males only

[TXFinchFan]

HI,
I've just joined and have a question about male finches. I have two zebra finch brothers living in a 30 x 18 x18 cage. Could I add a male Gouldian to the cage? And if so, can I have 2 male gouldians with the brothers? Basically can I have just a bunch of males of different species living together? I'd like to transition into a larger cage but wonder how many I can house in my current cage as well.
Hope that all makes sense!

[jimenezl]

I think you're reasonably maxed out on the 30"x18"x18" with the zebra pair.
For a short time, it may be okay to add a couple more until you get a second or larger cage, but I'd keep an eye out. In close quarter nerves will flare..

[Sally]

I agree, a 30x18x18 cage is fine for 2 finches, but any more than that is asking for territorial issues. Gouldians are very passive, while Zebras tend to be pushy, so they often are not compatible.

Welcome to the forum! There's lots of good reading at www.finchinfo.com, where you will find many articles on finch care. If you put your general location in your profile, it makes it easier for members to answer questions later on. From your member name, I'm assuming you are in Texas. There are quite a few active bird clubs and many finch breeders in the state of Texas, so you are in a great part of the country for finch lovers.

[TXFinchFan]

thanks for the advise. If I understand correctly, I can add males with other males if the cage is of adequate size, right?

[Sally]

Yes, many members have all-male collections, as they aren't interested in breeding. However, you still have to watch out for compatibility. It usually doesn't work to mix passive and pushy/aggressive birds unless you have a spacious aviary, so more timid birds have places to hide and get away. Zebras tend to be fairly territorial and want all the cage to themselves! lol

[lem2bert]

Hi, Welcome, I have canaries but there is a lot of information on this site for finches ! Hope you have fun here !

[jimenezl]

This finch compatibility chart should help:

http://www.ladygouldianfinch.com/features_chart.php

[TXFinchFan]

Thanks again. I appreciate the advice. If I got a pair of female Gouldians, would the brothers try to mate with them, or become aggressive with the girls?

[Sally]

The brothers might become aggressive with them, simply because Zebras tend to be that way, especially when they are caged with a very passive species. I don't know if they would try to mate with them.

[debbie276]

In my opinion, zebra are too aggressive to be housed with gouldians.