FINCHforum

Hi. I have just acquired an outdoor aviary and five birds which I think are three finches and two canaries. Where is the easiest site to identify them? I don't know the sexes but one of the finches has slightly different markings. I think there is space for about another four and wondered what to get if any. I have been told that finches breed regularly and wouldn't want too many. Advice welcome please. I also have an indoor cockatiel which I don't intend to put with the smaller birds but would like to know if it is possible to introduce if the need arose.

Welcome to the forum! The number of birds you can keep will depend a lot on the size of your aviary, and also on the compatibility of the various species. I know nothing about cockatiels, but most hookbills don't mix well with finches at all. Some have been known to nip off toes!

As far as identifying what you have, if you can post photos, that would help, as many of our members may be able to identify them for you. Or, you can go to www.finchinfo.com, where you will find a section on species, which pictures many of the more common species.

My husband took photos to our local pet shop and he identified three female zebras so he purchased one male to keep them company. I hope we don't get too many babies.

mohum

With one male and three females, he might breed with all three girls, and you might get an army of babies. Or he might pair up with one girl only, and you can still get quite a few babies, if you allow them to breed indiscriminately.

Zebra and Society finches, are the rabbits of the Finch world. They will breed and breed for you, and give you endless babies.

If you don't want the endless kids, don't give them any nests, and remove any eggs that they might lay (on floor or in food dishes).

Would love to see some pictures of your new birdies and your Aviary.

Best wishes and good luck.

Elana

mohum

I'm a first time finch owner. Sally & Elana aren't kidding, my cage is producing an army of babies with a new hatchling (or more) emerging every day since the 10th of this month.

When those kiddos are all weaned in a few weeks I'll have almost 3x the finches I started with.........And I've only owned these finches a few months.

Be prepared for cuteness and a basketful of nerves.