Question about zebras

[Barbara]

I know by reading some of the post,some people do not care for the personality of zebras,I understand how there personality at time our unpredictable.I was given a 60"long 31"high 18" wide flight cage,I was wondering what would do best 2males,2females,or a pair they would be the only ones in this cage with no nest,no breeding (NEVER),there are a lot on craigs list that people are looking to give away and was thinking I might use that cage to rescue some .I also have a chance to get a weaver but thinking they are to aggressive and seems like they would have to be by there self most of the time.any advice from all you zebra owners would be appreciated

[Sally]

If you never want breeding, then you definitely don't want to mix the sexes, as Zebras will find a way. I'll let the Zebra experts answer on which is best, all males or all females. The cage calculator says that size cage could have 3 to 5 birds, but those numbers also don't always work for compatibility. For some reason, finches do best in cages with either 2 occupants or 6 or more. With all same sex and no breeding, I would think you could have 6 in that size cage.

I've never had a weaver, so I can't offer any advice on them.

[Barbara]

Sally thanks for the response I only want to put 2 of something in there but I was not sure about 2males or 2 females I know with societies they would do fine with any combination just not sure about zebras but if anyone else can help would be appreciated, again I only want two in the cage I mentioned above

[FLDoc]

Two male zebras should do OK, but I would prefer two females. The males may get aggressive with each other, though generally do not unless they are trying to lure a hen or are setting up a nest. The females may still lay eggs, but they'd be infertile. I would still give the hen's two calcium sources - cuttle bone and crushed oyster shells, but the males just need one. I say that because, if they are going to lay, the hens would need the calcium booster and, it they didn't like one source, they should like the other. The females just wouldn't have the 'song', just the call.

[Stuart whiting]

Two male zebras should do OK, but I would prefer two females. The males may get aggressive with each other, though generally do not unless they are trying to lure a hen or are setting up a nest. The females may still lay eggs, but they'd be infertile. I would still give the hen's two calcium sources - cuttle bone and crushed oyster shells, but the males just need one. I say that because, if they are going to lay, the hens would need the calcium booster and, it they didn't like one source, they should like the other. The females just wouldn't have the 'song', just the call.

Totally agree, well said

[Barbara]

FLDoc,thank you for your help I think if I can find 2 females that is what it would be,most people on craigs list seem to have 3 2 females one male and won't separate so not getting that I'm sure they were breeding.I am going to look in nh and see what they have

[lem2bert]

Not sure what sex, but I was at petsmart yesterday and they had two zebra finches on sale for 15.99 each. Just thought you might like to know. I am not sure how to sex them but something to look into (giving them a home would be like rescuing !!! ) Good luck !!

[Stuart whiting]

Not sure what sex, but I was at petsmart yesterday and they had two zebra finches on sale for 15.99 each. Just thought you might like to know. I am not sure how to sex them but something to look into (giving them a home would be like rescuing !!! ) Good luck !!

yea quite agree mate about the resume from petsmart

[Barbara]

lem2bert thanks for letting me know, we went to nh and problem of empty cage solved hubby bought me a pair of owls.

[Stuart whiting]

lem2bert thanks for letting me know, we went to nh and problem of empty cage solved hubby bought me a pair of owls.

I take it you mean bicheno ( owl ) finches

if you mean bird of prey owls, they'll scare the living daylight out of yer other birds