Do my two gouldians need companions?

[codette]

Hello all!

I just discovered and joined this community today. I've had three cockatiels but am new to finches.

I've recently taken in a pair of lady blue gouldians from someone who didn't want them anymore because they weren't hatching their eggs. For about 2 years he had 2 pairs in the cage (40 inches wide, 40 inches tall, 18 inches deep). One bird died quite a while ago, and another died around Christmas.

I took in the remaining two a couple of months ago. They went from a fairly dark, very noisy house full of dogs and people to my bright, quiet bedroom, with partial access to look out a window. They seem very comfortable, but I wonder if they miss the excitement of the other house. I leave the radio on, and they are babysat (harassed?) by a cat who is completely enamored with them, but otherwise they spend the day alone.

Side note: They are bonded and I thought they were a breeding pair, but just this morning I noticed the one I thought was female has begun to sing. Surprise!

My question is whether they would be better off with an additional pair for companionship, and if that would be a bit tight in their current cage? (40" x 40" x 18")

What breeds would be the best companions for gouldians? I don't want to buy more birds--I'd prefer to adopt--but the only breeds I can find for adoption are zebras (no) and societies (maybe?) and the occasional unidentified mystery birds.

What about non-finches? A canary or two?

In the future I hope to have a home with enough space to build a large flight and perhaps even an outdoor one for summer, but for now the 40" cage is the best I can do. We do have an additional cage of the same size, so I could combine them one day for either an 80" long span OR a 36" deep cube.

Thank you!!

[lovezebs]

codette

Hello and welcome to the Forum.

How lucky for them and lucky for you to have found each other .

If both birds are singing, then both birds are males, no wonder they wouldn't breed for your friend, lol. Oh, and by the way, it's not advisable to breed Blue to Blue anyway.

Your cage is a nice size, and your two new feathered friends are probably heaving a sigh of relief to be away from the noise and the darknes of their former home. Gouldians are gentle, quiet birds normally, and enjoy peace and quiet.

Now regarding companions...

You could add another two Gouldians, or even a Canary or a couple of Societies.

For heaven's sake, don't put Zebras in with Gouldians. Zebras (although I have an army of them and am rather fond of the little demons), are aggressive and territorial and would drive your poor Gouldies into an ealy grave.

Regarding adding to the cage, I would make it longer, rather than taller, as finches like to exercise flying from side to side.

Good luck and enjoy your Gouldi's.

[debbie276]

They will be perfectly happy with just the 2 of them. Cage looks great.
You definitely have 2 males there. Adding a couple henna could be done but keep in mind they may fight for territory if they want to go to nest.

Best of luck

[the_gouldian_guy]

As Debbie said, it looks like you have two males. I would be hesitant to introduce females unless you have an additional cage if it doesn't work out. While gouldians are generally very peaceful a lot depends on the individual bird.

I would be careful introducing society finches unless you know they are clear of campylobacter and cochlosoma which societies can carry without symptoms, but can kill gouldians. Very nice birds! Good luck!

[wilkifam]

I would never mix Goulds and Zebras. Zebras may pick on them.

[sparrowsong98]

Welcome to the forum! As others have said, I wouldn`t mix gouldians with zebras. Societies would do nicely though.