Opinions Please, On Possible Housing Set-Up

[Ginene]

I am planning on setting up my owl pair for breeding (1st timers), and a trio of male societies too (just in case ;) ). So that means, the other 15 finches will be moved/rearranged. I was looking for some advice on housing. 1st and foremost, you should know that my BCCB's are not a pair YET and have never lived together. I did try putting them in a 30x18x36 in November, but Bert was WAY to aggressive toward Mary and so I separated them after a nerve wracking 30 minutes. All feedback is welcome, as are questions too! Thanks in advance for your help! xo

Set Up 1: 2 double flights (1 with divider in) & 2 single flights.

Set Up 2: 1 double flight (with divider in), 1 single flight & 1 triple flight.

[delray]

Ginene aunt Ginene I really liked the 1st one when you showed me, but I actually think the second one is good too! Having the trio and the Owls together would work well hopefully. Then if the Owls aren't good, you can just open the divider. So you are putting 3 flights together? Although, I do really like the 1st one in means that bert is separated from Mary, so no possible harrassment.

[Ginene]

Thanks Brian...I'm worried about Bert harassing Mary too! The only reason I am even considering putting them together in a 90"W is because it's what a friend recommended...large flight with other birds! That's as large as I can do in my bird room. ;) I have a feeling that I am going to go with the 1st set up. Its a bit more controlled and easier to switch around, if things do not work out.

[delray]

Ginene i think you should go with the one that you think would work the best in the long run. I don't think it would be hard to just take the babies out of the nest and put them with the societies. . The 1st may be the best and the safest for all your birds. (Bert, GS) ;)

[Ginene]

Thanks Brian...I'll keep you posted on what I decide to do. I'll probably do it the first weekend in May. Hoping we will have healthy owl babies soon

[delray]

Ginene I hope so too, for a few reasons. ;)

[lnlovesorange]

delray I'm going to be SOOO Jealous if you get owls!!! Remember: you and me like ALL the same finches!!!! I guess if you get the Owls, it will be even, cuz I got the Gouldians!!! Oh, and guess what? The breeder that I got my Goulds from bought 3 owls at the bird mart....so If she breeds them.. ... Guess who's getting Owls!!!! Not for a while though, obviously, but just wanted to tell you that.

Ginene sorry for stealing your thread to talk to Brian, however, in your situation (keep in mind you are MUCH more experienced than me, and know a LOT better) but I like the idea of the owls and the Socies in the double flight, Like Brian said, that way if the 1st timers don't do so well breeding, like incubating, or even feeding, then you just take the divider out and the Socies are right there. As far as your concern for Mary, maybe if you have enough hiding spots (ie greenery and such) Mary will be ok, because that cage is large enough and there will be enough birds in it to keep Bert from harrassing her, not to mention you never know with birds, someone could stick up for her if they see her getting picked on... Birds do some crazy surprising things like that sometimes (remember Elana's story about Luchi attacking CT?) And My zebra babies, the Eldest, when she saw her siblings getting picked on by their mother she would fly/run over to their rescue, she would take the beating so that her younger brothers wouldn't have to, then when she got older, she would just peck back at the mother to keep her away from them! Anyway, good luck with it all, and also good luck with your first time Owls, hopefully you get some babies... and us forum members get some photos!!!!

[cindy]

Ginene, I would set your owls up un a breeding cage, then go into the files on finchaholics regarding the article I wrote about breeding and observing the parents with young owls, it may have some additional info you may find useful.

[delray]

lnlovesorange yea we do like the same species. I've been thinking, and I feel like goudians may be next on the list, before owls. I can't get more than 4 birds for a while, and I have always liked lady gouldians, their colors. So if I had to choose, goulds are next. Then we would both have gouldians. When I get older, owls are on the list though.

I hope you get the owls.