My Natural Aviary!

[Fishfreak218]

I was also going to recommend Silverbills on my earlier post! I'm glad you mentioned them. They are very nice peaceful birds. You'll enjoy them. Have you considered spice finches (fairly inexpensive and easy to find) or white-headed or tri-colored nuns? I've had those as well and really enjoyed them.

I'm glad you decided against the Zebras. You saved yourself a bunch of headaches. They are cute birds and there are so many color variations, but they just cause so much trouble, especially in a mixed aviary like the one you're building.

Three dogs???? I can't imagine. My one dog, Ben, is such a handfull. Times that by three and I think I'd move out. Does Taco run the show? Usually those small dogs do.

Yeah, the silverbills are very attractive! I also have considered spice finches as well as any of the other cheaper finches.
I haven't seen any white headed or tri-colored munias (if thats what your taking about) when you say nuns. Taco thinks he is the stuff but really, the border collie, sasha, runs the show. She is pretty controlling.
Maybe Ill post some pics later.

Have you looked at any flea markets in your area you have to watch out with some vendors, but I have gotten some from here that were very good birds & healthy no problems I got a pair of silverbill I think they were 10.00 ea. spice finch 10.00 ea. I think they were selling society for15.00 pr.
Have you tried to find out if there are any breeders near you ,call A avian vet. they could tell about any bird clubs or breeders in your area.
The breeders would probaly be best, well good luck

I have been to one of the 'local' flee markets and it didn't have any animals at all for sale. I need to check out my vet.

Don't mention flea markets to your parents....they might think you're gonna keep them too
Now you've decided to cover the floor of the aviary with bedding material...may I suggest you take precautions against tramping it all through the house.Otherwise I can see you being put up for adoption
Paul.

No fleas at this house thank god! ;)
Actually, my mom said the same thing about tracking it through the house. We are going to get some sort of mat or something, but so far it hasn't been too bad.



Also, I was wondering... is it possible that at the store when they had the labels up, could it mean per pair? because all the birds were in pairs and I was thinking to myself, would they really separate them? Plus isn't $170 for a pair of cordon bleus a little bit ridiculous (if they were $85 each).
Could it be that they are $85 per pair? Then things would be a lot more affordable!
I have to call the store and find out, but not today because tropical storm/hurricane Faye hit last night. Don't worry, it was a pretty whimpy storm and the aviary looks no different. Literally, not even a plan fell over or anything.... I think its because it was so well protected.

[B CAMP]

No I don't think its for a pair I have never seen them for that cheap I have sold some for 65 each .But most stores around here sell them for 150 up per pair

[mickp]

tramping it through the house may work in his favour, be able to claim more rooms for the birds. just add a couple of nests here and there tell parents that it helps when trying to catch escapees. may depend on how gullible the parents are though

[Sally]

WOW! Miss a few days on here, and look at this. I am soo impressed that you have planned and built this aviary yourself (with a little help, perhaps, but you have outdone many adult efforts). I am also so happy to see young people getting interested in finches! Try to avoid buying the more expensive species from petshops--you don't get enough info on their background, and there is always the chance they are related. $170 for a pair of CBs is way too much, a breeder will sell them for much less. Before buying any of the more expensive species, do some research on prices, to make sure you are being charged a fair price for the birds. You can always ask on here--prices will vary some by location, even in the U.S., but we can let you know if a price is way out of line.

[dfcauley]

I have missed you Sally! Courdon Blues were selling for thirty dollars apiece at the last Atlanta bird fair. I think it would be worth a drive to Orlando for that.

[Fishfreak218]

B Camp,
thanks, yeah i checked tonight... its per bird. The female cordon bleu was gone also

mickp,
only problem is, my cat would go hunting

Sally,
thank you very much for the compliment, the aviary is coming along very nicely! I need to check out some local breeders

dfcauley,
$30!!
maybe it IS worth the drive, haha


Anyway, I put a deposit down on a baby normal grey cockatiel today... he/she is so cute, and his flights haven't been cut yet! To me that is very important because he learns to fly right away, as opposed to learning how to "fly" without flights. Then he learns that he has to pump his wings extra hard to go somewhere and when his flights grow in he would be used to pumping so fast and would get hurt. I think I'm going to go ahead and get both of my cockatiels sexed also (DNA tested).
Anyway, I'll let you guys know on the finches, there is a 1" gap in the wood since it is warping which I have to fix before I do anything.
Also, one qick question:
1. Would it be ok if I got a male of each of the more expensive species (for now) instead of getting a pair? This way it would be much cheaper, and I can make sure they are unrelated (when I do finally get a female)

thanks a lot!

[dfcauley]

Are you planning on putting the cocateils in with the finches? I hope not, because they can hurt a finch.

[Fishfreak218]

dfcauley,
nope, only under my supervision and for short periods of time.
no worries

[mickp]

why is it that so many people who have birds also have cats?
before any of you have a go at me, yes there is also a cat here, but it wont go near my aviary as the dog owns the backyard and thankfully the cat is scared of the dog so never goes into the backyard

[dfcauley]

why is it that so many people who have birds also have cats?
before any of you have a go at me, yes there is also a cat here, but it wont go near my aviary as the dog owns the backyard and thankfully the cat is scared of the dog so never goes into the backyard

The is how I acquired my very first finches. My sister had two and a cat. It didn't work. Everynight they would have a go at the cage. So I adopted them..... and that's the rest of the story.

[Fishfreak218]

Way back when I was little, my dad would not let us get a dog at all. It was always a hamster or whatever. Anyway, he got me a rabbit which we all got very attached to. Then about a year later, the rabbit died, and we were all pretty sad. So we asked for a dog but he wouldnt let us get one. He said we could get a cat instead.... and thats where I got Nala. 14 years later we still have the cat, we have 3 dogs, 4 fishtanks, and now an aviary which is about to be stocked with finches

also anyone have an answer to my question?
Is it ok to get just a male of the more expensive speices for now?

[Sally]

also anyone have an answer to my question?
Is it ok to get just a male of the more expensive speices for now?

Yes, many people maintain male-only cages or aviaries, as they don't want to be bothered with all the breeding problems. EmilyHurd, on this forum, has posted photos of her all-male grouping of many different species, she has a lovely collection. The main thing is to keep it all passive species. If you want any Cordon Bleus, the males often fight with other CBs, but with no females present and a spacious aviary, they might get along. But you could have say Cordon Bleu, Owl, Star, Gouldian, Goldbreast, Fire. Just remember, that any time you combine a mixture of birds, there is always the chance one of them just won't like everybody, so you always have to watch for any sign of aggression.

[mickp]

another species of passive finch that everyone forgets, but it is a beautiful bird is the painted finch (emblema picta)

[B CAMP]

Yes it is a beautiful finch,but I have only seen pictures never seen one in store for sale. The last coulple bird shows I went to didnt have any either

[poohbear]

Cracking birds...maybe half a dozen breeders in UK and the youngsters are usually ordered in advance.