mixed finch aviary.

[mrchips]

I have a small number of finches, 4 Zebras and a couple of Diamond Firetails. Currently the zebs are in 2 cages in pairs as are the firetails. Will it be ok to put all the finches in an aviary together without nestboxes as they are all getting on a bit in age.

[Sally]

A lot would depend on the size of the aviary. As long as each pair has enough room to have their own territory (even if they are getting up in age), they should be OK. Keep in mind that Zebras can be pushy, so you'd have to keep an eye on them.

Welcome to the forum! There's lots of good reading at www.finchinfo.com, where you will find many articles on finch keeping. If you put your general location in your profile, it makes it easier to answer locale-specific questions later on.

[mrchips]

Ah! I didn't explain my situation very well in that I missed a key point ...... I said they are in pairs but I should have said the firetails are a pair but the zebs are a pair and two males that are cohabiting a cage. I have in fact two females and four males in total. Will the males fight if not enough females re in the aviary. I can put them all in quite a big space.

[MariusStegmann]

I would go for it. They should be ok. The zebras would probably fight a bit, but Zebra cocks are tough birds. Just check that the zebra cocks don't hurt the hens. Diamond Firetails are also no pushover.

[Sally]

I would keep an eye on the Zebras, one hen to three males is not necessarily a good combination. Just make sure the males aren't fighting over her, also that she is not being harassed by too much attention!

[lovezebs]

mrchips

Hello.

I would put them in the aviary together. However, I would add another two female Zebras to the mix, just to even out the numbers. If everyone has a mate, everyone will be happier. If you don't want breeding, then don't offer any nests.

How big is your aviary? Is it outdoors, or indoors? Would love to see some pictures....

Elana