FINCHforum

I have 6 male Zebra Finches in one large cage.

One of them has been sleeping on a perch by himself. The others are sleeping in the nests. One each in two of the nest and three in the other nest. This guy sometimes sleeps with another bird on a nest but mostly seems to relax at night on this perch under the fake plants.

Is this normal? He's not even the newest member of the cage.

I was thinking of getting another nest for him to have. What do you think?

Hi there!
Welcome to the forum!

He's a lovely little guy, isn't he?

I would definitely get a second nest, just so he has the opportunity to sleep with the others. Whether he uses that opportunity is up to him. But I'd give him the chance. I'd hate to think that he's sleeping alone because he doesn't have a choice in the matter because the main nest is too crowded, you know?

So by adding another sleeping spot, it will give them a chance to spread a bit more.

That said, he may still opt to sleep alone. I've got some who will sleep alone on occasion. Perhaps the community bed is too hot or whatnot, so they opt to sleep alone.

How is he otherwise? Does he get along well with the others? Or is he more of an outsider?

HeyItsRaymond

Six birds, and how many nests all together?
Once in a while, you get a loner, but it is a bit unusual with Zebras. Try to pay attention, if he is included by the others during the daytime. At times, there is an individual, who is simply not accepted by the group, which makes for a very lonesome birdling.

You would see one bird, who is chased away by the group, or a few members of the group. At times (if they're being 'nice', ) they will just leave when the one that's not liked approaches. At other times, you will see relay chasing all over the cage. At that point, the little outcast, is not allowed to eat or drink, and would not be allowed in the nest at night.

~Elana~

I have 6 birds and 3 nests.

And he gets along fine with them during the day. Not a loner at all. Playing and having a good time.

Some nights there are 4-5 males in one nests. Others just 3 with singles in the other 2 nests. But overall, this guy likes to just hangout on that perch. He does go into a nest with another male if I spook him on accident.