Want to add another species to Society Finches

[Vera]

I would like to add another species in with my four society finches.

I am considering adding two Lady Gouldian or two Cordon Blue - just curious what peoples experience is with these species and which would fit better with the Societies. Or what about one of each - I dont intend to breed. Thanks.

[Sally]

Even if you don't intend to breed, whatever you add would be happier with another of its own species--you could always add two males. The Lady Gouldian would probably be a better fit, both for temperament and feeding. Of course, it all depends on the size of your cage. If you have your heart set on Cordon Bleus, two males will usually get along OK as long as there are no females present. Two CB hens do get along just fine.

Welcome to the forum! There's lots of good reading at www.finchinfo.com, where you will find many articles on finch care.

[Vera]

I was able to purchase a pair of 18 month old Gouldians. They had two babies before. The male has only one good wing so is more of a hopper than a jumper. The babies they had previously were healthy but would this jeopardize any future breedings.

Also, I have two cages. One has four society finches - a set of parents and two of their offspring which I think are both females, and my other cage has a male canary. Originally the society parents and canary were in the same cage and did very well, i just moved the canary into his own cage once the six babies started leaving the nest.

My question is: I would like to put the gouldians in one of my cages because the cages are alot bigger than the cage they came with. Should they go with the canary or should I put them in with the four societies, or should they be in their own cage? Also how long shoudl they be quarantined? Thanks!

[Stuart whiting]

Vera

Hi there, welcome to the forum,

I'd be inclined to agree with Sally here

[debbie276]

What are the sizes of the cages?
There shouldn't be much of a problem breeding them seeing how most times gouldians mate in their nest box, flying is not important.
Quarantine times vary depending on what you might treat for. I would at least test for air sac mites (I use scatt) and de worm them. Then just watch for any other possible symptoms while you are getting them used to your food, water and routine.

[debbie276]

Here is an excellent article on quarantining your birds

https://ladygouldian.com/content/why-qu ... -new-birds

[Stuart whiting]

Here is an excellent article on quarantining your birds

https://ladygouldian.com/content/why-qu ... -new-birds

Nice one Debbie, that was one interesting article

[Vera]

Thanks for the article Debbie!

I have two cages, both are 20 x 20 x 28 inches high.

One cage has one canary.
The other cage has four societies.
I cannot decide how to house the two Gouldians. Afater they are done quarantine, should I put them in with the societies, or with the canary, or move two societies in with the canary, and put the two Gouldians in with two female societies? The four societies get along so well so I kind of hate to do that
Originally I had the canary and two societies together and they were fine. When the societies had their babies, I purchased another cage and moved the canary to his own cage as there were six babies. I kept two of the babies which I believe are females who are now housed with the original society parents.

[debbie276]

Personally I would keep the gouldians separate from the society's, especially a breeding pair. The society are just too pushy and will take over any nest the goulds may start.
20x20 is barely big enough for a pair of gouldians, adding another bird is just going to be too tight.
good luck

[Vera]

Thank you. That is very helpful nformation

[lovezebs]

Vera

Hi Vera,

Congratulations on your new birds

As was already mentioned, 20/20/28, is really quite small when it comes to Finches (who need flying room). The usual 'minimum' recommended size, is 30L/18W/18H for two finches, with bigger being better.

Personally, I would not add any more birds to a 20/20/28 cage that already houses other birds.

Good luck.

[Vera]

I would really like to have one cage for all the birds. That would mean four societies one canary and two Gouldians. Any suggestions where I could find anything large enough to accommodate them all?

[debbie276]

If you are attempting to breed the gouldians I would strongly urge you to NOT house them with the society's. Society's are way to pushy and intrusive for gouldians.