Mixed Species Flight Cage:

[mamafinchy]

I am a proud owner of probably the most popular brand and cage size I've see on this forum ... the Prevue Pet F040 flight cage.

Right now this cage houses my 2 Cut Throat finches (male female) ... but I'm interested in converting it into a mixed species flight cage. I know the cage dimensions are probably not the best for this, but I'm wondering if anyone has done this before and was it successful or not?

Some additional questions:
1. How many finches total did you house together in this cage?
2. How many of each species did you house?
3. What were the sexes of the finches? Is it easier to house male/female pairs or all males or all females or a mix?
4. Would it be possible to house 1 of each species together? (i.e. 1 Gouldian, 1 Owl, 1 Spice and 1 Society) or do they prefer to be housed with similar species; would they get lonely?
5. Is there a rule of thumb for how many nests/boxes per bird or pair to cut down on territory issues? (Obviously sans nesting material.)

Any other tricks, tips, or stories would be greatly appreciated !
And please, if you disagree with my plans, tell me why ! I wouldn't mind being talked out of this (I'm a novice, but I care the most about my bird health and safety more than anything !)

[Musetta]

Hi Devan,
I have the Prevue Pet F030 Flight Cage (L 37 x W 27), so the dimensions are a bit different than yours, but I recently (a few weeks ago) put my pair of zebras and my pair of spices into this cage, after previously housing them in separate cages (of the popular Petco variety). I still consider this move experimental, but so far, it seems to me that both pairs have enough space to peacefully coexist. For the most part, the zebras stay in their area, the spices in theirs, and all is well (no plucking, bullying, etc). I offer them at least two sets of everything (well, more perches than that) to cut down on the potential for fighting. I have two male zebras, one male spice finch, and one female spice finch. There are three nests in the cage, but the spices show zero interest in inhabiting any of them (which is just as well for me, as I don't think I am ready for finch babies just yet, although I am prepared to make accommodations for them, should the need arise). The zebras consistently sleep in the same nest each night, and the spices sleep on their favorite branch.

I know this is probably of limited help since I am relatively new to finches and this is not the exact same flight cage, but I have been pleased with how little the two pairs seem to bother each other, especially considering the notorious propensity for zebras to be overbearing. I still have my two former flight cages in reserve, should something change.

Best of luck! Would love to see pics of your finches!

[Perfex]

I have two of these cages. One holds my owl pair and red throat parrot finch pair. The owls have raised three small clutches in there, and the PF's have had several nests/ eggs but haven't hatched out chicks yet. It is very amicable and peaceful. The PF's even helped to feed the last three fledglings. Those three are still in the cage with two pair, but will move them out soon. There were three nest boxes but no bickering over nests or materials.
The other cage has one pair Gouldians and two 3 mth baby owls.

I find two pair (4 birds to be plenty) in this size cage. It's a bit full with the extra babies in there.
Most species like their own kind and choose to be together. Only the Goulds are not so lovey dovey. The PF's love to snuggle with each other, and the owls even more so. I wouldn't keep these as solitary species in a mixed cage.

[mamafinchy]

Thank you both Rachel and Michelle for the suggestions!

I've been really enjoying Owl finches lately and once I have the money to buy a breeding pair, I am jumping right on it! Based on both of your responsed, I think I will try to house them in the Prevue flight cage along with my 2 female societies.

Another question I have for you, Michelle (or any other Owl owner), is where you bought your Owls from? It's been difficult to find a breeder in or around Wisconsin, so I've begun to consider shipping them here. Just curious if you know of any good ones!