FINCHforum

I have 6 lady Gouldian finch males and have had them for quite some time but I just took in a zebra finch that the owners said its mate died so they no longer wanted it so of course I felt so sad for him/her. I have no idea what sex it is and it is all white with like cinnamon stripes across its tail. They gave me the tiny cage and all. I am wondering if he/she needs a bigger cage and how would I be able to tell what sex it is? Also I don't want to breed so maybe get another one of same sex? I already adore him/her! My hubby suggested put him/her in with my Gouldians but I am afraid they would gang up on the zebra? Do you know what species zebra this could be?

The pic is unclear, but based on your description it's a chestnut flanked-white zebra finch, most likely female. I think I see a tear mark under the eye, but it's being blocked by the bar so I can't be sure.

I think putting her with the Gouldians should be fine, based on everything I read here. People will tell you to just be cautious and make sure she's not being harassed. I doubt she's going to harass anyone, but just watch them and see how they fair together. Zebras tend to get territorial and pushy (especially the males) if there are nests in the cage that trigger reproductive behavior. I suspect that just this female by herself will not cause any trouble.

She might also be an Isabel or a Florida Fancy (especially if there's no tear mark). I really can't tell from this picture.

Also make sure she isn't the one doing the harassing. Zebras can be hard to house. I have one female that doesn't get along with anyone.

So since she is eating and drinking and chirping, you think she would be fine by her self? I do not want to upset my Gouldian boys by any means and I also do not want her being bullied by them. I may just go with getting her a bigger cage and let her be by herself.

Now she's looking less like a cfw and more like a florida fancy, or a single factor florida fancy, possibly on fawn background. Still hard to really see her. Tip: bring the cam really close to the cage bars so they dont emd up concealing most of the bird.

I don't think zebras like being alone. They're social birds. Maybe get her a friend zebra if you don't end up housing her with the others?

I would definetly get her a friend, especially if you plan on housing her alone. If you plan on housing her with the gouldins, a friend would be nice too because it will give her own species in the cage. I just bought two male zebras and I have 2 male gouldins. I placed the zebra cage next to the gouldins and they seem fine, I will put them all together soon. I am acting a little quick in integration, because I have a 2 week return if things don't work out with them, but from what I can see, they are going to be fine. But get her a female friend and larger cage. The more room the better.

LadyGMom
Hi
I would definitely get her a cage where she can fly a bit. Something like a 30/18/18 at least . And yes, she will need a companion Zebra or Society finch.

I have had Gouldians with Zebras without any issues, but if your Goulds are older, they may not appreciate a little Zebbie hen poking about .

Congratulations on little one.

LadyGMom
Hi
I would definitely get her a cage where she can fly a bit. Something like a 30/18/18 at least . And yes, she will need a companion Zebra or Society finch.

I have had Gouldians with Zebras without any issues, but if your Goulds are older, they may not appreciate a little Zebbie hen poking about .

Congratulations on little one.

Agreed with the others.
I'd definitely do a 30x18x18 cage, with a friend.

Or you could pop her in with the gouldians. Some zebras are pushy, but many are just fine with others. Especially a female.

But I'd definitely not leave her alone in the long term. Finches are social creatures and they don't truly thrive alone.

I think she looks like a Regular CFW.

MiaCarter wrote: I think she looks like a Regular CFW.

That's what I thought at first. But look at the second photo.

if you put the camera lens right to the bars it will focus them out, you can get a clear picture of the bird...not a CFW.

cindy wrote: if you put the camera lens right to the bars it will focus them out, you can get a clear picture of the bird...not a CFW.

Hey Cindy's back! And she's seeing what I saw