finches and doves?

bluefinch · Post by **bluefinch** » Fri Mar 02, 2007 12:16 am

Has any one here ever kept finches with ring neck doves? I was looking at the possibility of putting some society or zebras out with my doves this summer. From my experiences with ring neck doves is they only seem to be aggressive to there own species. The only thing I could think of that could be a problem is the size of the doves might intimidate the finches at first. I was already in a bird shop that had Rn doves, zebs and societies in a large flight cage. every one seemed to get along ok. The only thing I saw that was funny was a society and a Rn dove sharing a nest! The dove had the society tucked under its wing like it was brooding it! The dove eventually left the nest and I saw there were both dove and finch eggs in the nest!

Any one have any thoughts if it would be alright to put the two species together?

tammieb · Post by **tammieb** » Fri Mar 02, 2007 7:17 am

I have heard of people keeping them in mixed flights. I personally would hesitate to house them with Zebs though as they can get rather aggressive when nesting. If the doves are as peaceable as I think, they would get the short end of the deal. Now, Societies seem to get along with everyone, so I wouldn't hesitate to keep them together.

bluefinch · Post by **bluefinch** » Fri Mar 02, 2007 2:50 pm

Thanks tammieb, I was looking more at societies as I have never kept them before. I might try keeping some out with the doves over the summer and see how it go's. Before I do that though I have to do a little bit of a makeover on my aviary so it’s a little more finch friendly (smaller wire, perches...).

ChocoboDragon · Post by **ChocoboDragon** » Sun Mar 04, 2007 10:14 am

I use to keep my finches with my ringneck dove for quite a while and usually didn't have any problems. However, I would be very hesitant about putting them in a small aviary or somewhere where they can't keep right away from each other if they want.

My dove would find the zebra finches quite irritating and when I first bought them, if they flew too close to the dove, she would pick them up behind the neck and drop them off the perch (didn't injure them, but probably gave them a fright).

I have also heard that when doves fly, especially if they have been frightened, they don't care who's in the way. They could fly right into a finch and injure it.

tammieb · Post by **tammieb** » Sun Mar 04, 2007 10:20 am

Good point Chocobo.

Doves are certainly large enough they could do some damage in a mid air collision.

bluefinch · Post by **bluefinch** » Sun Mar 04, 2007 3:08 pm

Thanks ChocoboDragon, you are right about doves not caring where they fly! I have seen them fly into each other already! I am not shore if I will try keeping finches with them or not, still looking at other options! If I do put finches in the pen I think I will cut back to only 1-2 pairs of doves. Also I think I would wait till after the doves are done nesting in the spring and remove their nest boxes before adding the finches. I was thinking this because doves can be territorial of their nest, not liking anybody touching it, (I get pecked every time I try and move a hen to look at eggs!). Also the males will chase off any body that lands close to the nest. I don't know how they would react to finches so I think it would be best to avoid the whole nest thing.

bluefinch · Post by **bluefinch** » Mon Mar 05, 2007 11:52 pm

Well after much thought I have decided not to fix up my aviary for finches and doves. I decided it will take to much time and money to only be able to keep them out there for a few months in the summer. Plus I am also looking at getting some quail and I don't think my aviary is large enough for them to stay out of each others way.

kenny · Post by **kenny** » Tue Mar 06, 2007 7:47 am

you could always get some diamond doves as they are smaller..or maybe some canaries

ken

bluefinch · Post by **bluefinch** » Tue Mar 06, 2007 9:54 pm

I have thought of trying diamond doves but I don't think they are as cold hardy as the ring necks. I like the ring necks because I can keep them out all winter. I would like to try keeping canary’s sometime but I need to figure out some better housing arrangements for my birds first.

kenny · Post by **kenny** » Wed Mar 07, 2007 8:50 am

hi blue finch
well thats the best way forward before i changed my set up to the one i have now i sat down and had a really good think about all the birds and cages etc before i even started that way you will not be always changing things and you will usually end up with a perfect set up that you and the birds are happy with

ken