Cordon Bleu Behavior

[Leo519]

I'm considering adding one or two male Red Cheek Cordon Bleus to my peaceful family of finches (Gouldians, Societies and Spices - all birds are male except for one Society that I'm pretty sure is a female).

From what I've read about them they are known to be peaceful with other finch species but can become aggressive during the breeding season.

I am wondering if that pertains only if there is a female present, or can the males become aggressive just because it's breeding season?

And if so, do they become aggressive only with their own kind, or toward any finch they are housed with?

Also, would it be ok to keep just one male Red Cheek Cordon Bleu with my group of finches?

(I've heard the general rule of thumb is to keep finch species in even numbers, but I currently have an odd number of male Gouldians and they get along great with each other and the other finches)

Thanks for any and all info/advice

[w.l.]

Add one male, not two.
CB males tend to get aggressive towards other males of the same genus (all 3 CB species and the 2 grenadiers) not just males of their own species.
They seem very peaceful towards unrelated species.

[Sally]

I agree, my CB males get along with males of other species just fine. I even have multiple CB males together with no females around, but I think 2 males might not get along.

[lovezebs]

w.l. & Leo519

I have 2 females (Red Cheek CB's), housed with two male Redbilled Fires, and 2 Orange Cheeks. Although they are not friendly with the other species, there are no major squabbles (only over live meal worms )

BTW, the two girls don't really care for each other either. Originally I got three hens (a free gift from Pet Smart) and two of the three were a very closely bonded couple. Sadly, one of these two passed away. The one left behind, and the third one, haven't bonded.

~Elana~

[Acky]

It also depends on the size of aviary you have. I have 3 pairs in mine and they don't bother each other. Same with Green Singers. They don't like each other, but mine are fine. Enough room they are ok. My aviary is 23 feet long and 4 feet wide. From floor to ceiling. Now I should add I don't think they have got into their breeding season yet. So far so good.

[Leo519]

Thanks guys!!
I'm going to a bird mart this weekend (my first one!) and happy to now have that information to help me decide which additional finch, or two, or three.. to get