How many Gouldians can I keep together?

Crystalnurse · Post by **Crystalnurse** » Wed Nov 22, 2006 6:13 pm

I have a 5ft long by 30 inch tall cage. How many Gouldians can I keep in this comfortably? Would 2 pairs be okay? Also, should I have 2 next boxes just in case they actually pair off? Thanks so much for the help.

CrystalV.

newfinchmom · Post by **newfinchmom** » Wed Nov 22, 2006 7:29 pm

Check the finch information link on the left of the page and then look under the housing section. There is a calculator you can use to figure out how many birds can comfortably fit in your cage. I think it asks for length and width in inches.

tammieb · Post by **tammieb** » Wed Nov 22, 2006 9:43 pm

What does it measure front to back?

Crystalnurse · Post by **Crystalnurse** » Thu Nov 23, 2006 8:57 pm

Hi,
Thanks for the info. The cage is 20 deep. I've estimated that I can put 4 in it. Do you think that 2 pairs would fight with each other? Thanks

Crystal

tammieb · Post by **tammieb** » Thu Nov 23, 2006 9:22 pm

I would think two pairs of Gouldians would be okay in a cage that size. To provide them with privacy, you can place silk plants around the nests. This will help reduce any squabbles they may have.

Crystalnurse · Post by **Crystalnurse** » Mon Nov 27, 2006 2:04 pm

Well, I am heading out today to get my other pair. Hopefully, all will get along well. I'll update this evening.

Crystal

Crystalnurse · Post by **Crystalnurse** » Mon Nov 27, 2006 7:26 pm

Ut oh, not such good news. I put the boy in first and the other boy chased and chased him. Plus, was pecking at him. I didn't even have time to get the girl in. So, then of course the first girl flew out. Finally, caught her.

Then, of course, they were quiet. No girl to fight over. So, I took the first boy out. So, I set the first pair up in a totally seperate cage. The new pair took over the bigger cage.

So, should I try to add back the first pair tomorrow? Didn't plan on this happening.

Any suggestions would sure help. Thanks

Crystal V.

tammieb · Post by **tammieb** » Mon Nov 27, 2006 8:39 pm

You would think two pairs could get along in a cage that size.

Perhaps the experts are right in saying two pairs together are trouble but three pairs will usually work out. I guess now you have an excellent excuse to get more birds.

Try this... remove all four birds and rearrange the perches, seed cups and waterers. Everything in the cage should be set up differently so when you add all four birds at the same time, the original pair will be less territorial. Just make sure to have two of everything and place them in opposite ends of the cage. Give them a few days and see how it goes. I have three Gould males and one hen in a 6'L x 7'T x 4'D aviary and they all get along.

Crystalnurse · Post by **Crystalnurse** » Mon Nov 27, 2006 8:49 pm

Hi Tammie
I went ahead and put the first Gouldian Pair back in with the new pair. I did rearrange things a bit. The old mail continued to chase the new birds for a bit, so I turned out all of the lights and made them go to bed.

I just checked on them and they are all sleeping on seperate perches. I should also let you know that the first pair was only set up in the cage about 5 days ago, so I guess they made it their territory pretty quickly.

The poor little girl one that I had to chase around the room is so tired. She has her little head turned backward and is snoozing more soundly than I have ever seen her sleep. She definately had a workout. They are sweet to hold.

Hope tomorrow brings good things. Thanks for all your suggestions, I truly appreciate it.

Crystal V.

Crystalnurse · Post by **Crystalnurse** » Wed Nov 29, 2006 9:20 pm

Well, it has been 2 days of non stop chasing each other. I'm tired of it and so are they. So, I put the pairs in seperate cages - so much more peaceful now. No more bickering. Ahh!!!!

Now, they have each other only and seem so happy.

newfinchmom · Post by **newfinchmom** » Fri Dec 01, 2006 11:01 pm

I'm sorry to hear they can't play well with each other!!!!

kenny · Post by **kenny** » Sat Dec 02, 2006 4:17 pm

its the pecking order you should concentrate on .the first resident male should have been removed and put in later,as he thinks its his home .so try to take the original cock bird out and put him back in at a later date.but then you have a chance of the other cock bird chasing him!its what they naturally do the first cock bird wants all the females (naturally ) so try putting the females in first then the 2 cocks and let the females choose..they will eventually settle once you get the mix right

ken