Newbie.....offshoot to three in a cage.

[Twinmom0804]

Hello everyone! Just purchased two male zebra finches earlier today. Have a big cage, so decided to get another one. Went to a different store. They only had female Zebra finches, and did not want a female because I do not want mating. They had Society finches, so got one of those. I knew there could possible be an issue, but wanted to try it. They have been together about an hour, and so far so good.

But then I started reading posts on here, and now I am worried about the third odd one out. Should I just wait and see what happens, or would it be best if I got a fourth. Maybe another society finch? The cage they are in is 23"wide x 13"deep x 16" tall.
Thank you so much!
Debbie

[finchmix22]

I would put the two zebras in their own cage and get the Society a buddy in their own cage, separate from the zebras. Welcome to the forum!

[Sally]

In that size cage, I'd just have the two Zebras. Trios often don't work, as two of them will buddy up and bully the third one. I agree with finchmix22, get another cage and a Society buddy for the one Society you already have.

Welcome to the forum! There's lots of good reading at the Finch Information Center, linked at left, where you will find many articles on housing, diet, and Zebra and Society finches. If you put your general location in your profile, it makes it easier to answer locale-specific questions later on.

[wilkifam]

That cage is too small for 3 birds. I agree with Sally on this.

[Twinmom0804]

Well darn! Now I do not know what to do. Where I got the Zebras was a family owned place that hand raises all kinds of birds. They assured me that this cage was big enough for three or four finches. That is why I paid more money for it. I really do not know if we can afford another cage, especially if we need to get another bird along with it. And I have no idea where in the living room to put another cage.

It is really frustrating when you do what you can to find someplace reputable so you can trust the info they give you....then you find out that is not the case.

[Harley2013]

Hmmmmm? I have learned that one finch needs a lot of flight room. 3-4 square feet per pair. The cage calculator indicates according to your size cage it is suitable for just one bird. Your measurements are approximately only 2.5 square feet. Maybe you could find a used cage in the classifieds for a reasonable price. Sometimes people upgrade their cages and just sell off the ones they had a a steal of a price sometimes, and many in great condition. I started off with a cage approximately your size for a canary. And learned as well, that the too need the flight room, despite popular belief. Years ago, we would see canaries in small cages, people did not know, or just did not care. that way of life for them is just cruel. I upgraded to a 30x18 flight for him. Sadly he passed away shortly after, due to a severely broken leg getting stuck in his nest, and we having to euthanize him. So, I acquired lady Gouldins. Now...... I am upgrading to a double flight
64x35 and adding a couple friends. The more flying room the better and healthier.

http://www.finchinfo.com/housing/cage_s ... ulator.php