How to set up a big cage?

[David]

I have some problems with 10 of my zebra finches, which they seems fight with each other or make some, hissing sound even those right next to them always harassed by some of the finches. I don't want these 10 finches separate into 5 different cages, is there a better way I can put them in a bigger cage or flight, without fighting too much? I've been putting some of them around different cages but still fight. Any advices would be great thank you!

[Harley2013]

How big of a cage are you looking to set up? You should have at least one nest per pair, and be warned, during breeding they may pick at one another. zebras are territorial and at times aggressive as well. It's just a zebras way. I would make sure you have a good male female ratio in one cage so there isn't fighting over that and make sure they have plenty of flying room and maybe some greenery but not a lot so they can hide if they need to get away from anyone picking on them. Make sure to have plenty of seed and water dishes and lots of greens, eggs and they LOVE millet spray. That may keep them busy from time to time and reduce in squabbles. I have a double flight, I call it "my little avairy" because I have 6 pairs ( european goldfinches, zebras and Lady Gouldins in there. With the above mentioned set up and we do fine. They do get after each other at times even still, but it's nothing major, just everyone keeping each other in check.

[monotwine]

There is also an option of trying something like a privacy perch. You may have to make one up using board / stiff plastic. Usually more space helps, but not always. Zebras unfortunately are known to be fairly aggressive in this way as you are experiencing.

In a large aviary they are quite peaceful if a bit stroppy around their nesting sites.

[Harley2013]

I have never tried this, but have read that if you even put spacers in perches it will at least give them some personal space. To do this you could use some clothes pins here and there on the perch so there is something inbetween anyone who may want to quarrel. I know clothes pins are not the most attractive, but it may work.

[David]

Monotwine and Harley2013,

Thanks for your replies, I only can have the finches indoor so the size can't be the size of a big aviary. I will try to get some private perches, I heard that if you use some fake plants will help too right? Do you know what kind of fake plants I can use for them to hide better? Since they are not real plants, I assume maybe it doesn't matter what kind of plants it's going to be right? They just fighting too much give me headache and I want them to stay peace.

I have no problems with my other 20+ zebras since they get along with each other. Only these 10 gave me headache, actually 7 of them are male and only 3 female, I don't know nest to do, maybe separate the female and only put male together?

[Harley2013]

That's alot of males to only 3 females. Maybe they are fighting for that reason. Can you remove or add to make the odds a little more even? The nest you want to use is either an open canary type nest or hooded bamboo type of nest. I would make sure you have at least one nest per pair. Yes, any type of fake plant is fine as long as it doesn't pose any issues with them getting hung up or caught in them and cause injury. I use silk vines, fake flowers, and a plastic one that hangs and I even hide a nest in the vines and flowers so they can have privacy. Keeping all males, and no females? The males will still more than likely quarrel. First I would try privacy perches, and plants. If that doesn't work, I would consider adding more females or taking out some males to make it a little more even. Or split up the trouble makers win to another cage. I have my cage indoors as well. It is a double flight. Yes, it's big, but i love it, and if set up right can be a wonderful decorative addition to your house or apartment. I have mine in the dining room. I am having trouble posting photos, I will keep trying to show you my set up.

[Harley2013]

By the way, what size cage are all these guys in now?

[David]

Thanks for your help Harley2013. I'm currently using 3 flight cages and a single cage, and pair them up but realized hissing sound going around, thats why I'm worrying.

I know, I have trouble upload my pics earlier too, sometime just too big for the file when I saw the error message I am looking forward to see your set up next time when you can upload it. I never use fake plants, but will consider your idea since that should help some, how do you manager the plants? Do you wash them when clean the cages/flights too?

[Harley2013]

You are welcome, yes, I soak them in Apple cider vinegar to clean them and rinse them, air dry them. I have many so I can swap around when they are drying. I wash them once a month when I do a through cleaning and wipe down. Here is a picture of my double fight. Hope you can see it.

[Harley2013]

I was just thinking, and you said you are using some flights and a single cage? How many birds do you have in your cages? If you have (3) 30x18 flights connected to make a big one, the square footage should only allow 6 birds max I believe for that space and if your flights are NOT connected then I would only house 2 zebras per cage, considering they can be aggressive. this may be your problem, although they are tiny birds, they are constantly active birds and territorial at times. Your cage may be overcrowded. You also need to remember, adding plant to your cages is going to take away some space as well. So don't over crowd with plants.

[David]

wow! I like your double flight, how many birds you have inside this? Looks gorgeous, I wish can set up a bigger house for my birds too. I actually put 3 pairs in 3 different flights separately, size is 30L x18W x18H, another 4 finches in a single cage but 4 difference ones, which they all fight and not get along with each other. I usually use apple cider vinegar to clean cages too, but sometime little bugs or flies like the smell of it and it really attract them, so I have to snap them

[David]

I dilute some water with the ACV but still attract the little bugs. Anyway I am still thinking how to set up a big cage for them and don't want more fighting going on :/ I really like your double flight.

[David]

Harley2013,

Just curious, where did you get those plants? I am still a beginner if set up a double flight with plants lol. And do you know approximately the size of the double flight you are having? thanks again for your help!

[Harley2013]

Thanks! I got my plants at the dollar store. It works out well that way so when more plants are needed or need to be replaced over time it is economically affordable. My double flight is about 62"x 35"x21". Not including the stand. I ordered it from That Pet Place in Pennslvannia.

[David]

Oh awesome! Thanks for let me know. I hope can get the stylish double flight like yours someday maybe I will search dollar shop first when need the plants see any luck!