"new" used set of breeding cages

bonnies_gouldians · Post by **bonnies_gouldians** » Wed Dec 03, 2008 1:26 pm

I just got a "four stack" of cages that I am going to use to house two pairs of societies and have the other two open for holding pairs if/when I ever get babies. Thought I would share a few pics with ya'll. I disinfected them with a bleach solution, along with all perchs, bowls, etc. I found them on Craigslist and couldnt pass up the price on them, (though I imagine the boyfriend is not happy about the birds invading the bedroom

)

I know it is kind of hard to see, but if you take a look at the nest box on the left side of the first picture, is that too big for a society finch? I hate those weaved nests because there is no easy way to access or clean them. The pair of societies that I have now do not seem to care for the box, though there is nesting material in there that I did not put in there so I know they have gone in a couple of times...thoughts?

B CAMP · Post by **B CAMP** » Wed Dec 03, 2008 1:43 pm

If they like it they will use it ,once they start using a nest you don't have to clean it until the chicks fledge and dont go back in at night.
When they use one of the wicker nest after there done I just dump every thing out then soak it in some bleach water or white vinegar then let set in sun for a day or two until there is no smell and get ready for next time after a few times I get a new nest

franny · Post by **franny** » Wed Dec 03, 2008 2:07 pm

Mine always used the wicker or millet style nests, and they needed the larger size. They tend to have 5 or 6 in a clutch, and it gets pretty crowded in there! I also did as B Camp does, left it until the babies were fledged, then dumped out the guck and cleaned it. I'd usually use it twice, or three times, then toss.

(Forgot to say... if I'd waited until the babies didn't go back in at night, I'd have waited forever with my societies though! They would always return, they loved to sleep in the nest at night... even as adults. so I'd put a clean nest in, to replace the one I was washing.)

The box size is probably OK, though maybe a bit deep? Maybe you could start them off by putting some material in the bottom? I think they like to be able to see out of the nest while sitting, so it may be a bit deeper than they'd prefer.

L in Ontario · Post by **L in Ontario** » Wed Dec 03, 2008 2:23 pm

My Societies are fine in nestboxes but those are only about 4" deep / height and yes they sure do like to keep a lookout - unlike Gouldians who like to hide.

Very nice cage set up. Now you need MORE finches!

FeatherHarp · Post by **FeatherHarp** » Wed Dec 03, 2008 4:21 pm

Very nice! I have seen some of those types in my area on CL but had to resist the temptation.

If you are worried about your boyfriend not being happy with more finches in the bedroom...try naming one of the finches after him (because you love him so much

) he might actually be flattered!

bonnies_gouldians · Post by **bonnies_gouldians** » Wed Dec 03, 2008 11:00 pm

I love that idea! One will now be named Bobbo (his nickname of course)

I tried to resist the temptation but I just couldnt!

I will be adding more nest material to the bottom to see if they like the height a little more. I think I may even cut a two by four to fit the bottom and raise it up a few inches, it is pretty deep for them if they like a look out.

And as for more finches, they are on the way! We have double discount days for employees in a week, and we just got in a new pair of green singers, red cheek cordon bleus, and a beautiful pair of diamond doves that I am going to force myself not to get...they are SO beautiful though.