all alone.

[Shannylee]

In most species, only the male will sing. Society males have a bouncy, pear shaped performance. They are so cute and sweet!!! Zebras are a bit (lot) more dominant. Societies = sweet but somewhat flighty. Zebras = more dominant, not nearly as flighty...but flighty in my experience.

[Babs _Owner]

wildbird

If your java is lonely a society is an amazing choice. If no other society is present the society will slowly and gently make their comfort available to your java.

A lone female society for your Java would be my first choice if I was in your position. They are incredibly patient and her need to bond with another finch may be just the remedy for your Java's depression.


Honestly, I would house the society right in the cage with your java.

If I have an odd number of finch situation, I throw in one of my bachelorette female societies and she spreads her magic finch fairy dust of love and all is well in the world.

Elana has a handicapped zebra finch with a society finch nursemaid and companion and it has worked out very well for both finches.

For this amazing reason, societies are still my favorite finch. I breed my own. I have just introduced a young female to my blind gouldian and I will try and get a picture of them sleeping together at night. Its quite touching how she has brought him out of his loneliness.

[lovezebs]

Babs

Need a new thread about this little couple

[Babs _Owner]

lovezebs

;)

[wildbird]

Thanks for your advise, Babs. That might work if the new bird didn't bring in the disease that they can carry. Too bad she can't pick out her own companion. Decisions, decisions!!

[lovezebs]

wildbird

Most Socies are not 'diseased', and as far as I know (correct me if I'm wrong anyone), the problems that some Socues do have, are only an issue for Gouldians.

[wildbird]

Well, that's good to know! Then the Java should be safe.