New Aviary - Birds aren't getting along

[Sir Bubbles]

I have 3 Zebra Finches and for the past few months my Dad and I have been planning on building an aviary for them to live in together. After a bit of researching and construction, he finished it just the other day. So now, the birds have been living in it together for about 3 days. The first day went pretty well, everyone got along for the most part, with some very light " nipping " of their beaks towards each other, but far from aggressive. The next day however things took a turn for the worse. Previously, I had two birds living in one cage together ( Sandy and Sophie ) and another in her own cage by herself ( Melody. )

Sandy and Sophie have always gotten along since the day I got them ( I've had them a little over two months now ) but once they were introduced to Melody, they suddenly don't like each other. To put a long story short, it's basically turned into a free for all in the cage, although Melody and Sophie don't seem to mind each other that much. Bottom line is, this is a huge bummer. I was hoping with all this new space they would be able to coexist peacefully, but this doesn't seem to be the case. They are at it all day long, from the moment the sun rises to the time it's lights out.

For those of you wondering, the aviary is 4 feet long by 2 feet wide and 4 feet tall. Their previous cages were about 15 inches long, 10 inches wide, and 18 inches tall ( roughly guessing here. ) So obviously this is quite an improvement. The aviary is filled up with a good amount of perches but not enough to overcrowd, there's still plenty of flight space. They also have a toy bell and two nests ( although these are pretty much ignored and unused at all times. )

I'm not sure what to do really. I don't want them going at each others throats all day every day. We made them this aviary in hopes that they would all be able to get along in the same space, and it would kill me to have to take someone out and put them back in their old small cage.

I've heard that obstruction can help, such as plants and various other objects to help them hide from one another and basically keep them out of sight and out of mind. Is there much truth to this? I'm really counting on going and getting some fake plants to fill the aviary up with, as well as some other objects to make sure that there's enough stuff for everyone and nobody is fighting over certain areas.

So has anyone ever had to deal with something like this before, even in such a large space? What did you do, did the birds ever get over it or did you have to separate them?

Edit: Added a picture of the aviary: http://i.imgur.com/YOTUCgN.jpg

[Leo519]

It may take them several more days to settle in together and establish a "pecking order" ..If they continue to not get along maybe if you add a fourth Zebra to your aviary they can double up and there won't be a "third wheel", especially since Melody and Sophie have a strong bond.
Speculation on my part, but maybe it will help

[Ginene]

Odd numbers in Zebra finches is never a good idea. The new aviary sounds wonderful. I would add either 1 or 3 more birds to the mix. Many books suggest zebras be housed in 6+ to reduce bullying.

[WrenNAustinTX]

Zebras can be kept in a pair, or in a group of 6+. You need more finches, or they won't quit this. So get shopping. Either get three males to make 3 pairs, or three females or keep it all female.

[Sir Bubbles]

I wasn't aware of this. Thanks everyone!

Do you think 4 would be enough? I'm not quite sure if I want to double the amount I have. I love the little zebes but I feel like the more I have, the less intimate it will feel. I suppose six isn't THAT many, but it would be a bit hard to keep track of who's who lol.

They're all females by the way - I don't have plans to introduce males since I don't want them breeding.

[Ginene]

Yes...4 is fine. I suggest you quarantine the new bird before adding her to your flock. Best of luck to you

[Leo519]

Sir Bubbles

How are your Zebras doing now in the new aviary?